Yeah, I like brewpubs as a customer, but I don't see what the business model is, over just running a brewery or a bar. You get the beer at cost, but the price of a keg of beer is not really a problem most bars feel the need to improve upon.
Yes, you need decent chunk of financing + equipment to get started. No, it isn't "real money" to most of the folks on HN. Compared to the margins on most foodservice businesses, though, it's amazing.
I know several states have tough regulatory environment but I don't know if they go as far.
SECTION 61-4-1700. Definitions.
For purposes of this article:
(1) "Brewpub" means a tavern, public house, restaurant, or hotel which produces on the permitted premises a maximum of two thousand barrels a year of beer for sale on the premises.
(2) "Permitted premises" means those areas normally used by the permittee or licensee to conduct his business and includes, but is not limited to, the selling areas, brewing areas, storage areas, food preparation areas, and parking areas.
(3) "Person" means an individual, partnership, corporation, or other form of business organization.
HISTORY: 1996 Act No. 415, Section 1.
I would guess that the bigger margins would allow you to start at a smaller scale.