Mellody Brewing

Being Part of the Community

One of the reasons I want my own business is to help make an impact on the community.  I think Tampa is an under served market in so many ways: the arts, music, theater, beer...besides not having a true local brewery we don't have a true downtown community.  I think through the infusion of small businesses like Mellody Brewing, a community could flourish downtown.  If the city would give tax breaks, or real estate abatements to the small business community, more businesses would be apt to move their offices downtown.  This migration would bring people down, and that means money - right?  Part of my vision with Mellody Brewing is to be an integral part of the community (more on this in future posts.) While a brewery might be seen as not the best of community supporters, I think with genuine interest we can make a difference. 

I learned early in my career as a marketing consultant, the importance of a clear vision for an organization and how a clear vision and mission can help define an organization.  This is why we do what we do, it isn't a tagline, it isn't a marketing campaign.  It drives who we hire, what we brew and how, and finally what we want our product to be. As part of the operating principles of Mellody Brewing, I'd instill the following:

Vision:

Good times with great friends and family

Mission:

We do this by brewing quality beer to be enjoyed during family get togethers, days on the beach, sporting events, concerts and relaxing evenings at home with family and friends. All while being community focused in order to enhance our customer's experience when drinking a Mellody beer.

I've been in meetings where teams wordsmith statements like the above for days, to find the exact right language.  This may not be perfect, and after reading it I've already changed it five times, but the point is there, I'd say.  Good beer, good friends, good times.  That's all I want to do, is help be a part that.

Citrus Beer

My friend and I have been talking about his idea to brew a Citrus beer.  He is looking towards a citrus-weizen style.  I am thinking more along the lines of Pale Ale, with citrus as the dry hopping agent.  Wonder what it would do the the mouth feel, and bitterness?  Would it be too sweet?  This could be a good season beer and tie into the Florida region by partnering with a local orange grove for the fruit.  It could be a CPA, Citrus Pale Ale.  I was discussing this with another friend of mine, who suggested Ruby Red Grapefruit.  Interesting concept there too...again - too sweet?  Only way to tell is to try I guess.  Recipe to come shortly.

Talking about this...

I find that every conversation lately, with friends and family leads to beer, and then the brewery.  This is not a bad thing I guess, but I hope it doesn't get old for everyone else.  I can talk about it forever, over and over.  I feel like I should start carrying a notebook, to take notes for everything since sometimes I get new ideas in the conversations.  I sincerly hope that this isn't just another conversation, and that this falls into place through creativity and hard work.

WOBerful Time of the Year

World of Beer (WOB) the source or seed that reignited the drive to open my own business.  Last night was their "exclusive" holiday party.  What can I say, I was hung over this morning because of it - go figure.  $3 drafts will do that to a man.  I drank some Scaldis Noel and 90 Minute IPA which about did me in.  I had a short kinda buzzed conversation with one of the owners that seemed promising.  See - a friend of mine and I really wanted to open our own WOB Franchise.  Things happen, we investigated it, and it wasn't meant to be (for now at least.)  If I do go the small batch brewery route, I'm going to see if WOB will be an exclusive partner.  But, all in all WOB is really my bar, and I love it.  The bartenders all know me by name, are friendly, and conversational.  They take care of me.  They are all about making everyone have a good time.  Lots of places could learn a thing or two from them.  WOB and the few drunken nights it has given me, have fueled me to continue to explore and start to make Mellody Brewing a reality. 

Small Batch Brewing

 

Source: www.brew-magic.com - Sabco Industries

In some on-line rambling and research I came across the above pictured Brew-Magic System by Sabco.  This would be an interesting method to do some small batches, and formulate recipes at a controlled level.  I could produce more volume than I do now, and grow the awareness and drinker base organically. If I start with two styles, and go from there, it might be an option.  I could possibly do this out of my home, garage - until I get a following.  Self distribute and see what happens.    I could also learn a bit, albeit small, of brewing on a more technical level.

The Size Issue

One thing I was researching and thinking last night was about size.  Size does mean something when it comes to starting a business.  You want to start at the right size to meet demand, but all while balancing costs.  My latest dilemma is what size do I am for.  Right now, as I see it, there are three scenarios:

1. Tampa Regional Brewery - 7bbl system, not much room to grow right away. Location: small space - no tours, events, etc. Self distribution, marketing and a one to two person staff.
2. Tampa/St. Pete Brewery - 10-20bbl system, leaving room for growth.  Location: medium space, tours, room for growth.  Self distribution, marketing and a 3-5 person staff.
3. Central/West FL Regional Brewery - greater that 20bbl system, still leaving some room for growth.  Location: larger space, to grow into - prefer to be in downtown location, enabling tours and events.  Formal distribution, marketing person, and 5-8 person staff.

There's a lot more for each, but I think you get the point.  Each has its pros and cons, size-wise, cost-wise, growth-wise and some even marketing-wise.   The biggest issue really is start-up costs.  Smaller might be less money, but might be harder to grow. Larger might be easier to attract talent and grow, but might be too much debt up front.

That middle ground is sounding better each day, but the small 7bbl option - I might be able to assemble and start without a loan, and then leverage that to grow into something bigger...

More to come...

Oldest Brewery in America

Oldest Brewery in America, originally uploaded by Smellody.

Maybe someday people will visit the Mellody Brewery like I have visited the Yuengling Brewery in Pottsville, PA.

What's this all about?

A place for me to vent, and for you to read about what's happening. I'll be posting regularly, on thoughts on beer, starting a business and a brewery. We'll see where this goes, and what it evolves into. I'm not quite sure what I'm doing, but maybe my ramblings will be fun for someone.

First Bar

This is where it all begins.  Cheers!