A small business can be deceptively profitable. For one, they don't have to pay franchise fees or naming rights to a large corporation. They might get tax breaks/incentives. They could get good deals with vendors due to having a personal relationship. Not to mention that popular bars start to be profitable relatively quickly.
I mean, the vast majority of small businesses couldn't. I get what you're saying @unicycle but the average BBQ Parts & Accessory store down the street would bankrupt themselves if they did that.
But how the hell does a small business owner afford that?