Speaking of Bars

[Trim'd Up]

My better half has always wanted to open a bar/grill. I figure since the economy is in the hole and business are failing all over why not try to throw some money away. Anyway, we are looking into opening a place, nothing super classy or trendy, just a nice bar with above average food, outdoor patio etc. Just looking for some input from people that have done it, or are doing it. Lets hear it!

 

[Gladhe8er]

My pops has had a bar/restaurant for over 30 years. It's the one thing that hs been a consistent money maker over the past 30 years while he tried his hand at other things(nationwide pagers, computer installation company, builder, other restaurants). The money was enough to put 3 of us through good colleges(Siena, Butler, Villanova). If I could give you some tips, they would be:
1. location, location, location! - His place is on the river with a 40 foot bar overlooking the river. There is a launch ramp across the river, which provides a lot of entertainment due to no dock and the rivers current. You also see all the boat traffic go up and down the river. People come in just to see the sites on the river. Without a good location, you might as well not even open the doors.
2. Pour a good drink - You get repeat customers this way...trust me.
3. Serve good food at a price that is at least competitive in your market - serving crappy food is not way to keep people coming back, either are high prices.
4. Do things to liven up slower days/nights - About 12 years ago my dad introduced karaoke on Monday and Tuesday nights. He has won "Best Karaoke" in Fairfield County, CT for 10 years running. People come out for this crap! Tuesday is usually his busiest night of the week. He also has a Friday special from 12-3 Pm - The first 30 beers sold are $1 each.
5. events - Just had the 30th anniv weekend party. Friday had 70's prices/foods, Saturday was 80's and Sunday was 90's. Tons of money came in that w/end even though the prices were reduced. He also has a "Beach party" in the winter with prizes for best beach wear, a Halloween costume party with prizes for funniest, scariest, sexiest and most original, "island" parties in the summer with reggae bands and pig roasts, etc.
6. Customer service - make sure you have good, fast waitresses and competent cooks. Nobody likes to wait 10 minutes for a drink and an hour for their meal.

In the restaurant business it is all about getting a core group of "regulars" and then attracting new people by word of mouth, specials, events, etc. Gotta keep it hot so you constantly have to be thinking about new ideas, menu items, specials, etc.

Good luck if you go ahead with it. Check out my signature for the link to my Dad's place.

 

[ThrottleUp Props]

Location, Location , Location with a J. Buffet type of theme, of course!

Julie

 

[Chris]

1. You have to love it.

2. You have to live the business.

3. Like most businesses, it's not big hits, it's the nickles and dimes leaking through the cracks that buries you.

4. If you do become successful, start thinking immediately of how to change it. Success rarely lasts in restaurants. People like progression.

5. Treat it like a business. Most guys I know that have bar/restaurant operations become divorced, broke alcoholics. It's easy to fall into the trap. Buddies drinking for free, banging cute young waitresses, etc. will ruin you quick.

 

[Bobcat]

My pops has had a bar/restaurant for over 30 years. It's the one thing that hs been a consistent money maker over the past 30 years while he tried his hand at other things(nationwide pagers, computer installation company, builder, other restaurants). The money was enough to put 3 of us through good colleges(Siena, Butler, Villanova). If I could give you some tips, they would be:
1. location, location, location! - His place is on the river with a 40 foot bar overlooking the river. There is a launch ramp across the river, which provides a lot of entertainment due to no dock and the rivers current. You also see all the boat traffic go up and down the river. People come in just to see the sites on the river. Without a good location, you might as well not even open the doors.
2. Pour a good drink - You get repeat customers this way...trust me.
3. Serve good food at a price that is at least competitive in your market - serving crappy food is not way to keep people coming back, either are high prices.
4. Do things to liven up slower days/nights - About 12 years ago my dad introduced karaoke on Monday and Tuesday nights. He has won "Best Karaoke" in Fairfield County, CT for 10 years running. People come out for this crap! Tuesday is usually his busiest night of the week. He also has a Friday special from 12-3 Pm - The first 30 beers sold are $1 each.
5. events - Just had the 30th anniv weekend party. Friday had 70's prices/foods, Saturday was 80's and Sunday was 90's. Tons of money came in that w/end even though the prices were reduced. He also has a "Beach party" in the winter with prizes for best beach wear, a Halloween costume party with prizes for funniest, scariest, sexiest and most original, "island" parties in the summer with reggae bands and pig roasts, etc.
6. Customer service - make sure you have good, fast waitresses and competent cooks. Nobody likes to wait 10 minutes for a drink and an hour for their meal.

In the restaurant business it is all about getting a core group of "regulars" and then attracting new people by word of mouth, specials, events, etc. Gotta keep it hot so you constantly have to be thinking about new ideas, menu items, specials, etc.

Good luck if you go ahead with it. Check out my signature for the link to my Dad's place.

they let me drink in there......twice,doesn't say much for the clientele.

 

[Gladhe8er]

they let me drink in there......twice,doesn't say much for the clientele.

:ack2:

 

[MarylandMark]

5. Treat it like a business. Most guys I know that have bar/restaurant operations become divorced, broke alcoholics. It's easy to fall into the trap. Buddies drinking for free, banging cute young waitresses, etc. will ruin you quick.

+1

2 of my buddies and I thought it would be cool to open a bar.

2 years and many dollars later we closed shop for that very reason.

 

[RumRunner]

Check with your local municipality or colleges to see what they have to offer. I know by me the University of Georgia has a program where they'll help you with your business plan, local laws, and finding funding to open new businesses. I would also find out what the local laws are about serving food and liquor. In some areas they make it very hard for a true bar to make money legally.

 

[Wardey]

You will become married to the bar, divorced from your wife and then broke. With that in mind, good luck !!! Dave

 

[Trim'd Up]

I definately understand the "traps". I have been involved lightly in some "gentlemens" establishments, and have friends, and family still in them. Makes it even harder not to bang the waitreses when they are already naked.
I intend to stay out of this as much as possible. The girl wants something of her own to do, so it will be her baby, but on a short leash. I don't have time to "live the business" since I already have to do that with my other business. I appreciate the input. Keep it coming!

 

[Sea-Dated]

Location and customer service.

There is nothing I hate more than having to wait 45 minutes for chicken wings because the bar only has 1 waitress for 250 customers.

 

[yesrej]

My pops has had a bar/restaurant for over 30 years. It's the one thing that hs been a consistent money maker over the past 30 years while he tried his hand at other things(nationwide pagers, computer installation company, builder, other restaurants). The money was enough to put 3 of us through good colleges(Siena, Butler, Villanova). If I could give you some tips, they would be:
1. location, location, location! - His place is on the river with a 40 foot bar overlooking the river. There is a launch ramp across the river, which provides a lot of entertainment due to no dock and the rivers current. You also see all the boat traffic go up and down the river. People come in just to see the sites on the river. Without a good location, you might as well not even open the doors.
2. Pour a good drink - You get repeat customers this way...trust me.
3. Serve good food at a price that is at least competitive in your market - serving crappy food is not way to keep people coming back, either are high prices.
4. Do things to liven up slower days/nights - About 12 years ago my dad introduced karaoke on Monday and Tuesday nights. He has won "Best Karaoke" in Fairfield County, CT for 10 years running. People come out for this crap! Tuesday is usually his busiest night of the week. He also has a Friday special from 12-3 Pm - The first 30 beers sold are $1 each.
5. events - Just had the 30th anniv weekend party. Friday had 70's prices/foods, Saturday was 80's and Sunday was 90's. Tons of money came in that w/end even though the prices were reduced. He also has a "Beach party" in the winter with prizes for best beach wear, a Halloween costume party with prizes for funniest, scariest, sexiest and most original, "island" parties in the summer with reggae bands and pig roasts, etc.
6. Customer service - make sure you have good, fast waitresses and competent cooks. Nobody likes to wait 10 minutes for a drink and an hour for their meal.

In the restaurant business it is all about getting a core group of "regulars" and then attracting new people by word of mouth, specials, events, etc. Gotta keep it hot so you constantly have to be thinking about new ideas, menu items, specials, etc.

Good luck if you go ahead with it. Check out my signature for the link to my Dad's place.

#4 is a great idea

 

[Bobcat]

:ack2:

I was peeing in that photo:sifone:

 

[BY U BOY]

I was peeing in that photo:sifone:

Can't take you anywhere:sifone:

 

[Bobcat]

cept golfing:sifone:

 

[BY U BOY]

cept golfing:sifone:

I heard that. After that trip I may not be able to take myself anywhere:biggrinjester:

 

[KENNYO]

I was gonna say STRIPPER POLE!!!!!!!!! Seems like you already had that covered.