Pour some more suds

Tampa-based World of Beer and its wide selection of more than 500 craft and international beers will flow into new cities this year.

The craft beer tavern-style chain, which launched in 2007, currently has 77 locations in 20 states, including 22 that opened last year. World of Beer plans to continue its aggressive expansion plan in 2016, when it expects to open at least 23 more stores and surpass 100 locations, according to a statement.

A key part of the expansion will include breaking into new markets, say company officials. This year the chain plans to open its first taverns in Minnesota, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Las Vegas. The company also plans to open its first international location, in Shanghai, in 2016.

“Last year's success has set us up for another promising year, and we look forward to expanding the World of Beer brand to new markets nationwide and overseas in markets such as China, India and the Philippines,” says Paul Avery, president and CEO of World of Beer, in the statement.

World of Beer also seeks franchisees with a net worth of at least $1 million. Initial investment costs generally range from $900,000 to $1.2 million.