Most assume running a bar equates to instant dollars. After all, what attracts people more than alcohol. But with fierce competition from other bars, restaurants, clubs, grocers and liquor stores customers are able to imbibe in a million different ways.
To run a successful bar you must first consider your theme. Are you going to have a biker bar? Is your tavern near a college? Do you want an upscale bar that caters to people are higher means? Theme is very important to the type of clientele you will attract. Will you have a bar that features dancing hostesses? What about bikini mud wrestling? Get creative, make your establishment stand out.
Secondly, you want to consider your total investment potential which will affect your location. If you are starting with minimal capital, you may be starting your bar in a location where your local customers will be of lesser means. You can't start an upscale bar on the wrong side of town. If you want to start of bar that caters to middle-age customers, opening it across the street from the college probably won't attract your intended clientele.
Third, it is important to decide what kind of alcohol you will serve, and if you will have any signature drink(s). There are two separate alcohol licenses you can obtain. One is to serve just beer and wine. And the second, more expensive one, allows you to serve any alcoholic beverage.
It is important to have security. Your security could also be yourself or your bar tender, or you could invest in an additional security guard. If your bar is too become successful, you will probably need to think about keeping your customers safe.
Fifth, is specials. Everyone wants a great deal. You could offer your signature drink for half off on Mondays. Buy one, get one free, Tuesdays between 11 and 2 pm. Make sure you let your customers know how much you appreciate them by giving them a little something back.
The true secret to running a successful bar - Milwaukee's Best. No matter if they order a Coor's or Budlight, give them Milwaukee's Best. They'll never be able to tell the difference, and Milwaukee's Best is much cheaper to purchase. Make sure your tap displays the Budweiser and Coor's logos, but it will be hooked up to Milwaukee's Best. Trust me, I ran a bar, your customers will swear up and down they can tell the difference. They can't.
