Beer tap system troubleshooting

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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The Basics of Opening a Bar

Opening a bar is no easy task. But having a knowledge of the basics of opening a bar can help. It’s an expensive endeavor that requires careful planning and dedication, but that should not discourage you if it’s your dream to own your own bar. As long as you break down the process and approach it one step at a time, there is no reason you can’t achieve your goals.

The Basics of Opening a Bar

Here are some basic of opening a bar, simple steps you can take to get started without getting overwhelmed. Once you are ready, you will need the best beer equipment Orange County has.

Set Up a Reliable Filing System

You are about to have a lot of paperwork on your hands. Keeping everything organized from the very beginning will make the process of opening your bar far less stressful later on. So, this is what you do:

  • Set aside a drawer in a desk or get a small filing cabinet
  • Purchase a small stack of standard hanging folders. Label them “Business Plan,” “Corporate Filing,” “Trademarks,” “Licenses,” “Rental Agreement,” “Human Resources,” “Payroll,” and “Taxes.”
  • Purchase a printer with document scanning capabilities.
  • Create folders on your computer that match the labels given to the hanging folders.
  • Do the same on a separate USB drive.

It’s very basic, but this lays the groundwork for a double filing system with digital and physical back-ups available. As your business grows, many of those original folders will get broken up into smaller categories.

Write Your Business Plan

Your business plan is a statement of what you want your business to be and how you want to see it develop over the next 3-5 years. It should include:

  • A strong understanding of your target demographic and your competitors
  • An indication of how you intend to improve on your competitor’s model to earn a greater portion of the market share
  • A straight-forward budget that includes paying yourself for your time, giving employees fair wages, and leaves a margin for incidentals

This is the document that you will use when applying for small business loans and some licensing, so you want it to reflect your talent as an entrepreneur.

Establish the Structure of Your Business

As tempting as a sole proprietorship can be in terms of reduced costs and paperwork, this structure is not recommended for a bar. There are too many risk factors, and you need to protect your personal assets. Instead, you should establish an LLC or corporation based on your needs. These structures separate your personal assets from those of the business, preventing someone from targeting you if a legal suit is brought against your bar.

Secure Your Name and Logo

Before you start the trademarking process, you will want to make sure that both the name and URL are available. A quick internet search and a glance through the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s database will let you know if you need to come up with a new name. Once you’ve found a meaningful name that’s available, you should work with a graphic artist to create a unique logo. Both the name and logo with need to be filed with the USPTO.

Secure All Appropriate Licenses

You probably already know you need a liquor license, but local ordinances may require any number of licenses to operate a bar in your area. Make sure you meet all of the local, state, and federal guidelines that are necessary. These may require some changes to your set-up, such as the presence of commercial water filters Los Angeles, so you’ll want to consider those factors when looking at potential locations.

Find the Spot and Decorate

At this point, you’ve finally reached the fun part. You get to pick a great location and decorate your bar. You will certainly have a lot of paperwork ahead of you still, so make sure you set aside space for a small office and a break area for your employees. From there, it’s all about the drinks and the fun, which can be made even easier with the help of SC Beverage.

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