Craft Brewery Financial Training Podcast How One Brewery Raised Capital, Opened a Second Location, and Built a KPI Culture
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Nov 20, 2025 Nicole Smith, co-owner of South Lake Brewing Company, shares her journey from a Tahoe high school romance to running two successful brewery locations. She dives into the importance of owner presence to avoid cannibalization while expanding. Nicole reveals their successful community funding approach that raised $675,000 and discusses key performance indicators that drive decisions. With insights on seasonal challenges and controlling costs, she provides invaluable tactics for maintaining profitability without sacrificing brand identity.
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Humble, Community-First Opening
- Nicole and her husband planned for five years before opening South Lake Brewing and opened in April 2017 with three beers and a BYOC setup.
- The opening night drew over 200 people and became a defining community moment for the brand.
Be Owner-Ready Before Expanding
- Avoid opening a second location unless an owner can be physically present or you have an equally committed partner on site.
- Plan for roughly double the time and money compared to initial estimates when expanding.
Raise Equity From Loyal Customers
- Use your existing loyal customers and membership clubs as the first pool for equity investors.
- Meet them individually, explain the plan, and show how the funds will be used instead of relying on a formal pitch deck.
