Starting a bar...
By Kpmc505
@Kpmc505 (8)
Kuwait
October 19, 2006 12:41am CST
I'm thinking of opening a bar. I have several concept in mind. I would like to get some feedback on a few idea. My previous job was Managing a bar, so I have some insight into what kind of bar I want to open based on things I would have done differently at the bar I worked at. I'm wanting to develope a concept around anythiny that makes the customer feel like "it's their bar". I've been brainstorming over ideas to provide my customers with a sense of personal investment in the place. When I was working at my previous job, I enojoyed the relationships developed with the regular customers. I would like to find a way to make that type of connection easier with a wider range of people quicker than the time it takes under normal cirrcimstances.
4 responses
@Lauraleigh99 (4718)
• United States
19 Oct 06
I have been a bar manager for 8 years now. There are a lot of things that you can do. From themed nights like pj night, 80's night etc... and run contests once and awhile. Also have a live band come in sometimes that really draws the people in. An outside volleyball court is another thing that really draws people to the bars around here. Especially in summer when they set up a mini bar out there and have a live band playing as people kick back and play volleyball
2 people like this
@Kpmc505 (8)
• Kuwait
20 Oct 06
I like the idea of some theme nights, i'm opening in a college area, so i'm wanting to develope relations with groups such as frats etc who already like events like that. i'm thinking like a once a month event that will very from month to month, something that regularly attracts a large crowd on a say a thursday as opposed to your normal weekend crowd.
@baldingeagle69 (749)
• United States
19 Oct 06
Kind of sounds like a "Cheers" type of place. I think the best way is to just not paint yourself into a corner with a theme. Just let things work themselves out. Let your customers give you suggestions early on if you feel the need to go into a theme. I personally don't like bars that make you feel like you have to be a certain type of person. I was a bartender in a neighborhood (dump) bar and everyone got along for the most part because you weren't expected to be a certain type of person if you came in.
@Kpmc505 (8)
• Kuwait
19 Oct 06
right, cheers, but minus the old school feel. The place i used to work at was kind of the 'dump' bar in downtown albuquerque nm, that is how it was there. no theme, just a fun place to hang out, drink and shoot pool. i agree on the subject of themes, thats what i'm trying to stay away from. thats why i'm trying to come up with unique ways to go above your normal dump bar but be original.
@baldingeagle69 (749)
• United States
19 Oct 06
The first thing I would suggest as far as making it a better then a dump, would be price your drinks just high enough to keep out the bottom feeders, but not too high for the average person. The thing of it is how do you draw a diverse crowd without going overboard or drawing the wrong people. That to me would seem to be the million dollar question. I will keep thinking and see what else I can come up with.
1 person likes this
@baldingeagle69 (749)
• United States
20 Oct 06
I like the concept. Expense accounts by day mommy and daddy by night. I think you have certainly done your homework. I ain't sure you need any advice you seem to have planned all this out. Although I certainly like giving my opinion on things I know something about. Please keep your ideas coming.
1 person likes this
@Zoesmom (199)
• United States
27 Oct 06
I too am thinking of opening a bar..mine will be a sports bar because that is what I love to do and the type of people I enjoy hanging out with. Nothing bonds people more than watching their favorite teams win or lose. I have found that those are the places i return to. Now my advice would be to open a bar in an area with industry, this way you get a good happy hour crowd. These are the folks that come back again and again. I hope I helped.
