How to setup an brewery - Part 1 (The right site)
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They say good beer takes time... and so does finding the perfect home for a brewery.
After more than a year of gypsy brewing, Shack Bay Brewing is still searching for the right permanent location. And we’ve learned that choosing the right site isn’t just about finding four walls and a roof, it’s a critical decision that impacts every part of the business.
Why Location Matters for a Brewery
The right site has to tick a lot of boxes:
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Business Needs – From floor space for brewing equipment to room for cold storage and a bar area, the building has to suit both production and hospitality. Access for deliveries, parking for customers, and room to grow all factor in.
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Community Expectations – A brewery is more than just a place to drink beer for us it’s part of the local social fabric. We want a location that blends into the Bass Coast vibe, is accessible to locals and visitors, and can host the kind of events that bring people together.
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Council Requirements – Every council has its own rules around zoning, traffic/parking, noise, waste management, and trading hours. Finding a site that can meet these requirements from day one saves time, money, and headaches later.
Lessons from the Search (So Far)
We’ve inspected plenty of potential sites in Inverloch, Wonthaggi, and surrounding Bass Coast towns. Some looked great at first but fell short on size, layout, or compliance. Others were in fantastic locations but didn’t align with our brewing capacity or future plans.
The big takeaway? Don’t rush it. The location you choose will shape your business for years to come, so it’s worth the extra time to get it right.
What’s Next in Our Journey
As we keep searching, we’ll share more behind-the-scenes insights in this series — from licensing and fit-out to brewing systems and opening day.
For now, we’re still brewing our beers the gypsy way, making sure Shack Bay Brewing stays in cans and glasses across Inverloch and the Bass Coast. And when we do find that perfect spot, you’ll be the first to know.
Cheers
Luke & Matt