Real Estate Selection - How close is too close?

[beerbeer]

We are a start-up that's considering a location within blocks of a growing brewery known for their cranky attitude. Not sure if this would help or hurt us. Thoughts?

[BroadWay411]

I used to work for a particularly cranky brewery, who had heard of a new brewery scoping territory relatively near them. Needless to say they went above and beyond to try and cause as many headaches for the poor start up as possible. Ultimately you have to make a decision. Look at your demographic, can it support another brewery that close in proximity? Do the locals want a change in the scene that the other brewery is producing? And are you ready to tackle the challenges that normally come with a start up AND deal with somebody from the get go trying to put you out of business.

Maybe try formally introducing yourself, be honest with your intentions. Offer collaborations; and insure them that you aren't trying to steal their customers but are trying to create something different that would draw customers that may have not come into that area in the first place.

[ChesterBrew]

Make good beer and it will be nothing but an asset. Customers will relish the opportunity to be able to patronize multiple establishments in a single visit. It all just has to make financial sense for you.