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There’s been a lot of chatter lately about things like brewery overcrowding and market saturation. These are legitimate concerns, but there has also been plenty of data showing that more and more consumers are visiting breweries each year, and those consumers report drinking more beer. (See our story.) One aspect of the industry that remains unchanged, a brewery or brewpub that serves a local community and doesn’t aspire to take over the world is still a viable business venture.

Location, location, location. What you’re looking for is a dark spot on the map and a community that is underserved. You’re looking for built-in clientele. Not just a neighborhood or village that wants to drink beer, but a community that wants a gathering space where they can do it. Also, vacation destinations are advantageous as more and more people seek out local beer while traveling.

Not long ago I learned of one such opportunity when I was contacted by the developer of a new community near the town of Chelan, Washington. This could be a good fit for a new business venture or for an established brewery looking for a second (or third) location. The Lookout, located on the shores of Lake Chelan, currently features almost 100 vacation homes and has a space designated for a brewery, taproom or a brewpub. The property already has permits. The developers are eager to have a brewery help anchor the community. No arm wrestling or tug-o-war. They want a brewery.

“We now have a beautiful brewpub building designed and permitted,” says Ted Schroth of The Lookout and GTS Development. “The custom building would be brand new and available for delivery next spring. We have almost 100 homes completed right next door so there’s a built-in customer base of about 600-800 people per day in summer, not to mention 10,000 car trips per day on the adjacent state highway.”

The Lookout at Lake Chelan is described as a lakeside village. The community was inspired by historically memorable towns like Waterville, Cashmere, and downtown Chelan – places with a strong sense of community and a slower pace of life.

Located about two miles north of the town of Chelan, on the lake’s eastern shore, The Lookout Village plans to offer the following, and they’d love to add “brewery” to the list.

70-Slip Marina

Sandy Beach Cove

Swimming Pool

Hot Tub

Parks

Pickleball & Bocce Courts

Outdoor Kitchens & Fireplaces

Fire Pits

Playground

Trails

Bike Track

Dog-Friendly Community

Interested parties can reach out to Ted Schroth directly. [email protected]

Story posted by Kendall Jones