Food & Beverage

We represent companies of all sizes and varieties in the Food & Beverage industry, from start-ups to nationwide restaurant chains and food manufacturers. Our attorneys are deeply skilled in counseling clients on common and unique industry legal issues, including licensing and regulatory matters, start-up formation and financing, employment law counseling and defense, vendor agreements and contracts, trademark and brand management, real estate and leasing, and franchise counseling.

Craft Breweries, Cideries, Wineries and Distilleries

We serve clients on a variety of matters and at every stage of their businesses, from the field to the glass, to the tasting room and beyond. This includes raising money from investors, securing equipment and construction financing, navigating through complex licensing requirements, negotiating leases, distribution agreements, and ingredient procurement contracts, and applying for trademarks and protecting other key intellectual property assets. We also work with distributors and suppliers on a range of legal issues.

As a member of the Brewers Association, the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild and the Minnesota Grape Growers Association, our firm has deep experience in the industry. Whether you are still in planning stages, an emerging producer, or an existing brewery, winery or distillery looking to grow, we understand the legal and financial realities you face, and use our deep industry experience to offer practical and cost-effective solutions to our clients’ challenges.

Restaurant, Bar & Hospitality

We have represented clients in the restaurant, bar and hospitality industry for more than 20 years. We understand that restaurants, bars, hotels, resorts and other hospitality businesses face a unique set of challenges, and we provide customized solutions for clients in every corner of the industry, including to owners, chefs, operators, managers, franchisors, franchisees, early-stage restaurant companies, restaurant chains, single-location hotels, hotel chains, distributors, packaged food companies, licensors, food manufacturers, investors, landlords, tenants, and lenders. We have represented clients of all sizes, ranging from the sole proprietor to large national hospitality chains.

With a range of practice areas based in Minnesota’s burgeoning food haven, and client reach across the United States, Winthrop & Weinstine has extensive experience in all matters relevant to the hospitality industry throughout the lifespan of the business, from the start-up phase to developing a succession plan, and everything in between.