2010
28
$60,325
$25,000
$182,000
No
Craft Beer Cellar is a distinguished franchise that caters to the growing community of craft beer enthusiasts across the United States. Founded in 2010 by Kate Baker and Suzanne Schalow in Belmont, Massachusetts, the brand has evolved from a single retail location into a nationwide network of franchised stores. With a commitment to quality, education, and hospitality, Craft Beer Cellar offers a curated selection of craft beers, providing customers with an exceptional shopping experience.
The franchise's core values—beer, hospitality, and education—are deeply embedded in its operations. Each location is designed to be a welcoming space where customers can explore a diverse range of craft beers, receive knowledgeable guidance, and enjoy a community-focused atmosphere. This approach has garnered a loyal customer base and positioned Craft Beer Cellar as a leader in the craft beer retail industry.
As the craft beer market continues to expand, Craft Beer Cellar presents a compelling franchise opportunity for investors passionate about the industry and eager to be part of a reputable brand's growth.
Established Brand: With over a decade of experience, Craft Beer Cellar has built a strong brand identity centered around quality and customer education.
Growing Market: The craft beer industry has seen significant growth, with over 5,000 craft breweries in the U.S. and increasing consumer demand for diverse beer options.
Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive extensive training and ongoing support in areas such as operations, marketing, and inventory management.
Community Engagement: Craft Beer Cellar fosters a sense of community through events, tastings, and collaborations with local breweries, enhancing customer loyalty.
Scalability: The franchise model is designed for scalability, allowing for potential expansion into multiple locations within a region.
Established Year:
Craft Beer Cellar was founded in 2010 in Belmont, Massachusetts, by Kate Baker and Suzanne Schalow.
Founders:
Kate Baker – Co-founder, passionate about craft beer and community-based retail.
Suzanne Schalow – Co-founder, with a strong background in business management and retail operations.
Franchise Launch:
The company began offering franchising opportunities in 2013, allowing entrepreneurs to operate their own Craft Beer Cellar locations under the established brand name.
Franchise Units:
At its peak, Craft Beer Cellar operated 28 franchise locations across the U.S.
By 2025, the number of active franchises had declined due to financial challenges, including a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing in 2024.
Locations were primarily concentrated in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, and Missouri, with prior expansion plans to other states.
Brand Journey & History:
Started as a single local craft beer retail store, focusing on curation, education, and customer experience.
Expanded into franchising to capitalize on the growing craft beer market in the U.S.
Emphasized community engagement, hosting tastings, events, and collaborations with local breweries.
The brand became known for expert staff, curated beer selection, and educational programs for beer enthusiasts.
Ownership:
Privately owned by the founders and individual franchisees operating under the Craft Beer Cellar brand.
Market Presence in the USA & Industry Category:
Industry: Craft Beer Retail / Specialty Beverage Retail.
Market Position: Positioned as a premium craft beer retailer with a strong focus on customer education and local community involvement.
Competed with local craft beer stores, taprooms, and larger beverage retailers.
Other Notable Information:
Craft Beer Cellar has received recognition within the craft beer community for its curated selection and customer education programs.
However, financial instability in recent years, culminating in bankruptcy, has affected franchise operations and future expansion prospects.
Potential franchisees must carefully evaluate the brand’s current financial health and restructuring plans before investing.
Craft Beer Cellar offers a robust support and training program to ensure franchisee success:
Pre-Launch Support:
Assistance with site selection and lease negotiations.
Comprehensive training covering operations, inventory management, and customer service.
Ongoing Support:
Access to proprietary software for inventory and sales tracking.
Regular newsletters with updates on industry trends and best practices.
Marketing support, including social media strategies and promotional materials.
Continuous operational support from the franchise team.
This comprehensive support system equips franchisees with the tools and knowledge needed to operate a successful Craft Beer Cellar location.
The ideal Craft Beer Cellar franchisee possesses:
Passion for Craft Beer: A genuine interest in craft beer and its culture.
Customer Service Orientation: A commitment to providing exceptional customer experiences.
Business Acumen: Basic understanding of business operations, including inventory management and financial oversight.
Community Engagement: Desire to engage with the local community through events and partnerships.
Financial Requirements:
Minimum liquid assets of $35,000.
Total investment ranging from $60,325 to $182,000, depending on location and size.
Prospective franchisees should be prepared to immerse themselves in the craft beer community and uphold the brand's values of education and hospitality.
| Financial Element | Details (USD) |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $25,000 |
| Total Estimated Investment | $60,325 – $182,000 |
| Working Capital | $5,000 – $25,000 |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Cost | $30,000 – $100,000 (depending on location & store size) |
| Marketing Budget | $500 – $5,000 (initial local marketing & grand opening) |
| Royalty Fee | 2% of gross sales |
| Store Size | 900 – 1,600 sq. ft. |
| Break-Even Time | Approximately 6 – 9 months (varies by location & sales volume) |
| Expected ROI | 15% – 25% annually (varies widely depending on location, local market, and management) |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Retail sales of craft beer, specialty events & tastings, collaborations with local breweries |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Required | $35,000 |
Notes:
These numbers represent typical ranges reported for Craft Beer Cellar franchises prior to their financial challenges.
Actual costs may vary based on store location, local construction costs, and market conditions.
Given Craft Beer Cellar’s Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing in 2024, these figures may not fully reflect current franchise opportunities, and due diligence is strongly advised.
