The best way for a startup to source kegs is to set up an account with one local supplier who delivers the keg, the tap, and the CO2 together and swaps your empties on a schedule — rather than sending someone to haul kegs from a store. For a San Francisco startup, a local shop beats a national service on delivery speed, flexibility, and being able to call a real person. Here is how to set it up.
Buy local, not national
A San Francisco supplier can deliver same-day and adjust your order week to week; a national subscription service cannot match that. Mike's has supplied Bay Area offices from our shop at 5084 Mission St since 1959, with same-day SF delivery for orders placed by 9 a.m. and scheduled East Bay (Tuesdays) and South Bay (Wednesdays) runs. You also get one point of contact who knows your account — handy when an all-hands gets moved up a day.
Set up an account, not one-off orders
A standing account means you are not reordering from scratch every time. We handle the refundable keg deposits, swap empties for fresh kegs, and keep your usual styles on file. Set it up through our office beverage program, and ordering becomes a one-line email.
Get the whole setup in one delivery
Sourcing the keg is only half of it — you also need a way to pour. We bring the tap, CO2, and jockey box with the keg, so a startup does not have to own a kegerator to put beer on tap for an event. For a permanent break-room tap, we also sell kegerators and parts. Our coupler guide covers matching the fitting to your beer.
Stock for the whole team, including non-drinkers
A startup tap lands best when it is inclusive. Put a beer everyone likes on one line and a non-alcoholic option — cold brew or kombucha — on another, so the perk works for the whole team and at any hour. Our startup break-room checklist covers the full stock list, and the how to pick a keg guide helps choose styles.
Sizing for tech office events
For a one-off tech office event, forecast the headcount and add a backup — our 100-person keg math and forecasting guide do the arithmetic. For a recurring tap, start with a 1/6 barrel and adjust once you know your team's weekly rate. Browse beer kegs by size to plan your first order.
Starting from zero? Tell us your team size and whether it is a one-time event or a standing tap, and we will set up the account, the gear, and the first delivery.
What's the best way to source kegs for a startup office?
Set up an account with a local supplier who delivers the keg, tap, and CO2 together and swaps empties on a schedule. In San Francisco, that beats a national service on speed and flexibility.
Can I get kegs delivered to my SF startup the same day?
Yes — Mike's delivers same-day in San Francisco for orders placed by 9 a.m., plus scheduled East Bay (Tuesdays) and South Bay (Wednesdays) runs.
Do we need to buy a kegerator?
No. Mike's rents taps, CO2, and jockey boxes alongside the keg for events, so you can pour without owning equipment — and we sell kegerators if you want a permanent break-room tap.