Why Breweries Should Consider Retractable Roofs

Why Breweries Should Consider Retractable Roofs (Plus 3 Inspiring Examples)

Craft breweries aren’t just about great beer anymore, they’re about creating a place where people want to gather, rain or shine. Breweries with patios and beer gardens often become community hubs for live music, food trucks, and special events. But there’s one big factor that can ruin even the best brewery experience: the weather.

A retractable roof or enclosure solves that problem, transforming your outdoor space into a year-round revenue generator. Here’s why more breweries are exploring this option plus a look at two breweries who made the leap.

Why Outdoor Space Is Critical for Breweries

Breweries rely on creating an inviting atmosphere where guests stay longer and spend more. The more seats you have, the more pints you sell. It’s that simple. But, outdoor seating can be unpredictable:

– Rainstorms can clear a patio in minutes

– Intense heat or cold discourages guests from lingering

– Cancelled events mean lost revenue

Adding weather protection is no longer just a nice perk. It’s a business decision that impacts your bottom line.

The Benefits of a Retractable Roof for Breweries

Retractable enclosures give breweries the best of both worlds: open-air patios when the weather is perfect, and fully enclosed, climate-protected spaces when it isn’t.

1. Year-Round Service

Keep your beer garden open no matter the season. Guests will still come for trivia nights, beer releases, and football watch parties, even in winter or on rainy days.

2. Comfort for Guests

Your customers stay comfortable whether it’s sunny, breezy, or chilly outside. Shade during the summer, warmth in the winter all without losing that “outdoor” feel.

3. More Bookable Events

Private events, corporate gatherings, and weddings are big business for breweries. A retractable roof guarantees you won’t lose revenue to a weather cancellation.

4. Energy Efficiency & Sustainability

Natural ventilation and daylight mean lower cooling and lighting costs plus a smaller environmental footprint.

Three Breweries Who Got It Right

Here are three examples of breweries that partnered with Roll-A-Cover to create flexible, all-weather spaces:

Midwest Coast Brewing Company – Chicago, IL

Midwest Coast Brewing Company added a custom retractable roof, allowing them to double their usable rooftop seating space. Now, guests can enjoy a pint outdoors even in bad weather.

Brick Works Brewing and Eats – Smyrna, DE

Another brewery opted for a lean-to style retractable roof, perfect for their limited footprint. It provided coverage without closing in the space, maintaining the open-air vibe their customers love.

Sauf Haus Bier Hall – Washington, D.C.

Roll-A-Cover designed, manufactured and installed a retractable skylight for the rooftop biergarten at Sauf Haus. No matter the season, it’s always Oktoberfest!

 

Design Inspiration for Breweries

Even if you’re still in the planning stages, take inspiration from other Roll-A-Cover projects like rooftops, restaurants, and hospitality venues that feature retractable roofs. The sleek, clear panels complement a variety of aesthetics, from industrial-chic to rustic beer garden.

Imagine your space being usable for:

– Beer releases no matter the weather

– Year-round trivia nights or live music

– Food truck festivals in every season

Ready to Weatherproof Your Brewery?

A retractable roof is more than a design feature, it’s a business investment. With Roll-A-Cover, you can keep guests happy, boost revenue, and turn your brewery into a year-round destination.

Contact Roll-A-Cover today at sales@rollacover.com or at (203) 393-7292 for a design and a quote!