Today we’d like to introduce you to Anthony Capanna
Anthony, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
For the past 10 years, I have been crafting the vision behind Ants Beer Cave. Initially, Ants was meant to be a brewery, but as I delved into the world of brewing and tasted various beers, I began to doubt my ability to compete with the exceptional brews already in the market. That’s when inspiration struck—what if, instead of competing, I brought these top-notch breweries together in one place? Ants Beer Cave follows the bottleshop concept, featuring beverage displays like those in grocery or convenience stores, with a wide selection of bottled beers available for in-store consumption.
Growing up, money was tight. I was raised by my grandmother, a retired teacher, and she taught me the importance of hard work, determination, and not giving up. I knew that to achieve my dream, I would have to put in the work myself. I worked the last 8 years in corporate finance saving every dollar and with no outside investment, I used an SBA loan to bring this vision to life.
As someone who loves sports, especially pickleball, I saw a great opportunity to combine my passion with the growing trend and create a space where people could not only enjoy amazing drinks but also play pickleball in a fun, social setting. The idea was to bring the energy of sports into the bar, offering something unique for the community.
Food was one of the biggest barriers I faced in bringing this vision to life. Instead of trying to manage the food aspect on my own, I decided to partner with some passionate first-time business owners who were eager to jump into the entrepreneurial world. Luckily, I had the funding, and they had the knowledge of the kitchen, and together we brought Knuckle Sandwich and The Pizza Den to life!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It was definitely tough. I acted as the general contractor for the build-out, which took 9 months. We ran into issues with the city regarding permits, had sub-contractors who took deposits and ran, and it felt like we were constantly hitting roadblocks with the renovations. Once we finally opened, it felt like we were always filling gaps. Things broke, we were inefficient, and I was on-site every single day for 90 days straight, working 80-100 hours per week.
This was my first business and my first time in the service industry, so everything was a learning experience. I had to wear every hat—I was fixing plumbing leaks, working the bar, cleaning, marketing, accounting—everything. The weight of paying bills, managing cash flow, and making sure we could pay our 15 employees was a lot to handle. But despite all the struggles, I remained, maybe a bit naïvely, positive and enthusiastic because my dream was finally coming together. It was a lot of hard work, but every challenge made the success even more rewarding.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Ants Beer Cave?
Ants Beer Cave is more than just a bar—it’s a unique destination in Austin that combines great drinks, fun, and community. We’re a bottle shop with a twist, offering over 270 bottled beers for in-store consumption, alongside 16 rotating drafts, coffee, and a selection of non-alcoholic beverages. We specialize in curating an impressive selection of craft beers, ciders, wines, and THC-infused drinks, giving our guests a one-of-a-kind beverage experience. We’re not a boujee beer place—we want to be inclusive and make sure there’s something for everyone, no matter what your taste is.
What really sets us apart is the combination of two things that are very close to my heart: beer and pickleball. With two pickleball courts on-site—one indoor and one outdoor—we provide a fun space for people to play while enjoying drinks and food. It’s a social, high-energy environment where guests can relax, play, and engage with their community. The pickleball trend is growing rapidly, and we’re proud to be at the forefront of bringing it into the bar scene.
When it comes to food, the first-time business owners running Knuckle Sandwich and The Pizza Den really put their heart into what they do—and you can taste it! The reviews and feedback from our guests have been amazing, and we’re so proud of the food offerings we’ve created. It’s not just about great drinks; it’s about a complete experience, with amazing food and a fun, welcoming atmosphere.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Something I did not learn, but has been proven over the course of the project, is the importance of treating people well. My contractors praised my ability to keep a level head and be solution-oriented, and I created a lot of great connections. My employees often tell me how I created a safe environment where they felt valued, unlike the typical bar atmosphere where they felt like management was out to get them. I believe in being kind, thorough, passionate, and working hard, and I’ve seen how that can make a huge difference in building trust and loyalty.
Getting your hands dirty goes a long way in the learning process. I’ve had to be involved in every aspect of the business, from fixing plumbing leaks to managing marketing and accounting, and that hands-on experience has been invaluable.
Even the owners of the St. Elmo Arts District, my landlord, took a chance on me when they didn’t have a reason to rent to me. It was a risk for them to rent to a young first-time business owner, but they saw my passion and decided to give me the opportunity. Treating people well, showing passion, and working hard—those things truly matter in this journey.
Pricing:
- Pickleball reserved on 30 minute schedule at $20
- Beer and wine we have options at all price points
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.antsbeercave.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antsbeercave
- Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/people/Ants-Beer-Cave/61564764158549/
