Playbook

All categories →

NYC operator playbook

Open a Brewpub in NYC

A 80-200 seat NYC brewpub buildout end-to-end — concept through opening + recurring brew schedule. Concept tier: $1.5M-$5M all-in, 14-20 months from lease signing. TTB Federal Brewer's Notice + NYS Restaurant Brewery License + DOB chemical-process-area filings drive the regulatory critical path; brewing equipment ($250K-$800K) is the defining capital line.

All-in spend

$1.5M - $5M all-in

Timeline

14 - 20 months

Concept tier

80-200 seat onsite brewery + restaurant

Phases

12 phases · 82 vendor lines

Brewpubs are the most regulatory-complex hospitality concept in NYC — federal (TTB) + state (NYS Restaurant Brewery + on-premises) + city (DOB chemical-process + DEP sewer + FDNY hood) all stack up. Brewing-equipment install adds 4-6 months to a typical restaurant timeline, with brewmaster + brewer hires concurrent with kitchen build.

Capital reality: 80-150 seat NYC brewpub $1.5M-$3M; 200+ seat with bigger brewhouse + canning line $3M-$5M+. Brewing equipment alone runs $250K-$800K (mash tun + lauter tun + boil kettle + 3-6 fermenters + 2-4 bright tanks + glycol cooling + control panel). Onsite-only vs onsite + offsite distribution dramatically changes the licensing tier.

The 12-phase structure tracks every category from concept-lock through opening + recurring brewing operations. Beer Director (or brewer) hire is the single most-consequential staffing decision.

Phase 01

Months -20 to -16

$60K-$300K soft costs

Concept + raise + brewer

Restaurant Consultant + F&B Consultant + brewer-hire all month -18 minimum. Brewer/brewmaster anchors brewing program + recipe roadmap + equipment spec. NYC brewpub investor-pitch typically $1.5-3M raise.

Restaurant Consultant

Concept + economics

Open a Brewpub in NYC

Concept + raise + brewer

Restaurant Consultant

Food & Beverage Consultant

Executive Recruiter — Hospitality

Investor & Fundraising Advisor

Accounting & Bookkeeping

Business Insurance Broker

Real estate + lease

Commercial Real Estate Broker

Lease Attorney

Liquor License Attorney

Design + architecture

Architect

Kitchen Design Consultant

Interior Designer

Lighting Designer

Acoustic Consultant

Signage & Wayfinding

Permits + compliance trinity

Liquor License Attorney

Regulatory Compliance Consultant

Expeditor

Fire Protection Contractor

Health Department Prep & Food Safety

ADA Compliance Consulting

Construction + brewery buildout

General Contractor

Electrician

Plumbing Contractor

HVAC Contractor

Commercial Ventilation & Exhaust Hood

Millwork & Custom Fabrication

Tile & Stone Installer

Flooring Contractor

Glass & Mirror

Painter

Brewing equipment + kitchen + bar

Kitchen Equipment

Refrigeration & Cold Storage

Kitchen Smallware

Bar Equipment

Beverage Dispensing Equipment

Ice Machine

Warewashing Equipment

Storage & Shelving

Safety & Security Equipment

FoH + tabletop

Tables

Seating

Outdoor Furniture

Tabletop & Serviceware

Bar Supply & Glassware

Audio-Visual Equipment

Decorative Elements

F&B suppliers + brewing ingredients

Meat Purveyor

Produce Purveyor

Bread & Bakery Supplier

Wine Distributor

Spirits Distributor

Beer Distributor

Cleaning & Janitorial Supply

Disposable & Takeout Packaging

Tech + ops

Point of Sale System

Kitchen Display System

Reservation & Table Management

Inventory & Supply Chain Management

Background Music Service

Internet Service Provider

Security Camera & Surveillance

Brand + marketing

Branding Photography — Interiors & Space

Digital Marketing Agency

SEO Specialist

Menu & Print Supply

Hire + train

Executive Recruiter — Hospitality

Background Check & Verification