They are eating themselves.
Gone are the days of installing a few fermenters in a warehouse and opening the garage doors to a pouring of enthusiastic zythophiles. The independent brewery scene has become overwhelmingly saturated in recent years — in Denver especially. Even before the pandemic, the year 2017 had the most brewery closings in over a decade. But of course add the COVID-19 shutdowns into the mix and it was really like being kicked while you’re down. More folks are moving to the city and its surrounding suburbs, many from states that have little to no craft brewery culture. While the product is and will always be the center of the industry, more and more people want first-rate service, varied beverage offerings and a cool place to hangout with friends and family.
They are eating themselves.
Gone are the days of installing a few fermenters in a warehouse and opening the garage doors to a pouring of enthusiastic zythophiles. The independent brewery scene has become overwhelmingly saturated in recent years — in Denver especially. Even before the pandemic, the year 2017 had the most brewery closings in over a decade. But of course add the COVID-19 shutdowns into the mix and it was really like being kicked while you’re down. More folks are moving to the city and its surrounding suburbs, many from states that have little to no craft brewery culture. While the product is and will always be the center of the industry, more and more people want first-rate service, varied beverage offerings and a cool place to hangout with friends and family.
The art of drinking and differentiation in an overly saturated market.
For years, Grist Brewing Company noticed a dip in overall revenue, until it became apparent they could not remain in business unless something was done fast. While they originally thought they had a product quality problem, in reality what they needed was a solution in vibe. There has been a disconnect between the culture of independent microbreweries and the expected experience of the restaurant service industry. Grist is taking the best of both worlds and mixing it up. The brewery and its taprooms have recruited top-notch service personnel to work side-by-side with the “beer geeks” that embody the true culture of craft beer. Operations have been aligned, products and systems updated and new avenues being pursued, including food, revamped interior, programming, entertainment… and brand.
The art of drinking and differentiation in an overly saturated market.
For years, Grist Brewing Company noticed a dip in overall revenue, until it became apparent they could not remain in business unless something was done fast. While they originally thought they had a product quality problem, in reality what they needed was a solution in vibe. There has been a disconnect between the culture of independent microbreweries and the expected experience of the restaurant service industry. Grist is taking the best of both worlds and mixing it up. The brewery and its taprooms have recruited top-notch service personnel to work side-by-side with the “beer geeks” that embody the true culture of craft beer. Operations have been aligned, products and systems updated and new avenues being pursued, including food, revamped interior, programming, entertainment… and brand.
We formed an in-house retail outlet for custom merchandise which created a new source of revenue and took the brand out in the world.
You don’t have to hangout with the cool kids to be a cool kid.
With revamped products, service and locations, Grist didn’t want to stop at being a cool spot to get a craft beer or delicious cocktail in the suburbs. The brand direction was given the most attention in order to stand out on a national stage and have room to grow to a franchise-level company. While not located in the most densely populated areas with the most varied (mainly younger) demographics, we helped Grist prove you don’t need to be located in the hip neighborhoods to get folks to check you out. Grist’s unique brand, company narrative, culture and destination locations have allowed them to serve a more diverse audience usually only accessed by the “hippest” of establishments.
You don’t have to hangout with the cool kids to be a cool kid.
With revamped products, service and locations, Grist didn’t want to stop at being a cool spot to get a craft beer or delicious cocktail in the suburbs. The brand direction was given the most attention in order to stand out on a national stage and have room to grow to a franchise-level company. While not located in the most densely populated areas with the most varied (mainly younger) demographics, we helped Grist prove you don’t need to be located in the hip neighborhoods to get folks to check you out. Grist’s unique brand, company narrative, culture and destination locations have allowed them to serve a more diverse audience usually only accessed by the “hippest” of establishments.
From packaging and interiors to social media programs, compelling content and imaginative visuals told their company story that complimented the beer.
