Brewpubs have come a very long way since the days of wood-paneled bars, animal heads and beer signs on the walls, and—with notable exceptions, of course—middle-of-the-road beer to match the middle-of-the-road food.
In recent years, a slate of inventive brewpub concepts has opened up in markets across the country. From the sleek and upscale to concepts helmed by both celebrity brewers and celebrity chefs, brewpubs are not only increasing in stature and ambition, but they also represent a compelling opportunity for many owners in an increasingly competitive market.
Growth of the Brewpub Model
“There’s a lot of room for the brewpub model,” says Madeleine Pullman, director of the Business of Craft Brewing Program at Portland State University. “Especially because it hasn’t historically been a particularly creative space and people are becoming more creative with different kinds of foods, beers, and things they do in that retail environment.