I know that the Brewers Association has helpful tools and advice for those pondering the idea of opening their own breweries but sometimes you may want to hear from someone who has done it. DC Reeves offers up The Microbrewery Handbook based on his real life experience in opening up Perfect Plain Brewing Company in Florida (never heard of it myself but then again, I cannot keep up with California) The goal of the book is to offer “real-world advice and proven strategies to help brewers thrive in the competitive micro and craft brewing industry.”
What caught my eye is the fact that Reeves has sections where the following offer up advice: Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head, Jeffrey Stuffings of Jester King and Doug Resier of Burial Brewing. And if you are thinking, “Why would a customer only want to read this book?”, well maybe you will see something that your local brewery might be doing already or should do to make visiting a taproom and experience rather than a trial. Or maybe you will gain some empathy for those making this leap.