The Growler Guys is a craft-beer retail and tap-house franchise that began as a simple growler-fill station concept. The company opened its first location in 2012 in Bend, Oregon. It is now headquartered in Eugene, Oregon.

From the start, The Growler Guys focused on offering fresh craft beer, cider, kombucha, and other beverages on tap, available either to enjoy on-site or to take home in refillable growlers. Over time, the brand expanded into full tap-house locations, adding seating, food options, and an enhanced customer experience. The concept blends convenience, quality, and rotating beverage selections.

The Growler Guys began franchising in 2022. The franchise stands out by combining a large rotating tap list with knowledgeable staff trained as beer stewards. Its model bridges the gap between a specialty craft-beer bar and a retail bottle shop, giving franchisees a multi-revenue-stream business with strong local appeal.

Training

The Growler Guys franchise provides a comprehensive training framework to ensure that franchisees operate in alignment with brand standards. Here's a breakdown of the training programs offered by the franchisor:

1. Initial Training
   Franchisees and their Operating Principals must complete an initial training program conducted by the franchisor. This training includes instruction on using the franchise’s manuals, proprietary recipes, store operations, staffing, equipment control, maintenance, and suggested marketing techniques. While the training is provided without a charge for the first two participants, any additional attendees are charged $1,500 per person. Travel, lodging, meals, and wages are not covered by the franchisor.
2. Replacement Training
   If the Operating Principal fails to complete the initial training satisfactorily, the franchisee must designate a replacement. This replacement must also attend and complete the training. Additional fees may apply, particularly if the franchisor does not authorize the franchisee to provide such training independently.
3. Additional Training Programs
   From time to time, the franchisor may require franchisees to attend supplementary training programs. These include seminars or refresher courses. While instructors and materials are provided, optional programs may incur reasonable fees, and all travel and related expenses are the responsibility of the franchisee.
4. Opening Assistance
   The franchisor sends a trained representative to provide on-site assistance at the franchise location for two to three days around the opening period. This covers supervision and operational support. For the first franchise developed by a franchisee, this service is complimentary; otherwise, a per diem fee and expense reimbursement apply.

Territory Protection

The Growler Guys franchise offers territory protection to its franchisees. Once a franchise location is identified, the franchisor assigns an exclusive territory known as the "Assigned Area," typically defined by a one-mile radius or detailed street boundaries.

This exclusivity means the franchisor will not establish or authorize another Growler Guys location within that area during the franchise term.

However, the territorial protection has defined limits. Franchisees do not have automatic rights to open additional locations within or outside of their assigned territory. While the franchisor will not unilaterally change the defined territory during the term of the agreement, it retains the right to operate or license other businesses outside of the protected area.