beer systems Archives

Types of Beer Systems

September 27, 2024

There are several types of beer systems for serving draft beer that businesses can use in their bars. Each of these systems serves a unique purpose and matches well with different kinds of setups.

Knowing the difference between these types of systems can help you make the right choice in terms of purchasing the equipment you need to make your business a success. This can save you time and money in the long run.

If you’re interested in learning about the different kinds of beer systems that are available, take a look at this guide, which describes what’s available in terms of a beer dispensing system.

Why Worry About Different Systems?

Picking the type of beer system that works well with your existing infrastructure is absolutely essential to keeping things running smoothly in your bar or restaurant. Selecting the wrong type of system for your needs has the potential to be a very costly mistake that can take some amount of time and finesse to repair.

Sometimes, utilizing multiple systems may be an appropriate situation for your business. Consulting with a professional service has the potential to elucidate some of the elements.

Types of Beer Systems

There are three primary types of systems that are commonly utilized in most commercial spaces. The details of these systems are outlined below.

Air-Cooled Beer System

Air-cooled systems describe a class of beer systems that utilizes circulating cold air to keep the space surrounding the kegs, as well as the beer lines and the faucets. This type of system was the original and only type of system that existed for some time. Once glycol was invented, other methods were available to keep beer cool.

Although other types of systems have been developed, this type of system is still a legitimate option for many types of spaces. If you have a small business and a small budget and are just starting to experiment with the types of systems that are available, then this type of system might best fit your needs as a starting point.

Glycol-Cooled Beer System

This is a very popular option that pairs well with a long-draw dispensing system that involves tubes that are 25 ft or longer. This type of system is able to maintain cooler temperatures at longer distances, which keeps your beer cold.

In this type of system, the beer is kept in kegs that are kept cold by placing them in a walk-in cooler. Glycol circulates through the coolant lines and helps to keep the beer at a consistent temperature as it travels from the kegs to the taps.

On the downside, this type of system is considered one of the more expensive options for commercial spaces. However, the expenses of this type of system are well worth it if the system is the appropriate one for your space.

Direct Draw Beer System

This type of system is the top choice for situations where the beer only has to travel a short distance. This makes it very convenient in situations where the beer only goes a few feet from a keg to the taps. This makes it a common sight in commercial keg boxes, home bars, and refrigerator conversions.

This type of system is generally less expensive than a glycol system and has the added benefit of being minimally wasteful. There is some variability depending on the size of one’s equipment, as well as the overall complexity of the system that it’s intended to service.

Which One is Right for Me?

When you’re determining which type of system you need, you should ask yourself what your exact needs are in terms of what you’re looking for.

What is the overall purpose and goal of your business?
What is your budget for this project?
What is the overall complexity of the beer system that you’re looking to serve
What is the distance between your legs and your taps
Do you already have a beer dispensing system

The answers that you find with regard to this may help you reach a conclusion on which types of beer systems serve your situation. Additionally, following up with a professional consultant can give you a strong sense of direction in this way.

Your Friends in Beverage

SC Beverage is the most dedicated beverage equipment supplier in California. We deliver high-quality equipment to those who are passionate about their beer. If you’re interested in holding a discussion with one of our professional advisors regarding which beer systems would benefit you the most, contact us to have that conversation.

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How to Price Draft and Bottled Beer

May 30, 2024

Whether at a restaurant, bar, or at home, beer often unites people as it is a drink you can have out socially or at home. From happy hours with coworkers to date nights with your spouse, alcoholic beverages are a popular drink choice among many Americans. In fact, beer and wine are the top-consumed alcoholic beverages consumed in the United States. For restaurant owners or bar managers, having both draft and bottled beer available is a must. Below you will find how to price draft and bottled beer so both you and your patrons are happy.

How to Price Draft and Bottled Beer

Both draft and bottled beer are popular choices among patrons. There are several factors that play into how much you should charge for each. Below you will find helpful tips on how to price draft and bottled beer at your establishment.

Pricing Draft Beer

Draft beers are served from a tap system or keg. These are often found in bars, restaurants, and breweries as it is a popular choice among patrons. It’s refreshing and offers a crisp taste that pairs well with so many different types of food. Consider the following when deciding how to price your establishment’s draft beer.

Keg Cost

Because draft beer is poured from a keg, it’s important to consider the cost of your keg when determining pricing. The cost of a keg depends on several factors, including the brand, style, demand, and supplier pricing. Account for this cost when determining the price of your draft beer. Consult with a beverage equipment supplier to ensure you have the most cost-effective and efficient setup.

Maintenance Costs

Maintaining your equipment is a critical consideration when determining draft beer pricing. The system may include tap systems, kegerators, and beer lines. These require regular cleaning and maintenance for optimal functioning. Opt for professional-grade beer systems as they can reduce equipment and maintenance costs.

Serving Size

Because draft beer isn’t pre-measured in a bottle or can, it’s necessary to consider the serving size. The larger the serving, the higher the price will be due to the increase in volume. Most establishments measure and set their pricing based on ounces or pints.

Pricing Bottled Beers

Bottled beer often comes in cans or bottles. Unlike draft beer, bottled beer is commonly found in grocery and convenience stores because it is convenient and transportable. Consider the following factors that impact how much you price your bottled beer for.

Packaging

Packaging includes bottles, cans, labels, and packaging materials. This needs to be included in the costs considered to determine the price you charge for bottled beer. If you want to customize your packaging, this can increase your costs and reduce your profit margins.

Shelf Life

Bottled beer lasts longer than draft beer in many cases. Sealed packaging not only preserves the freshness of bottled beer but it also prevents oxidation. However, the quality control measures can cost you. Consider this when deciding how to price your bottled beer.

Size

Bottled beer often comes in 12-ounce bottles or 16-ounce cans. They may also come individually or in packs. Consider the size of your bottled or canned beer when pricing them. Larger bottles or bottles in packs can be priced less per ounce to stay competitive and encourage patrons to purchase more.

Profit Margins on Beer

Offering beer at your establishment can provide you with a high return on your investment. When pricing your beer, aim for a 20 to 30-percent profit margin. You can easily calculate this by determining your total revenue minus your cost of goods sold and operating expenses. Keeping your profit margins within the average range can ensure that both you and your patrons are happy.

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Beer tap system troubleshooting

November 8, 2023

Bars are something many Americans frequent on the weekends, after work, or to watch their favorite sports team. A major part of a successful bar business is having a wide variety of drinks on tap. As with any aspect of running a business, you can run into issues. A common issue bar owners face is beer tap system issues. Below, you will find helpful information on beer tap system troubleshooting. These tips will ensure that your customers are happy with their favorite beer in hand.

Beer tap system troubleshooting

Depending on the specific beer tap issue you are facing, there are a number of possible solutions. Consider these tips if you run into any of the following beer tap problems.

Keg Will Not Pour:

If your keg is not dispensing beer, this can be a serious problem. Patrons want beer on tap fast and refills as needed. Pour issues with your keg can be for a number of different reasons. Common reasons include an empty keg, an empty gas cylinder, or your ket may have been incorrectly tapped. Still, in some cases, your gas may be turned off, or your beer lines may be frozen. Run through this list before you call for maintenance, as you may be able to solve the problem yourself.

Foamy Beer:

Nobody wants to drink beer that is too foamy. While this is a common problem, it’s a pretty easy fix. Common reasons you may have foamy beer include the draft cooler being too warm, the beer lines being too warm or too cold, or there is too much pressure in your system. In addition, there may be an issue with your beer being improperly dispensed, or the taps being dirty, or just malfunctioning overall. Be sure to check your tap lines, as any damage or obstruction can mess with the quality of your beer.

Flat Beer:

Customers want fresh beer from the tap for a reason. If your beer is coming out flat, you can usually fix the issue pretty easily. Common reasons the beer comes out flat include an obstruction in the tap lines, not enough pressure in your system, or that you are using an air compressor for pressure. Be sure to also check that your beer isn’t too cold and that the glasses have been properly cleaned. Run through this list, as the issue will likely resolve pretty quickly. If it doesn’t, consult with a beverage equipment supplier for support.

Poor Tasting Beer:

Bad-tasting beer, especially from the tap, can tank your business. Customers want a beer that is both fresh and tastes refreshing. Common reasons your beer tastes bad include dirty beer lines or faucets, warm keg or beer lines, contaminated gas cylinders, or issues with the beer lines not being properly flushed between kegs. Be sure to also check that you aren’t serving old beer and that the glasses are properly cleaned. This issue is pretty easy to resolve. Be sure to schedule regular maintenance on your beer dispensing equipment to ensure it doesn’t happen again.

Cloudy Beer:

A great beer should have a 1-inch head and be carbonated yet clear. Cloudy beer can be unappealing and make your customers look at you sideways. Some beers are meant to be cloudy, but if they aren’t, consider checking your tap system to address the issue. Still, common reasons beer may be cloudy include inadequate cleaning of the beer lines or taps. It may also be due to pressure source contamination or over-chilled beer in the beer lines or keg. Run through each of these potential solutions to address the issue. If your beer is still cloudy, you may need to contact an equipment supplier for help.

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Bar Beer Pricing Guide

October 25, 2022

Craft beer, local brews, and even old reliables on tap are getting more popular by the day. While the bar landscape will always be the same at heart, there are many elements of the beer market that are constantly changing. No matter what kind of vibe you’re trying to bring to your bar, it might be helpful for you to familiarize yourself with the newest bar beer pricing guide to keep you on the right track to success.

Bar Beer Pricing Guide

Your Southern California Beverage Company pros have arranged a short pricing guide to help you understand the market and get more used to some changes that are going on in the bar scene. Let’s talk markups, macro brews, and major discounts!

New Markups

Pricing beer for your bar is a lot different than pricing out beer for retail customers. Currently, average markups on beer are between 200% and 300%. Interestingly enough, restaurants are seeing a similar markup with wines, but profits are measured differently for wine than for beer.

The cheaper the beer, the easier it will be to mark up. Macro brew bottles and cans can be marked up by almost 500% in some bars. Some bars are still choosing not to mark them up as high since wholesale prices are still expensive. It’s important to make sure that your markups earn you a profit and don’t lose your earnings during happy hour prices.

How to Price Your Draft Beer

Kegs are currently being priced 40% – 45% less per ounce than they used to be. Draft beer pricing for kegs should be different than for specialty beers. The best advice is to try and hit a liquor cost of 20% – 30%. Setting drink prices can be tricky depending on your equipment and system needs. Not to mention, with beer comes CO2 and nitrogen costs, which come with their own rates of inflation.

Running a bar business will give you a lot of margins for error. Spillage, messes, unexpected cleanups, and over-pouring could make your previous calculations moot. Other factors like keg and glassware size can determine how you’ll price your kegs.

Bottled Vs. Craft Beer

Pricing craft beer is always going to be more difficult because there are so many great varieties of beer to choose from. Because there are a lot of similarities and differences between craft beers, there are a couple of pricing guidelines that you should follow:

Always understand your liquor costs and calculate what it would take to achieve them based on your craft beer pricing.
Add more variety to your pricing. It’s okay to sell mainstream beers at a different price than your specialty local crafts.
But keep your canned, bottled, and draft beers at the same price.

A good way to achieve these goals is to calculate your menu prices for draft beer and then follow suit with your bottled and canned selections to meet your profit goals.

Think About the Products You Offer

Do you offer wine by the glass? Do you offer beer flights for interested parties? There may be different strategies involved depending on the different types of products that you are selling at your bar. Margins are constantly changing, but adjusting your pricing to reflect these goals can help you remain afloat.

Learn More with SC Beverage

Whether you are starting a new bar or investing in new systems, you can benefit from the wide range of top-notch Los Angeles beer dispensing equipment that we have to offer. By keeping up with the latest pricing trends, you will be able to stay on track to meet your profit goals without having to constantly juggle new price points. Call us today and consult with our specialists to figure out the perfect beer pricing points for your own bar venue.

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Top Steps for Running a Successful Bar

April 15, 2022

Running a successful bar isn’t easy. You have to master the economics while maximizing your social capital to really make a thriving business. If you are about to open your own bar, here are a few tips that you can keep in mind. Let’s get into our top steps for running a successful bar.

Top Steps for Running a Successful Bar

Track Consumption

Successful bars don’t run out of their patron’s favorite beverages and snacks. To make sure that doesn’t happen to you, you will want to keep careful track of what your guests consume regularly.

As long as you’re keeping track, you can be sure that your Los Angeles beer dispensing equipment never runs dry.

Serve Draught Beer

Bottled beer is perfectly fine, but the average bar-goer prefers draught beer. With proper maintenance, your SC Beverage Company beer systems will deliver the most refreshing beer money can buy. If consumer demand isn’t enough to convince you, consider that draught beer is often the biggest money-maker for a bar.

Choose Glassware Intelligently

Heavy bottomed glasses are great for three reasons. They’re harder to knock over. They’re a little more resistant to shattering. Plus, they give the impression of a larger drink while containing less liquid.

When you’re picking glassware keep economy and durability in mind to protect your bottom line.

Always Measure

Your staff may think they can eye a drink perfectly well, but the truth is that exact measurements are necessary to a successful bar. You don’t want to be the bar that only serves weak drinks, and you don’t want to be the bar that is always over budget. Measuring your drinks solves both potential problems.

Choose Reliable Staff

Hiring and training staff costs you time and money. To limit overturn in your small business, you want to make sure you pick reliable staff the first time. Pay close attention to applicants who have stayed in each job for at least a year.

More mature applicants may have a more established history of staying in one position, but don’t ignore younger applicants who have stayed in each position for one year or more. It can take a few tries to find your niche, and they could end up being a very valuable employee.

Offer Signature Drinks

Classic drinks will never go out of style. However, if you want to stick out from the crowd, you will need to make a small menu of your own signature drinks. It doesn’t need to be a huge offering. If you’re looking for a particular vibe, you may choose to just do a different variation of your favorite classic drink each month.

Host Events

Happy hour, pub trivia, and karaoke are three easy events you can host to boost local engagement. Pub trivia and karaoke may sound like an investment, but the truth is that you don’t have to do it yourself. Third-party companies exist to help bars run these events for a reasonable price.

Train Staff in Safety Practices

Bar safety is incredibly important to your bottom line and your reputation. Make sure all staff are well-trained on what they should do in potentially dangerous situations. Having a security guard and an Angel shot policy are two ways that you can help to decrease the risk of something illegal happening on your property.

Getting Started

The learning curve for running a successful bar can be steep. Even if you do all of your research and do all of the prep, you will still find yourself making adjustments during those first few years. The good news is that your bar can be a success. As long as you’re willing to put in the time and effort, you can build a place that becomes a hallmark of your community.

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