August 13, 2009
By: Lauren Biskind
 
Some say beer is recession proof and that might be the case here in Central Oregon.
 
5 new brew pubs in bend... 3 recently opened and 2 are getting ready.
 
The newest? The Bend Draft House on the East Side opens Friday.
 
In the past week -- two others opened -- Fox's Billiard Lounge on Newport Avenue and The Abby Pub at the bottom of College Way.
 
Owner Geoff Marlowe says affordable rent makes now a good time to start a business, though he hopes the recession won't interfere.
 
Geoff Marlowe says "You think its going to work and you write down a business plan but whether it actually works or not..its a little nerve racking."
 
Brother John's Public House opened about 2 months ago on Galveston in Bend....
 
Targeting a niche market.
 
Kutis Simmons says "Families with kids that need a place to get lunch or dinner and they dont have to go downtown to do it."
 
Offering a menu for lunch and dinner under $10...the owner says they've been busy.
 
Also on Galveston 10 Barrel Brewing has plans to open in the old Di Lusso coffee space in October.
 
Can five new pubs succeed? the owners remain optimistic, but customers aren't as confident.
 
Casey Howland says "I think they are all going to struggle since they opened at the same time. people are holding on to their money a lot in this town right now whether they are beer drinkers or not they are all trying to hold on to their money and look for value."