IMHO, it all depends on the location. Here in Florida, there are a lot of B&M shops, but few are good ones. By good, I don't mean big. I mean good with service and offerings. Where I live, there are a lot of cigar enthusiasts that are really looking for good places to go. Interesting thing is that there may be one shop packed to standing room only and another one just down the street that is nearly empty. All boils down to service and the connection with clients. Very similar to pubs that way. I know a guy who has a primary job that bought a poorly performing small shop. After renovations to update and clean up, he's doing well and has been in the black from his second month. His thing is superb customer service. I say go for it and good luck! Live the dream while you can. BTW, restrictions are not that bad here at all. Probably because FL is a service based state.
RR