From what I've read and from talking to friends in the industry, there isn't a ton of money to be made making suds unless you get bought out for your brand. Th

From what I've read and from talking to friends in the industry, there isn't a ton of money to be made making suds unless you get bought out for your brand. That said, I think it's a fun business for the right kind of person. Running a brewery is generally far easier than running any other kind of alcoholic establishment. The permits are often easier and the hours are limited. One successful approach I've seen is to locate cheap light industrial space around well paying businesses in areas with horrible traffic. You'll capture a well behaved, affluent clientele and only need to open from 4-9pm. Even in towns with a saturated brewery market (San Diego...), there are areas which still need breweries because of the effects of traffic. Many folks would much rather wait for traffic to die down with a beer in their hands, and maybe grab a quick food truck dinner.