Gear Up for Oktoberfest: 5 Ways Beer Equipment Can Help You Prepare

The annual Oktoberfest festival filled with beer, pretzels, bratwurst, and lederhosen is just around the corner. While the main celebration takes place in Munich, Germany, that doesn’t stop the rest of the world from joining in on the beer-fueled fun! With the popularity revolving around this beloved festival and the large crowds that often appear as a result of it, effectively preparing for the celebration is of the utmost importance. So, how exactly do you properly prepare for such a big event? We outlined our top 5 ways to ensure your business can handle the craziness of Oktoberfest.

1: Take Inventory and Stock Up

Our first tip is the simplest and most straightforward: make sure you have plenty of beer to serve to patrons! It’s estimated that nearly 2 million gallons of beer are consumed in Munich alone during Oktoberfest, so it's safe to say that when it comes to beer, more is better. However, beer isn’t the only thing you should be triple-checking your inventory for. Make sure you have all of the essential beer equipment and spare parts in case of emergency service needs. Food will also be in high demand alongside everyone’s favorite alcoholic beverage, so ensuring that your business has all the food as well as refreshments it’ll need to meet an elevated demand is critical.

2: Prioritize Maintenance and Repairs

It goes without saying that if your equipment is out of order, you won’t be able to serve the Oktoberfest crowds. That’s why it’s crucial to use the days leading up to the event to make sure your beer equipment is working properly. We suggest doing a general rundown on all aspects of your draft systems, from inspecting the lines and keg regulators to ensuring that each tap is dispensing drinks smoothly. After all, it’s always better to catch potential issues before they become a problem rather than after.

3: Clean Your Lines to Ensure a Great Time!

Now that you’ve stocked up on drinks and ensured your dispensers are in working order, it’s time to guarantee your customers get the best pours possible. How? By thoroughly cleaning your beer dispensers and their lines! Over time, draft lines accumulate buildup in the forms of yeast, bacteria, calcium and limescale deposits. While it is recommended to keep a cleaning cycle of roughly every two weeks, when leading up to such a large event, we recommend performing a deep clean the night before the event to ensure you kick off the event right!?

For the best results, use line cleaning chemicals that target all types of buildup. The Synergy System triple pack is an excellent choice as it includes their Biomass Remover, Demineralizer and Accelerator chemicals. Not only do these provide strong line-cleaning capabilities against all forms of buildup, but they’re also non-toxic, ensuring a safe and thorough clean all while avoiding the hazardous shipping charges associated with other cleaning products.

4. Upgrade and Expand Your Dispensing Equipment

There is no better time to invest in upgrading your dispensing capabilities than before an event that demands all hands (or in this case, taps) on deck. Whether you’re working with limited space or varying budgets, there are plenty of equipment options to accommodate your needs. One great addition is the kegerator. It is one of the easiest ways to either expand your beer offerings or to get started in the world of serving drinks via kegs. For businesses looking to potentially serve beer at local events, jockey boxes are the ideal choice. Their portability is unmatched, making them easy transport to any outdoor Oktoberfest celebration you’re planning to serve at.

5. Bring Special Offers to the Table

While not essential for success during Oktoberfest, offering special promotions is a great way to entice customers to choose your establishment over others. Whether you’re providing a great deal on beer and food or introducing specialty drinks that aren’t normally on the menu, there are plenty of fun ways to enhance the experience for your customers. For instance, decorating for the festival is another excellent means of attracting customers. Though it might seem like a small detail, a festive refresh in decor can help your establishment stand out, creating a lively and enjoyable atmosphere for customers to enjoy food and drink.

At the end of the day, the key to a truly successful Oktoberfest is to prepare your business and have fun with it! It’s a celebration, after all, so embrace the traditions of this festive time and be sure to enjoy it. As you head into Oktoberfest, it’s best to ensure you’re starting on the right foot. Doing so will make life easier for both you as well as your employees. Follow these steps, and you’ll be well on your way to a flawlessly executed Oktoberfest. For any beer equipment and dispensing needs to may have, Foxx is here to help with a wide variety of high-quality beer equipment and parts on hand. From all of us at Foxx, enjoy Oktoberfest and cheers to many pints and pretzels!