How to Open a Beer Barn Business

A beer barn business allows drivers to pull into a drive-through opening in a building to purchase beer from a clerk who delivers the order to the car. The "barn" designation comes from the traditional design that resembles a barn used in farming. When the store barn doors swing open, the vendor sells beer, and the closed doors provide an easily identifiable clue to traffic filing by the bar that the business is closed. Opening a beer barn requires detailed research.

Step 1

Research alcohol regulation in your state and, if your state allows drive-through alcohol sales, apply for a license to sell beer and other types of alcohol products from your beer barn business. Confirm the license matches your business plan. Some states, including some counties in Ohio and Indiana, allow sales of unrefrigerated beer, but not other alcohol products, while Texas and Mississippi allow sales of chilled beer products. Some states, including Indiana, prohibit sales of alcohol on Sunday, although the sale of non-alcoholic products from the barn is allowed on that day.

Step 2

Write a formal business plan for your company, obtain your business tax identification number and set up your methods for customer payment. The business plan includes a multi-year formal planning document that includes funding sources, vendors, inventory, marketing plans, a budget and potential funding sources.

Step 3

Open a business bank account, apply for a business loan to open your business, if necessary, and obtain a state, county or local business license. Make a list of the products for your barn business and meet with representatives from these companies to determine terms and conditions applying to your operation. Design your company logo and street sign and meet with a design firm to develop the advertising materials for your new business.

Step 4

Locate a parcel and build your barn or purchase a structure suitable for conversion to drive-through business. Work with an architect and the city building and traffic departments to ensure your barn has suitable traffic access. Plan for traffic lanes as customers wait for service during peak hours of operation. Contract for additional driveway entrances, if necessary, and signage to direct drivers into and from the barn.

Step 5

Stock your products, install your signage and decorate your exterior for a grand opening. Confirm your street-side temporary signage and decorations conform to local codes before placing the advertising.

Things Needed

• Local zoning, building and signage regulations
• Liquor and business license
• Federal tax identification number
• Copy logo and signage
• Construction or remodeling permits

Tip

• Confirm your beer barn location meets local codes. Many city commercial building and business codes forbid alcohol sales with a certain distance of public schools and church structures.

References (5)

• City of Tustin, California: Community Development Department: Supplemental Application Form: Alcoholic Beverage Sales Establishments
• Buddy's Beer Barn: Home
• NEWS360.com; New Albany Allows Sale of Cold Beer Every Day; Errol Castens; January 2010
• New York State Liquor Authority: Licensing
• How to Open a Beer Barn Business

Resources (5)

• SBA.gov: Why Do You Need One?
• SBA.gov: Essential Elements of a Good Business Plan
• SBA.gov: Templates for Writing a Business Plan
• SBA.gov: Obtaining Business Licenses and Permits
• SBA.gov: Search for Business Licenses and Permits

Photo Credits

• How to Open a Beer Barn Business