Breweries, wineries, and distilleries operate at the intersection of manufacturing and hospitality. Production equipment is capital-intensive (a single fermentation tank can cost $30K-$80K), distribution requires specialized vehicles and licensing, taprooms need restaurant-grade build-outs, and inventory carrying costs are massive (whiskey aging 5-10 years before sale, wine fermenting 12-36 months). Funding strategy reflects this complexity.
Prime Restaurant Capital funds craft alcohol producers across all three categories. Funding ranges from $50K (taproom equipment) to $1M (production expansion, distribution build-out, multi-location taproom growth). Established producers with proven economics qualify; we don't fund pure startups.
Capital Needs Across Brewery, Winery, Distillery
Brewery Capital
Brewery production equipment: brew kettles ($30K-$120K depending on size), fermentation tanks ($25K-$80K each), brite tanks, packaging line (canning, bottling), refrigeration. Add taproom build-out and you're often looking at $400K-$1.5M total capital needs. Equipment financing handles the production side; renovation and working capital fund the taproom.
Winery Capital
Winery operations have unique inventory carrying considerations — wine ferments and ages for months to years before sale. Production equipment includes presses, fermentation tanks, barrel storage, bottling line. Tasting room build-outs increase direct-to-consumer margin. Working capital funds the carrying cost of inventory in process.
Distillery Capital
Distilleries have the longest inventory cycles in alcohol production — whiskey ages 4-10+ years, brandy similar. Stills are expensive ($50K-$300K+). Aging warehouses require significant space. Working capital funds the multi-year carry on aging inventory; equipment financing structures still purchases.
Distribution and Direct-to-Consumer Build-Out
Craft producers expand revenue through distribution (selling to bars/restaurants/retail) and DTC (taproom sales, online sales where legal, club programs). Distribution requires sales reps, delivery vehicles, and warehouse space. DTC expansion requires marketing, e-commerce infrastructure, and shipping logistics.
Craft Alcohol Funding Qualifications
- Licensed brewery, winery, or distillery in the US — minimum 12 months operating
- Monthly revenue $25K+ (most we fund do $50K-$300K monthly)
- All required federal and state licenses active
- Credit score 580+ preferred
