- We (Joe, Mark, and Geoff) are going to open a brewpub in the Burligton area, the craft brew capitol of Vermont.
- We have completed basic drafts of most of the elements of our business plan. They can be found in our File Cabinet (thanks RePublic Brewpub for the idea).
- We are searching for locations and have 2 highly potential leads:
1. the old Ethan Allen Cinemas in the New North End (map)
2. Smokejacks, on the corner of Main and Church (map) - Recipes and Test Batches have begun to form.
What we don't know:
- What the heck are we going to do about a kitchen?
full size?
pub-only? - We are just beginning to look for investors.
We have many leads in just about as many directions, but thankfully we are beginning to buckle down and see the light at the end of the tunnel. It is our hope that we will have a polished plan and workable financial statement by the end of next week so we can begin shopping our idea and get the taps flowing.
As we continue to update this, please leave any comments, suggestions, or questions that you have. We greatly appreciate it.
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1 comment:
A super brief analysis of several locations:
Smokejacks location:
Pros-
- High pedestrian traffic
- direct association with Church St Marketplace
- Established restaurant location
- Increased opportunity to capture tourists
- High Visibility
Cons:
- Higher rent/real estate expenses
- Size ? (is this big enough to allow room for growth)
- Not the most convenient spot for distribution purposes; i.e heavy traffic and lack of loading dock will hinder your logistical abilities
- Poor parking
ETHAN ALLEN:
Pros:
- Cheaper real estate as compared to Church St.
- Is there a possibility to purchase real estate (?), if so, it would provide the organization with a tangible asset toward the books
- Larger space makes it easier to increase brewing capacity
- Established center of commerce for the neighborhood
- More flexibility in designing the space to suit your specific needs
Cons:
- Poor pedestrian traffic
- Poor visibility
- Lack of an organized Merchants Association to help cross promote the brewery/pub
- Not a known destination for dining other than in the North End
- A more centrally located space would enable you to market to and attract clients from Essex, Shelburne, Burlington, Winooskie, Colchester, and others. I.E. the further north you go from Burlington the further you get from the middle of Chittenden and the surrounding markets. Centralize yourselves.
OTHER LOCATIONS
- The concept of Shelburne could enable you access to a main distribution artery; Rte. 7 allowing for easy access to NY and the Champlain Coastlines
-The potential of investing in Winooski may be appealing given the city's desire to boost tax revenue through business developments that will enhance the living conditions for new residents in downtown
- fairly close to I87 exit and away from the heavy traffic of Burlington and UVM
- There is a great niche of small restaurants in the downtown, which could certainly start to brand itself as a regional destination for great brews and restaurants.
- The real estate may be a little bit more reasonable than Church St.
There are other areas which need to be debated, researched, and further discussed amongst yourselves. These are only thoughts. As a potential customer, the most appealing aspects of a business like yours are :
- Access to outside sitting area; private areas are a bonus as well
- Lots and lots of wood accented with copper and brass. Bartenders that can break down the beers complexities as good as the brewmaster can.
- Decent food. It doesn't need to be 5 star. It has to be consistent. Even if it is consistently "OK", this is better than good one day and awful the next.
- The feeling that each time I come in I have the chance to try something never done before. The feeling of being "cutting edge", Fashion Forward Brewing.
- The interior should be as clean as possible. Polished brass, copper. Waxed wood floors, definitely avoid carpets.
- Having a place for businesses to impress clients will go a long way toward securing a niche that currently is without a place to go.
Most bars, restaurants end up catering to young college students and forget to target locals. Given the fact that most students are in the area only 8-9 months out of the year, it is vital to establish local clients early. College students will inevitably come as you make your mark on the scene.
Further, having the support of young local professionals and residents will provide you enhanced credibility in business community. In turn, you will have useful allies throughout the region that can help to promote future endeavors better than a large student population could.
Again these are just ramblings, thoughts, and perceptions from a random guy who wishes you all the best of luck in making this dream a reality. Shoot for the stars here, don't let any stone go unturned and don't be afraid challenge your own assertions and ideals. Separate yourself from the pack of "Vt. Microbreweries/ Pubs".
If your brew it, they will come. The trick is amazing them so much each time that they can't think of anything they want to do more than to come back and have another one of your one of a kind creations.
All the best gentlemen/ladies(?).
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