I'm opening a bar, what do i need to know before i do?

Question

What might I have not considered or thought of in my planning?

What tips do other bar owners have for me?

Answer 1

You are definitely smart asking other bar owners.  There is an official industry forum that you can ask them what to do.

http://www.NBLForum.com

You definitely need to make a business plan, they have a detailed nightclub or bar business plan template you can download and work with as a start.

They have tutorial videos to help you understand about drinks and stuff.

They have worksheets to help you figure out things like, how many glasses you need to buy, and what will your startup costs be.

Talk to them about financing, licensing, marketing etc.

Lots of little things come up like buying a fire extinguisher and getting it certified...you might overlook that if you have never opened a bar or club before.

Did you get your liquor license yet? are there any available in your city or will you have to buy someone elses? that's a major cost.

Employee handbooks, training, log book forms, video cameras, misc supplies for the bathrooms and cleaning, in addtion to inventory supplies like straws, napkins etc.

Uniforms? Insurance? Food service certification?

They have a checklist of things to look for when creating your concept..it's a great resource, I suggest you start at that forum and register so you can ask questions.

There are other forums I am sure, but that one is the most comprehensive and easy to use....plus they give you a free blog, so when you open you have a place to promote your place for free :)