[fknorangesite]

> In my state we have a lot of breweries that essentially just operate as family friendly restaurants with bars

I'm in Canada, but yeah similar. The taproom might sell only a few snacks or something (or maybe get a local food truck to park outside), but people are also welcome to bring in outside food: many times I'd go with friends for drinks and then order a pizza or something delivered to the brewery.

[gnabgib]

Mostly due to our liquor laws (depends on province). But you're basically required to supply food if you vend alcohol. Bring your own food is the only way to satisfy this (or selling nuts/bags of chips/random trash at the counter.. looking at you Cold Garden).

When you first open, the cost of a kitchen, storage, utensils, and staff is a significant vig on top of your brewery costs if you're not sure how many visitors you'll get/whether they're looking for food.