Planning for the Long-Term: How TailGate is Aligning Growth with Vision

Courtesy TailGate Brewery

For Wesley Keegan, long-term planning is both a necessity and an art. With a focus on sustainable growth and operational excellence, TailGate Brewery — under the guidance of Keegan — has carefully expanded its footprint while staying true to its values.

“Our mission is to be the best brewery in Tennessee – make exceptional, boundary-pushing beer and pizza, and cultivate a workplace where people can truly shine in their roles,” Keegan said of the Nashville-based company.

TailGate’s approach to growth is unique, driven by operational efficiency and a clear vision.

“I’m the only owner. We have zero investors. And our only means of growth is good operations,” Keegan said. “If we don’t run a great business, we have no excess capital to grow. It’s a tough, but simple, reality.”

This self-sufficient model underscores the importance of financial prudence and risk management. By continually assessing opportunities and challenges, TailGate has worked to position itself for sustainable success.

This past year, TailGate partnered with Lipman Brothers — a family-owned distributor — to increase accessibility for retail partners and maximize continued growth. This partnership resulted in a 120% increase in grocery sales and doubled placements in retailers across Tennessee. TailGate also expanded into iconic venues, including locations on Nashville’s Broadway and Bridgestone Arena.

Selecting the right location when it comes time to expand into another brick and mortar spot has been critical to TailGate’s success. Keegan’s approach ensures that each new venture aligns with the brewery’s goals.

“We’re very thorough on site selection and incredibly picky,” Keegan said. “I say no to somewhere new just about every day. Some of those places I’ve said no to go on to be great successes for someone. But it doesn’t fit my formula, so I pass.”

Once a site is chosen, TailGate focuses on maximizing its potential. Keegan emphasized the importance of introspection when challenges arise.

“Before blaming the lease, we had to look inward and see what we were doing wrong. ‘Why is this working everywhere else, but not here? What are we doing wrong?’” he said.

A key evolution in TailGate’s strategy has been the decision to purchase its buildings. 

“It’s taken us a long time to get to that point, but that’s absolutely the better long-term decision,” Keegan said.

TailGate’s original brewery and taproom, referred to as “HQ,” has become the foundation of its operations.

“It’s the headquarters for now 250-plus team members. The main brewery is there, the offices, the creative team, the maintenance team, the sister general construction company we started recently…everything starts at HQ,” Keegan said. “It’s the big show, it gets the big traffic, and it sets the tone for everywhere else.”

As the brewery has expanded to nine locations, maintaining consistency across sites has become increasingly important. “Now that we’ve opened number nine, we can’t lose sight of 2, 3, 4…etc. They all matter, and we have to find ways to prove it,” Keegan said.

READ MORE: This Facet of Beer (& Food!) Making at TailGate is Paramount for Keegan

TailGate has also invested heavily in creating a portfolio of diverse offerings, brewing over 300 recipes in 2024, from traditional German-inspired lagers to creative barrel-aged Stouts and a rotating IPA series. Its focus on innovation extends to non-alcoholic beverages like Nashville Sweet Tea and crisp ciders, catering to a wide range of customer preferences.

In 2024, TailGate introduced 19.2 oz cans for its core lineup, catering to the growing single-serve and large-format beer category. This new packaging format opened opportunities in grocery stores, convenience stores, gas stations, and venues across Tennessee, enhancing accessibility for consumers.

TailGate’s robust growth reflects years of prioritizing team well-being and customer satisfaction. Recognized as one of Tennessee’s top workplaces, the brewery continues to prioritize its people-first culture and create memorable experiences for guests.

“This was a phenomenal year for us,” Keegan said. “Supporting our team members and creating memorable experiences around fresh, creative beer and craft pizza will continue to be our top priorities, but as always, we have big new ideas for 2025.”

By prioritizing long-term stability and maintaining a clear vision, TailGate remains a leader in the competitive craft beer industry. 

“The second you put blinders on, you stop thinking critically,” Keegan said. “For us, it’s about staying true to our formula and making decisions that ensure sustainable growth.”

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