Beer biz goes global, first stop: Shanghai

World of Beer will officially expand outside the United States for the first time, with a new tavern in Shanghai, China.

Executives with the Tampa-based craft tavern concept, which features more than 550 craft and international beers, say they have sought to expand globally for a few years. “The new Shanghai tavern demonstrates how World of Beer's devotion to local craft beer and its tavern fare menu translates well across cultures,” World of Beer CEO Paul Avery says in a release.

The Shanghai location is expected to open by the end of the second quarter, according to the company. Franchisee Cong Yin and his two partners plan to open at least three locations in Shanghai over the next three years, the release adds.

“I visited my first World of Beer in Tampa in 2013, and I knew right away Shanghai would be an ideal location to introduce the concept," says Yin in the statement. “At that time, the craft beer scene had just started to emerge in Shanghai, and the number of craft beer enthusiasts was increasing quite quickly. Because of this enthusiasm, and World of Beer's proven and successful franchise model, we knew the concept would be a perfect fit.”

Yin's company, Zhejiang Suige Trade Company LTD, will employ about 40 people at the first location, the company says. That World of Beer will be in the Shanghai French Concession area, a popular shopping and dining district for residents and tourists.

Founded in 2007, World of Beer has since grown to 75 locations in 20 states. The company currently seeks potential franchisees for more expansion opportunities.