Florida student starts beer selling business

by Sam Branda FSView ‘ Florida Flambeau (Florida State University)

(U-WIRE) TALLAHASSEE,… by Sam Branda FSView ‘ Florida Flambeau (Florida State University)

(U-WIRE) TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – You can hear music blasting as soon as you pull onto the street.

Then there are tons of cars parked alongside strangers’ driveways.

Some girl is screaming on her cell phone in the front yard.

Once you get inside the house, you walk straight to the keg.

This is traditionally the way a house party works. If there aren’t too many people, it can last all night, but will the keg?

Who is sober enough to go pick up another keg?

This exact scenario sparked a new business venture for a young entrepreneur in Tallahassee, Fla. Zach Thrasher, a 22-year-old college student, thought, Why not start a beer delivery service?

It all began a year ago. At first, no one believed he could do it.

“I used student loans, sold my car, sold anything I could on Craig’s list and even rolled up loose change,” Thrasher said.”

The biggest help to start the business was the Small Business Development Center at Florida A ‘ M University. They told him start to finish what it takes to open a business.

Unfortunately, at first, no beer distributors would even talk to him.

“No one took me seriously until it opened,” Thrasher said. The business opened March 17.

Once he received his license to operate The Beer Guys, Thrasher was one step closer to his dream.

“I bought the cooler off eBay from a restaurant that went out of business. It didn’t work, but my dad came up and helped me fix it,” Thrasher said. He, his dad and some friends helped put together and fix the cooler, which is essential in the keg market.

Now that his service is officially open for business, any 21-year-old can call and buy anything you need to throw a party.

What kind of beer would you like? They offer 21 brews to choose from. If you know in advance a specific brand that they don’t have, just give them a call, and they can order it for you.

If you need to rent a tap and the tub for the keg, it is a $5 charge for each. If you are a real party animal and want your own tap, Thasher also sells them. Cups and ice are for sale and available for delivery, so there is no excuse to drink and drive.

The price of the keg and delivery is a similar price to any other local competitor. Currently, delivery is free until April 17. After that, there may be a $5 fee, including delivery of the keg and any needed side items, as well as the pick up, which can be scheduled at the time of delivery.

After customers make beer selection and any other keg necessities, kegs are delivered as soon as possible. Typically, it takes about 30 minutes, but it depends on how busy the night is.

When is this service available you ask? Seven days a week from 12 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Since it is a delivery service, there are only two ways to get in touch with The Beer Guys. You can call them or look them up on the Internet.

For more information on The Beer Guys, you can check them out at www.beertoyou.com or look for their Facebook group.

Thrasher might be young, but he put his idea into action. Now that it is open for business, The Beer Guys could revolutionize the way people party.

Next time you’re strapping the keg in the front seat of your convertible thinking, “Wouldn’t it be cool if someone could bring the keg to us?” remember, now, that is a possibility.