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17 Best Liquor Store Franchises [Cost, Fees]

Do you want to start a liquor store business by buying a franchise? If YES, here are 17 best liquor store franchise opportunities for sale and their cost. Wine and liquor, though not a staple, but it plays a very prominent role in the lives of people. Think about the glass of champagne raised for toast at a wedding, the after work hang-out, or that special bottle that is popped to celebrate the closure of that deal and you will know what alcohol means to Americans.

Since 2000, American consumption of wine has almost doubled, from 574 million total gallons to 949 million gallons. Revenue in the wine market is estimated to amount to a whopping $32,056 million in 2018. Granted, there are Alcoholic beverage control states, where the liquor stores are state-controlled and liquor must be bought from state-run stores with variations by state (for example, some states allow beer and wine to be sold at private stores, others do not).

Outside those states, the biggest franchises that sell liquor tend to be grocery stores (Safeway, Albertson’s), drugstores (Walgreen’s, CVS), and discount retailers (Target, Costco). But that does not mean that there are no private concerns that sell liquor, beer, wines, and others that also sell franchise at the same time. Because the industry is not so wide, there may not be a whole lot of selection in this regard, but if you want to set up a liquor store by buying a franchise, we have suggested some of the good ones in the United States for you.

Note that this list would include liquor stores, beer stores, wine stores and businesses that sell liquor with other offerings.

17 Best Liquor Store Franchise Opportunities For Sale and Their Cost

  1. BevMax

BevMax is the Wine and Liquor Superstore that is located in the United States. The wine and liquor retail industry is growing rapidly and Bevmax is capitalizing on this growth to form a booming business. BevMax is a family owned business and it has been around for decades having worked out a proven track record of success and growth.

Though many things have changed since the first BevMax opened in Stamford, Connecticut, but their philosophy has not. It still remains, “Keep it clean, keep it stocked, and keep it organized.”

Their stores are bright and well organized with industry-leading technology and systems. BevMax is offering entrepreneurs the opportunity to be a part of a growing industry with over 25+ years of operating success, with access to award winning merchandising, support and “big-chain” technology.

The ideal candidate for this franchise should have a solid track record of successful sales or management experience and most importantly, must enjoy working with people and have an understanding of what makes great customer service.

Financial requirements

  • Liquid Capital Required: $150,000 – $250,000
  • Total Investment: $350,000 – $1,000,000
  1. Craft Beer Cellar

Another franchise that deals in alcohol in the United States is the craft beer cellar. The company spends a lot of time in search of beers made in breweries just down the street or on the other side of the world, that are well-crafted and good examples of either their style or what they think excellent beer should be.

The craft beer cellar company values their customers highly, and for that reason, they carry boxes to cars, make great eye contact, and genuinely care how a customer’s day is going. They assure their customers of an awesome experience whenever they pay a visit. The company is looking for like minds to partner with them in growing the business.

Financial requirements

  • Liquid Assets – $35,000
  • Initial franchise fee: $25,000
  1. Tim’s Wine Market

Tim’s Wine Market operates on a very simple model which is to provide service, selection and value. This old fashioned, customer oriented attitude has allowed them to be the number one choice for Florida Wine drinkers. The store focuses on personal interaction with their customers. They have customer care agents that listen to customers needs and equally helps them make selections based on their budget and taste.

Tim’s Wine Market is a nationally known and well respected leader in the wine retail business. They provide each if their franchisees with extensive advice on location selection, pre-opening training for operations and ongoing wine knowledge.

Once open each franchisee receives ongoing education in business operations, wine knowledge and help with location marketing. In addition, each franchise benefits from the power of group buying of core items, special features and club selections.

Financial requirement

  • Initial Investment – $40,000
  • Liquid Cash Requirement – $130,688
  • Total Investment – $130,688
  1. VOM FASS

VonFass is yet another liquor store that is offering franchise in the United States. Their unwavering dedication to quality and personal relationships with vine growers and suppliers guarantee that their products are exceptional in flavor and variety.

The company has been operational for more than 20 years, and in all that time, they have sold the finest vinegars, oils, liqueurs and spirits. Each of their products are carefully selected for its craftsmanship and quality. The company is seeking entrepreneurs looking to become part of a totally unique franchise concept, where your passion for customer experience and gourmet foods can come together to form a profitable franchise business.

If you’d like to own a business that stands out through great products and unmatched service, while helping to build a distinctive and award-winning brand, VomFASS can help you transform that passion for fine food and drink into your career.

Financial requirements

  • Initial Investment $116,000 – $374,000
  • Liquid Cash Requirement $70,000
  • Total Investment $116,000 – $374,000
  1. The Grape Retail Wine Store and Bar

First opened in Atlanta in October 2000, The Grape is a proven, popular concept that combines two complementary revenue elements which are; a wine bar and retail store. The Grape has special expertise in wine selection, ordering, and delivery from a small number of wine distributors, and they are giving franchisees a chance to offer in-style, gourmet fare with minimal equipment and kitchen space.

The Grape is currently accepting inquiries from the following states: Texas, North Carolina, Alabama. The company is also currently accepting inquiries from Canada and outside the U.S., but not from the European Union.

Financial requirement

  • Liquid Capital Required: $875,000 – $1,200,000
  1. ArKay Depot

ArKay depot is a business that sells 100 % alcohol free drinks, but these special drinks feel and taste exactly like liquor. With zero calories, zero carbs, and zero percent alcohol, ArKay makes a delicious, figure-friendly drink on its own, or when mixed with other low-cal, no-cal beverages. ArKay is probably the only alcohol free liquors collection in the world. Their product line include: Alcohol Free Liquors, Alcohol Free Cocktails and Alcohol Free Beers.

With many years of product innovation, their reputation in the industry is unparalleled. When you join their network, you become part of a community of passionate entrepreneurs who are excited about the future. The company is currently looking for continuous learners who are interested in working together in the long-term. Individuals who are self-starters, with ambition to own, grow and innovate their business.

They should be able to put in the work it takes to make their business thrive. Arkay offer their dealers comprehensive training, development programs, ongoing financial, marketing and sales support, comprehensive training programs, ongoing marketing support, etc.

Financial requirements

  • Liquid Capital Required: $30,000 – $50,000
  1. WineStyles Tasting Station

Ranked number one in the wine category by Entrepreneur Franchise 500 magazine in 2007 and 2008, WineStyles has 140 locations nationally, including Puerto Rico and Mexico. Designed like an Old World wine cellar, WineStyles wine franchises caters to the wine drinker who is looking for a simple and easy way to find the perfect bottle.

Organized by eight different “style” categories instead of varietal or region, WineStyles simplifies wine by breaking it down into taste profiles that include Crisp, Silky, Rich and Bubbly for whites and Fruity, Mellow, Bold and Nectar for reds.

If you want to become a part of the WineStyles team and wine retail store franchise, the company will help you to open your very own wine boutique shop. It starts with the WineStyles brand, the largest network of wine store franchises and most recognized within the wine industry.

It’s a concept that celebrates choice while simplifying the wine shopping experience. WineStyles franchise investment opportunities are available for both individuals and corporate investors interested in purchasing one or multiple units.

Financial Requirements

  • Initial Investment – $229,000 – $380,500
  • Net-worth Requirement – $400,000
  • Liquid Cash Requirement – $200,000
  • Initial Franchise Fee – $25,000 – $25,000
  • Ongoing Royalty Fee – 6%
  • Ad Royalty Fee – 3%
  1. Water 2 Wine

Water 2 Wine is a unique winery that provides its customers with wine tastings and private label products that cannot be found in typical wine shops. Water 2 Wine brews wine on the premises, using only the finest grapes from fantastic vineyards around the globe.

Additionally, Water 2 Wine stocks over 100 wines originating in 13 countries, and these are sure to delight wine connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike. Water 2 Wine carefully creates a relaxing atmosphere where friends or lovers can share a good time with a nice bottle of wine.

Currently, Water 2 Wine can be found in Texas, Colorado, and Wisconsin, but the company will consider franchise opportunities pretty much anywhere throughout North America. Unlike other franchisers in the industry, Water 2 Wine provides extensive training and support to its franchisees, not to mention licensing assistance.

Financial requirements

  • Liquid capital required – $35,000
  • Investment – $167,500 – $548,650
  • Franchise fee – $40,000
  1. Waters Edge Winery

Waters Edge Wineries is an urban winery system that brings the very best of wine culture to communities across the country. Combining elements of the traditional winemaking experience with the emerging wine bar concept, Waters Edge creates a diverse selection of wines and offers guests an opportunity to engage intimately with a historically exclusive lifestyle.

As it seeks to bring the winery experience to the people, Waters Edge Wineries presents an innovative, versatile concept that treats guests to quality wines, a relaxing atmosphere, and a cultural experience like no other.

A Waters Edge Winery makes several wines that are exclusive to their winery locations. They stock many of the popular varietal, including Merlots, Cabs and Chardonnays. They also make some harder-to-find wines such as Barolos, Gewurztraminers, Pinotages, Petit Verdot and Ports.

The company sources grapes globally that will allow clients to make over 50 different kinds of wine using grapes from the best grape growing regions in the world; places such as California, Italy, France, New Zealand, Chile and Germany.

The Waters Edge team provides complete support from site location and lease negotiation to grand opening. They partner with a nationwide construction firm who will design franchise locations and solicit bids from local, reputable contractors. Their construction firm will oversee the buildout to ensure that it is done on time and on budget.

Financial Requirements

  • Initial Investment – $139,945 – $512,515
  • Net-worth Requirement – $150,000
  • Liquid Cash Requirement – $75,000
  • Initial Franchise Fee – $39,000 – $39,000
  • Ongoing Royalty Fee – 5%
  • Ad Royalty Fee – 2%
  1. Society Wine Bar

Society Wine Bar is a low-cost wine bar franchise investment with four distinct revenue streams. They are looking for passionate entrepreneurs who love wine and want to bring a unique wine bar experience to their communities. Society Wine Bar offers a unique 200 wines by the glass, one of the most extensive wine menus in the country, and a level of expertise from certified staff that is unmatched.

Society Wine Bar believes that wine doesn’t have to be pretentious, and that there is a specific wine for everyone and every occasion, and their mission is to help customers along their wine journey.

Financial requirements

  • Total Investment: Starts at around $200,000
  • Franchise Fee: $45,000
  • Net Worth Needed: $330,000
  • Liquid Capital Needed: $100,000
  1. World of Beer

In 2007, World of Beer began as a vision among two best friends to create a welcoming place where friends could gather to discover craft beer and swap stories while taking in a game or enjoying live music. Built on that foundation, today they are a passionate community committed to the discovery of the best craft beer and spirits, great food, and camaraderie.

World of Beer is leading the unique, exploding cultural phenomenon of Craft Taverns. They hunt and gather beers from around the world, offering the best craft variety on the planet to the beer aficionado and casual beer fans alike. Complementing their amazing beer selection are delicious “tavern fare” menu, craft spirits, and live entertainment all served up by a passionate, insanely knowledgeable staff. The result, a winning concept and a truly golden opportunity.

Financial requirements

  • Initial Investment: $800,000-$1,100,000
  • Initial Franchise Fee: $50,000
  • Royalty Fee: 6%
  • Advertising Fee: 0.5%Nat’l+1.5%Local
  1. The Brass Tap – Craft Beer Bar

The brass tap prides itself as a neighborhood craft beer bar – only far more than a typical beer bar experience. They optimized each of The Brass Tap’s extensive beer menu selections based on local preferences, and they equally keep a fresh rotation throughout the year with their over 60 taps.

In addition to their offerings as a craft beer bar franchise, they also offer a full liquor bar to keep their our guests happy as the night progresses and tastes shift. The Brass Tap doesn’t do your typical “bar food”. Their selections include many shareables with an up-scale twist on classic favorites.

They also offer multiple types of entertainment, which means there’s always something going on at The Brass Tap – from live music … to trivia nights … to sports … to exclusive beer tastings, tap takeovers and kill the keg nights.

The Brass Tap is dedicated to treating people right and creating a unique experience every time. They claim that the relationship between their staff and customers is what truly makes The Brass Tap a local neighborhood hangout. Their team is passionate about beer and eager to provide the best beer to fit your taste.

Financial requirements

  • Liquid Capital Required: $250,000
  • Net Worth Required: $500,000
  • Total Investment: $791,967 – $1,327,475
  • Advertising Fee: 1.5% of adjusted gross sales
  • Royalty Type: 4% of adjusted gross sales
  1. Global Brew Tap House

Global Brew Tap House is a craft beer-oriented bar that grew up in Illinois. The first Global Brew Tap Room opened in Edwardsville in 2011, and the company added a second location in O’Fallon, Illinois, the following summer. The bars carry about 50 beers on tap and 200 bottles, sourcing craft beer brands from around the world.

Financial Requirements

  • Initial Investment – $337,250 – $545,500
  • Net-worth Requirement – $500,000
  • Liquid Cash Requirement – $100,000 – $150,000
  • Initial Franchise Fee – $40,000 – $40,000
  • Ongoing Royalty Fee – 5%
  1. Mr Brews Taphouse

Mr Brews Taphouse concept began in March 2013 in Weston, Wisconsin. Along with vast selections of Craft Beer, Mr Brews Taphouse has a simple menu concept that attracts and excites customers. The menu format allows for ease of execution, food preparation, and ideal food and labor costs. Staff training programs are comprehensive and specifically modeled for their unique concept.

Mr Brews Taphouse provides an extensive training and support program to help franchisees every step of the way. It begins with comprehensive training at their corporate locations. This initial training occurs prior to opening and it educates their management franchisees on how to operate the business.

Financial requirements

  • Initial franchise fee – $30,000
  • When two units are secured in an Area Development Agreement, the franchise fee is reduced to $25,000 per unit.
  • When three or more units are secured in an Area Development Agreement, the franchise fee is reduced to $20,000 per unit.
  • Royalty fee – 5 percent
  1. Growler USA Kitchen & Taphouse

Growler USA is an American style pub with an emphasis on craft beer and a chef-driven menu designed to celebrate the unique flavors of each drink. With up to 100 taps of craft beer, draft cocktails, hard cider, draught wine and kombucha, Growler USA invites guests to enjoy craft beverages suiting their unique palate, all served True to the Brew.

The company creates an engaging destination for food and brew enthusiasts alike. Each location is a reflection of its surrounding community and serves as a gathering place for foodies, beer nerds, and everyone in between.

Financial Requirements

  • Initial Investment – $556,148 – $895,519
  • Net-worth Requirement – $1,000,000
  • Liquid Cash Requirement – $250,000
  • Initial Franchise Fee – $35,000 – $35,000
  • Ongoing Royalty Fee – 6%
  • Ad Royalty Fee – 3%
  1. Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom

Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom feature a welcoming casual dining atmosphere, Chicago-style deep dish pizza, pasta, calzones, burgers and sandwiches and related food items and beverages featuring a wide ever-changing selection of the best local and regional craft beers as well as a full range of imported and mass domestic beers.

How much money a franchisee can make from any franchise depends on a number of personal factors such as what state they live in, labor costs, commercial lease rates and a number of other factors. The company can help you figure out how much money you can make by reviewing your personal situation when you pick up a franchise with them.

Financial Requirements

  • Initial Investment – $1,399,000 – $2,177,000
  • Net-worth Requirement – $3,000,000
  • Liquid Cash Requirement – $1,000,000
  • Initial Franchise Fee – $40,000 – $40,000
  • Ongoing Royalty Fee – 4%
  • Ad Royalty Fee – 2%
  1. Blast & Brew

America’s love for pizza and beer runs deep, and a new franchise, Blast & Brew, is offering guests an opportunity to personalize both. The fast-casual Neapolitan pizza restaurant offers artisanal pizzas and more than 30 taps of self-pour craft beer, along with other customizable food options.

The Blast & Brew experience starts with fresh, hand-stretched pizza dough. Guests then choose from more than 40 locally-sourced and regionally-tailored ingredients and house-made sauces, before their masterpiece is fired to perfection at 825 degrees.

In addition to unlimited varieties of pizza, Blast & Brew offers signature split-focaccia sandwiches, fresh salads, and a variety of hearty appetizers, like Carnitas Pork Sliders with jalapeno slaw, served on a fresh, house-made bun, and a Crispy Brie Crostini served with honey and a balsamic glaze.

Guests also have the option of customizing their beer experience through a pre-paid program that allows them to choose from more than 30 local and regional craft brews that they pour themselves. Blast & Brew’s Beer Geniuses guide guests through the beer offerings, helping them choose the best selection to pair with their meal.

Financial Information

  • Cash Investment: $250,000
  • Net Worth: $500,000
  • Franchise Fee: $25,000
  • Total Investment: $340,350 – $968,000
  • Royalty Fee: 4% Ongoing Royalty Weekly minimum of $250,
  • Advertising Fee: 4% brand fund fee (2.5% could be allocated to local marketing efforts)