In , my husband and I embarked on a journey that combined our passion for home-brewing with a love for exploring local breweries during our vacations. Back then, breweries were few and far between, making each discovery an adventure. Fueled by this passion, we created a year plan and committed ourselves to living frugally as we prepared to take the leap in opening our own brewery.
After scouring southeast Michigan for the perfect location, an opportunity arose in Washington Township. We transformed several properties into a stunning new brewery and restaurant. In January , we proudly opened Brown Iron Brewhouse, welcoming 6, guests in our first week β an overwhelming testament to our dream coming to life. As a proud small business owner, my husband and I have dedicated our life to creating a community hub where friends and families gather to enjoy great food, craft beer, and a warm atmosphere.
While the intent behind the ESTA β to safeguard employee health and well-being β is admirable, its current form poses significant hurdles that could jeopardize the sustainability of small businesses. At Brown Iron Brewhouse, our employees appreciate the flexibility of working for a small business, allowing us to adapt to individual needs and foster a supportive environment.
However, the rigid structure of the ESTA threatens this flexibility. It imposes constraints not suited to small businesses. In an industry already grappling with staffing shortages, this could exacerbate the problem, hindering our ability to serve customers in the way they deserve to be served. Financially, the ESTA presents a daunting challenge for small businesses.
Compliance with the current requirements would necessitate a complete overhaul of existing paid leave policies, leading to increased costs and logistical nightmares. While we are committed to supporting our staff, the act, as it stands, could force businesses like mine to make tough decisions, such as reducing hours or increasing prices, to absorb these new expenses.
