Sun King launched a craft beer boom in Indy. Now it's looking out of state.

[Muda69]

https://www.indystar.com/story/money/2022/02/24/sun-king-expands-florida-after-dominating-indiana-beer-market/9297241002/

Note: Story is behind a paywall

Quote

Sun King launched the craft brew boom in Indianapolis when it opened in 2009. Initially, its business model was modest. The craft brewery was focused on building a strong cash-funded brand that was most notably exclusive to Indiana. 

The company's focus is increasingly shifting though to become more ambitious. Sun King has been distributing to other states, taking on what it thinks is manageable debt to open several locations in Indiana and now plans to open a brewery in Florida. The company has invested millions in its operations.

"When we set out to open a brewery (back in 2009), we had modest goals and those goals were to become Indianapolis' beer," said Clay Robinson, co-founder and co-owner. "We didn't really know that we would ever sell beer throughout the entire state of Indiana."

But that's exactly what's happened. All of those colorful Sun King cans and tap handles distributing approachable beer popped up in restaurants, bars and liquor stores in every corner of the state, quickly becoming one of the top selling craft brewers here.  

Buoyed by that success, Sun King is turning an eye farther south as the company prepares to open its first standalone brick-and-mortar location outside of Indiana in Sarasota, Florida. Robinson chalks the decision up to growth. It's been a long and winding road, he said. 

...

While Sun King says its beers have been well received by locals, it remains to be seen whether the Indiana brand's standalone location can carve out more of a niche for the company in Florida. The Sunshine State ranks 7th in the nation for the number of craft breweries — 368 — and 4th for churning out more than 1.2 million barrels of craft beer a year.

...

The beer at Sun King Sarasota will be locally made in Florida where it's already selling beers. That brewery will produce draft brews and seasonal specialties. Canned beers distributed to Florida grocery stores and other locations will still be made in Indiana. Robinson said Sun King intends to adapt to the Sarasota market and offer beers based on the palates of the locals.

...

That being said, Sun King's smooth-tasting Sunlight Cream Ale is its No. 1 beer in both Florida and Indiana. 

Sun King is aiming to open the Sarasota location by May. Aside from Sunlight, the brewery also is hoping to produce Keller Haze IPA and Amber Has Two Moms, a seasonal amber ale that has grown in popularity there. 

"Our beer sells well in Florida and by having a brewery and tap room in Florida, it gives us an opportunity to actually reinforce growing our brand in a way that we never could before," Robinson said, adding that Sun King has seen a bump in sales wherever a tap room has opened.

"Whether it be Carmel or Fishers or Mishawaka or Kokomo, the actual sales of our beers and bars, restaurants, liquor stores and grocery in the immediate vicinity actually increased," he said. 

Simply put, the tap room is a brand building tool. 

...

 

Good like to the owners of Sun King as they attempt to branch out.  Maybe one day they will grow large enough to snapped up by the major player, Anheuser-Busch InBev.  

And while Sunlight Cream Ale is good, their best brew IMHO is the Wee-Mac Scottish Style Ale.  It is excellent.