I would like to open up a pool hall in a small town. What do I need to know?

Question

I feel that there is a real need for a pool hall in my small town. Is there anyone who has done this successfully who can advise me? Also, what are the things that I need to know that could harm a business like this? I'm going to get a Liquor License to serve only beer, and then eventually add food. Any advice would be very helpful to me. Thank You!

Answer 1

you need to find out if there is a demand.  I would take surveys among people.  THen call chamber of commerce for info about liquor licnese and all that.

Answer 2

Start small and be realistic.  You have to cater to what the customers want, but only to the extent that it will turn a profit for the business.  Keep your equipment clean and be prepared to stay open late at night.  This will bring in the "regulars", those who truly love to shoot pool.  This is your base, so try to keep them happy.  Then try to expand your business by attracting the marginal crowd;  the school kids who want to socialize on the weekend, the working guy who likes a game of pool with his beer, the wife who doesn't mind going with the hubby as long as she has something to do such as video trivia, poker, etc.  If the town is small don't waste money advertising, the word of mouth will spread fast.  But as mentioned, watch out for the shady characters.  If a guy is hanging around for 3 hours a day, waiting to hustle the amateurs for a dollar a game, but not spending any money himself, tell him to hit the road.  Most pool halls do have gambling, period.  But it has to be done carefully and quietly, or trouble will soon follow.  Good luck!

Answer 3

sometimes a poolhall becomes a hangout, it attracts pool sharks encouraging gambling,you need to watch for drug sales, these things work against a liquor license.

Answer 4

I disagree with straight shooter 526. Although he has great ideas and is a bca certified instructor in pool, owning and running a pool room (let alone) start one is an entirely different animal. What are my qualifications? Five rooms opened from the first one being 5500sqft with 17 tables, burgers, fries and soda with no alcohol to the (version 5 with 33 tables, alcohol (beer & wine) only, a kitchen and 14,500 sqft).

Location, Location, Location. Where will it be, What is the neighborhood like, What is your competition, and what kind of clientel will you be serving?

What can harm your business? the same thing you want that will help your business (alcohol-beer& wine only or full alcohol). Many things can affect your business in various degrees that will determine your survival or success. Feel free to contact me via email.

Answer 5

I can tell that you have given this some thought.  That is my ultimate goal as well.  The first thing that you have to realize, and I think that you probably already do, is that pool halls don't make the lion's share of their profits from pool.  It's almost always the other things that actually pay the bills.  First and foremost, the liquor license is essential.  I would, however, recommend a full bar and competent bartending staff.  Depending on how large your pool hall is going to be, food is also a good idea.  At the very least, have a simple bar menu.  French fries, cheese curds (I'm a Wisconsinite), burgers, and maybe frozen pizzas would be a good start.  It doesn't really have to be a full-restaurant, although some pool halls have chosen to go that route.  If you truly believe that there is a demand for a pool hall in your town, then I agree that you should follow your hunch up with some research.  Again, I don't know how large your pool hall will be, but you might want to think about a separate area with a stage for live music and a dance floor.  I know that in a perfect world, there could be a truly pure pool hall that doesn't need these things to keep it afloat, but I've never come across it.  In my town the only pool hall that is strictly pool is a complete dive and most self-respecting players are rarely seen there.  If you can, stop by your local library or book store and look for "Robert Bryne's Wonderful World of Pool and Billiards".  Early in the book he has a section about his "dream room" and I think he makes some great suggestions.  Best of luck with your endeavor and drop me a line if you're in the Madison area.  Cheers.  M.D.-BCA Instructor/Referee.

P.S.  Tony is right.  I'm just basing my opinion on word of mouth from other people in the industry, not from personal experience.  He's much more of an authority on pool halls than I am.

Answer 6

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