The Growler Guys Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2026)
The Growler Guys is a craft-beer taproom franchise offering rotating draft beer, cider, kombucha, and to-go growlers, serving craft beverage enthusiasts, and known for extensive tap lists, knowledgeable staff, and filling fresh, cold beverages to take home or enjoy onsite.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
7
+
-22%
-22%
Franchise fee
?
$30,000
Investment
?
$132,000 - $449,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$0
+
n.a.
n.a.
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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.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a The Growler Guys franchise is
$132,000 - $449,000.
That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise.
These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
The Growler Guys offers 2 types of franchises:
Type of Franchise
Initial Investment
Single Standard The Growler Guys
$211,900 to $448,500
Single The Growler Guys Express
$131,700 to $287,195
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Single Standard The Growler Guys franchise.
For more information on the various types of franchises and its costs, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$30,000 – $30,000
Leasehold Improvements
$13,000 – $108,000
Equipment, Furniture & Fixtures
$87,700 – $160,695
Construction Site Manager
$7,000 – $7,000
Misc. Business Start-up Expenses
$8,500 – $20,605
Working Capital
$27,000 – $52,000
Travel, Lodging and Meals for Initial Training
$1,000 – $1,800
Grand Opening
$6,000 – $7,500
Insurance Deposits and Premiums for First Year
$1,200 – $3,600
Initial Inventory
$28,000 – $44,000
Business Supplies
$200 – $500
Business Licenses and Permits for First Year
$300 – $2,800
Signage
$2,000 – $10,000
Total The Growler Guys Franchise
$211,900 – $448,500
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The Growler Guys offers 2 types of franchises:
Type of Franchise
Initial Investment
Single Standard The Growler Guys
$211,900 to $448,500
Single The Growler Guys Express
$131,700 to $287,195
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Single Standard The Growler Guys franchise.
For more information on the various types of franchises and its costs, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$30,000 – $30,000
Leasehold Improvements
$13,000 – $108,000
Equipment, Furniture & Fixtures
$87,700 – $160,695
Construction Site Manager
$7,000 – $7,000
Misc. Business Start-up Expenses
$8,500 – $20,605
Working Capital
$27,000 – $52,000
Travel, Lodging and Meals for Initial Training
$1,000 – $1,800
Grand Opening
$6,000 – $7,500
Insurance Deposits and Premiums for First Year
$1,200 – $3,600
Initial Inventory
$28,000 – $44,000
Business Supplies
$200 – $500
Business Licenses and Permits for First Year
$300 – $2,800
Signage
$2,000 – $10,000
Total The Growler Guys Franchise
$211,900 – $448,500
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is The Growler Guys's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
The Growler Guys had 9 total units in 2025, of which 7 were franchised-owned and 2 company-owned.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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