“The taproom strategy is certainly an easier, less costly way to get in the market,” Schoen said, adding Brew Hub also was talking with Midwest craft brewers about acquisition opportunities. “We’re certainly looking at opportunities to buy breweries that are in the right spots with the right equipment.”

Brew Hub is one of several new breweries slated to open in the St. Louis region in early 2018. A $12 million Hofbräuhaus beer hall and brewery with seating for 1,100 is slated to open in late January at 123 St. Eugene Drive in Belleville near the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows.

Wellspent Brewing is opening in February at 2917 Olive Street in midtown, and Rockwell Beer Co. said Thursday that it had finalized plans for a new brewery at 1320 South Vandeventer Avenue that will include a new dining concept by restaurateur Gerard Craft’s Niche Food Group.