Start A Bar 1
How to open a bar
How to start a bar
We’re going to list out everything you need to know to start your own bar business and all the possible little things you need to know before diving in head first!
Bar opening costs and financing
The most important question in any business.. How are you going to pay for this business? A lot of thought will have to go into how you’re going to raise enough capital to get your bar/club business off the
ground. You can go the traditonal route, but it makes the most sense to take whatever route that minimizes the amount of risk you have to take on.
Examples of financing:
Chances are you’re going to need a very solid business plan to secure any kind of traditonal funding.
A simple overview for a Bar Business Plan:
Do the research on your local area and figure out the best location for your business with solid parking, etc. Location, location, location.
Location
In a perfect world you would own the building and land your business in located on, but in the real world you’ll most likely have to pay rent on a lease. You want a high traffic area that isn’t a hassle for customers to find or navigate to. Parking is a really big deal and one of your priorities should be to ensure that you have enough of it for your customers. You can also invest in an upcoming area and ride the wave of success that can come with a city investing in certain areas for rennovation. You might be able to secure cheap real estate in a dicey area that you know is planned for city rennovation.
Beer & Liquor Permits
This is the most vital attribute to every bar business. Every state and city has different liquor laws and are usually heavily enforced. You will want to do extensive research on your local guidelines and laws before you even think about opening your doors. Liquor permits can also be very expensive in some area so budget accordingly. There is nothing more useless in life than a bar that can serve alcohol to it’s customers.
Bar Employees & Security
Every member of the business should know how to operate the bar inside and out. It would be a good idea that every operating executive know to how bartend and cook/serve the food. You will want to take a crashcourse in bartending and hire capable bartenders and freindly people. The majority of bar-goers decide where to go based on their experiences with the bartenders and how they are treated by them. Hiring an excellent staff of bartenders can take your bar a very long way.
Another very important attribute is a security staff. No one wants to go to a bar where they don’t feel safe. The majority of people want to have a good time and feel safe. Hiring a solid security staff can also take you a long way in maintaining a quality bar business.
Bar/Club Entertainment & marketing tips
Your bar should Offer creative drink& food promos for various sporting events(boxing, football, mma, etc.)
Play good music. No one wants to rock out to heavy metal unless you’re operating a biker bar. Your music selection should target your customer base. Hire a great DJ and also make sure he takes requests.
Speaking of music..Purchase a solid sound system.
Dance floor
The dance floor can really make your bar stand out and create another atmosphere once the late night comes. Your sports bar can turn into a great club. A dance floor brings women to the bar/club and women in turn bring men.
Most women won’t want to stand and drink beers all night, they’re looking to have a good time and let loose. Your bar having a dance floor let’s them do this.
Live Bands
Every local band has a local following of some sort. These followers are friends and fans. Those friends and fans also have friends. This brings more people with money in their pocket into your bar and also spices the bar up with different entertainment. The obvious downside to a band is you will have to pay them, so only book worth while bands.
Some things will always sell
swimsuit competitions
Mud wreslting
Model competition for each holiday
once again.. women = men = money
Military!
It’s not a secret that our men & women of the military love to drink and hit the bar/clubs. The majority of military personnel are paid well and go out in large groups. These groups are known to spend a lot of money!
You will want to do what you can to draw these people to your business with various military specials and deals. We have seen buddies of ours who were in the military spend hundreds nightly in the bars.
Soft opening
Bar Essentials
Departing tip
The greatest attribute to your possible bar business success is not if you know how to operate a bar or not(hire a consultant), but your overall knowledge of the local area your bar is located in. research your local area heavily and open a bar that you know will work for the local population. Know the people how will be frequenting your business and make sure you’re offering them what they want!