{"id":18219,"date":"2024-09-24T14:44:50","date_gmt":"2024-09-24T19:44:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.partstown.com\/about-us\/?p=18219"},"modified":"2024-09-24T14:45:39","modified_gmt":"2024-09-24T19:45:39","slug":"how-to-start-a-beer-garden","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.partstown.com\/about-us\/how-to-start-a-beer-garden","title":{"rendered":"How to Start a Beer Garden"},"content":{"rendered":"

You\u2019ve seen the Oktoberfest celebrations \u2013 men and women wearing their lederhosen and dirndls, Bavarian pretzel in one hand and their bier stein in the other \u2013 and you want in. But to make an Oktoberfest as authentic as possible, you first need to know how to start a beer garden. It\u2019s important to note, too, that beer gardens can be open for as long as the season is warm, generating an ongoing and additional revenue stream.<\/p>\n

In this brief guide, you\u2019ll learn the ins and outs of what a beer garden is, its profitability and how to create an atmosphere and menu that\u2019ll have your customers licking their chops and yelling, \u201cCheers!\u201d<\/p>\n

What Is a Beer Garden?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

A beer garden is like an outdoor restaurant patio in many ways. They\u2019re both a space to soak up a little sunshine, breathe in some fresh air and spend quality time with family and friends while enjoying a few refreshments, but there are a few distinct differences.<\/p>\n

Beer Gardens originated in the Bavarian region of Germany, whereas outdoor patios share no ties to any particular region or culture. Unlike outdoor patios, beer gardens typically serve traditional German fare, like pretzels, sausages, schnitzels, etc., and feature long, communal tables at which to eat. In this sense, beer gardens are exactly what they sound like: a social gathering centered around drinking a variety of craft and draft beers whilst surrounded by flora and fauna.<\/p>\n

Do Beer Gardens Make Money?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Yes, like any bar, beer gardens can be extremely lucrative, especially with the right marketing strategy. Beer gardens often capitalize on a robust beer menu but also collect revenue with full menus, live entertainment, games and space rentals.<\/p>\n

Selecting a Location<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Perhaps one of the most important aspects of starting a beer garden is choosing a prime location with good weather and scenic views. The cost of renting or buying land should also be a major consideration along with the general layout, existing landscaping, seasonality and its immediate proximity to other restaurants, bars and shopping.<\/p>\n

Landscaping, Design & Ambiance<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Learn how to start a beer garden with attention to landscaping<\/a>, design and ambiance to set your venue apart from the rest.<\/p>\n

Trees and Foliage<\/em><\/h3>\n

An intrinsic part of setting up a beer garden is ensuring there is enough greenery to shade and shield merry-goers from the sun and traffic.<\/p>\n

Naturally, landscaping can quickly rake up quite the bill if there\u2019s a lot of planting, mulching and pruning to be done. However, you can skirt around this by investing in inexpensive, hearty plants, like boxwood, hydrangeas, lavender, juniper and holly, all of which are low maintenance and fast-growing.<\/p>\n

\"Friends<\/p>\n

Layout and Design<\/em><\/h3>\n

The design of any restaurant<\/a>, bar or foodservice establishment should always work and flow in favor of the existing layout. Section the outdoor space with defined walkways to keep drinkers off the landscape and out of entertainment zones. There are plenty of building material options for this, such as gravel, stepping stones, wooden planks, bricks and cement, depending on budget and climate considerations.<\/p>\n

Since this is a beer garden, you\u2019ll want to place the bar in an area that\u2019s clearly visible and accessible to patrons, allowing for enough space so that it won\u2019t become subject to overcrowding or interfere with customers sitting nearby.<\/p>\n

Seating and Placement<\/em><\/h3>\n

As previously mentioned, beer gardens originally housed long communal tables for patrons to enjoy the company of strangers but you don\u2019t necessarily have to keep with tradition. The plus side of long tables is you can fit in more seating, and it encourages mingling and community. The downside, of course, is not everyone is receptive to this layout and would prefer private tables to enjoy their drinks with their immediate friends and family.<\/p>\n

Decorations and Lighting<\/em><\/h3>\n

If your beer garden\u2019s landscaping is mature and full, you don\u2019t necessarily need a lot of decorations to distract the eye. However, consider if you want to cater to a nightlife crowd and string up some twinkle lights to invoke a cozy ambiance. It\u2019ll also serve you well in early fall when natural lighting starts to recede, but weather still remains permissible.<\/p>\n

Music and Entertainment<\/em><\/h3>\n

Consider booking a lineup that speaks to your audience. You don\u2019t necessarily have to pay for live music, but even setting up a few hidden speakers can raise a crowd and create an amicable backdrop to any scene.<\/p>\n

Crafting the Menu<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Putting together a menu takes careful consideration, time and planning. Keep in mind a few of these beer garden menu ideas<\/a> to help you get started:<\/p>\n