To me, its a business that will only get more profitable as younger generations become much more sensible adults around social drinking. Outside of a pandemic, that is. Even my parents generation seems to be seeing a resurgence in going out to bars now that kids have grown up and moved away. My mom now frequents tequila bars with her friends. It doesn't even matter if it's a cold climate. Throw on the game, buy a few heat lamps, and have a special on pitchers.
Drinking culture is seeing a huge resurgence in the 4 U.S. metros I've lived in the last few years imo, although I don't have any particular data to point to off hand. Given the increasing secularization of american culture, and the acceptance of the fact that you can indeed have a bender with your friends on a weekend and still pass your medical school exams, I see no reason why bars aren't the best bet in
Ideal would be somewhere like NYC that's mostly walkable. Can't just open up a bar at the end of the universe. Unless talking cow being served.