Micro Brewery/Taproom in San Marco

[thirdeye]

I was just curious if the people on this board think that a Craft Brewery/Taproom in San Marco would work and where would be a good location. I'm looking into starting one and wondered what you all think.
It would be very "micro" in the beginning with hopes of expanding into a brewpub at a later date.

Cheers,

Ben

[TREE4309]

Yes it would work...anywhere in San Marco would be fine.  Just look how well Bold City Brewery appears to be doing.

[urbanlibertarian]

How's River City Brewing Company doing?  It's kinda in San Marco.

[ProjectMaximus]

Yes! At this rate, in a few years we can have a local brew contest...

I can speak for myself and say I'd stop by next time I'm in town.

[MrPajitnov]

San Marco would be an excellent location, especially along Hendricks or Atlantic.

When I lived in the Midwest there were multiple microbreweries (in almost every city I lived in) within a few miles of each other and it led to a very competitive environment where the consumers wound up with lots of choices and always a quality product. I definitely encourage you to start one in San Marco, I think the building that tile store is in is an awesome location.

[thirdeye]

Thanks for everyone's thoughts.  I also am wondering how important food service would be to the overall experience. I do not want to get into the restaurant business yet. I would like to focus on making kick ass beer and a cool taproom that serves more as a bar and meeting place than a restaurant.

I also agree that  "friendly" competition is a good thing but I think "truly" local breweries should work together to promote the idea of supporting local breweries

[BridgeTroll]

IMO we cannot have enough micro brews or taprooms.  I would think San Marco an awesome location.  I understand not wanting to serve food but beer drinkers do like some crunchy munchies available.  Consider a barrel or two of peanuts in shell similar to five guys... or maybe some freshly popped popcorn etc...

$0.02

[TPC]

That would be great. If it's in San Marco why not use the location of Uncommon Grounds since there relocating.

Also, focus on the beer first, don't worry about food.

[Bewler]

I think it would absolutely work. And I would hardly count River City as competition or even a brewery. It's far too stuffy and the food is over priced.

Also agree with you about local breweries working together. You should try to make arrangements with Bold City to maybe carry one or two of their drafts along with yours.

[urbanlibertarian]

I'm not a smoker but if you didn't serve food or kept it minimal you could cater to smokers.  I think their only current San Marco option is Sherwoods.

[thirdeye]

Does anyone have any thoughts on the Kings Ave area. Rents might be more reasonable along with more parking. I also know it is off the beaten path and will need to be a destination to draw customers.

[Lucasjj]

What about that extension they built onto the building Jack Rabbits is in? It seems they will have some vacant spaces. This may also create some synergy between the two places to attract people to both.

[jason_contentdg]

Obviously being in Springfield, I'd love to see you over here, in like say the old henrietta's space at 9th and main.  But I got no problem driving over to San Marco.

[Bewler]

But Joe, you guys already have Shanty, which might not be brewery but it's still one of the best places in town to drink. San Marco doesn't really have any chill, middle of the road type bars.

The extension next to Jack Rabbits would be a great spot but somewhere off of Kings ave might be more affordable.

I wonder if Local's old location is still vacant?

[Lucasjj]

I also noticed on the way home that the strip La Nopalera is in has a vacancy. It looks like it might have been a restaurant before. That place would have good exposure, food close by, and available parking. Cost would probably be an issue though.