Starting a tiny Brewpub/Craft Beer Bar

You can't sell homebrew or even give it away in a commercial establishment in any state I know of.

 

I have a couple of issues with this.

This is hideous advice. We have enough of a problem in this country with unaccountably small pours and cheater glasses. Give folks a proper beer, and charge accordingly.

Flights are an interesting idea and it won't hurt to offer them with the beers on tap, but I think flights may be more pertinent when the shop turns to brewing it's own beers that folks are not familiar with.

Again, very much against this. Especially considering the size, you really don't want to encourage 10 whooping, high-fiving American football cretins to come and camp in your few precious seats for 4 hours at a time. TVs will change the dynamic of this micro-pub.

Not legal to even give it away. Not even a good idea if it were legal, as you really need to maximize the profit of every pint you pour.

 

Good luck and keep us updated!

The size makes me think of my favorite bar in Orlando (and one of my favorites period) called Tap & Grind. It seats maybe 15 inside and has a patio outside with a couple picnic tables.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/tap-grind/199018406862018

 

True. Not sure what their sq footage is but is likely a bit bigger than 250. Still, I am a fan of the type of atmosphere it creates!

 

You're going to need a bigger truck Wade.

 

Great point. I know the ABC makes it tough here in Virginia for this kind of setup. Do you know if there are any restrictions in your area regarding ratios of alcohol to food sales? Probably not, but it's always worth going through your local alcohol laws with a fine-toothed comb. Something's bound to come up. And you don't want to start off on their bad side, or your agent will make your life a living hell.

 

Also, do you have any local bottle shops in town? If they need a venue for small seminars, offer your extra 250 sq feet. Used to go to a bar in SC that teamed up with a local shop to do tiny classes, and it's really helped them gain some awareness in the city.

 

The cash only makes sense at start up, but makes it easier as long as you have employes you can trust. Once it's up and you have a better sense of where it's going you can always put in a POS station.

 

Meet and greets with brewers, how-to's, tastings, that sort of thing.

 

Most of the things you are requesting are not monetary: define common space, first right of refusal, seating in front of office, etc. The ticket items are the heater and the floor. List all of the things that you want done and clarified, and then tell him that if he makes good on all other items then you will replace the floor. He will see it as a large offer in terms of cost, but with your background it could be done fairly cheaply. And you'll know it was done right.
Just a thought.

 

Bottle shops typically will do seminars ranging from general 101 beer lessons to homebrewing lessons to meet and greets. People really dig that stuff. And to be able to host this event in a craft beer bar with a cozy environment is much better than doing it in a bottle shop.

 

to keep the overall cost (longterm cost) low you may want to offer to help with some of the repairs.

 

Maybe in WV that is your experience, but ride a crowded Subway in NYC or go to one of the many Freight Train Car style Bars and your bumping into people all day.

 

I'd rather do most anything than spend time in NYC, but the train car bars sound great!
I'm sure there are exceptions in densely populated areas such as yours but my comment overall referred to Americans' propensity to overvalue the air pocket surrounding them.

 

Have you checked out http://apocalypsebrewworks.com/ They are a brewery/tap room in louisville KY. (I think you mentioned being in KY) I've only been there once but it was cool. And TINY. I'd guess it's similar to your setup... they have a TINY brewery crammed in there too... maybe a 1 bbl system? That takes up no more than 150-200sq ft. The seating area I'd guess is 300-400 sq ft. bar/back bar maybe 200, restrooms another 150-200... So probably 800-1000sq ft total. They also have a large outdoor area. I'd forget about the brewing part for now. I'd also try and get the other 250sq ft area from day one.

I think this is possible... you won't get rich, but if the idea is more of a hobby... then I think you could break even or come close. Like you said you would be drinking in someone else's bar otherwise... Heck if you drink 3-4 beers 3-4 days a week that could be $75-125 a week you are saving.

good luck... keep us posted.