CASE STUDY:Buying a bar

[allanjustallan]

Am just about to close on a small bar in Northern Cali, no big price tag its going to run about 100,000 for land and building along with onsale and offsale licence.

So far dealing with the abc has been a real pleasure, they have been very helpful and useful, and the investigator that I have got is a really nice guy as well.

Just talked to the guy who owns the pool table plus juke box and other assorted entertainment in the bar, its a fifty split with the exception of the juke box which rents for 320 a month.

why dont bar owners simply buy their pool tables and other entertainment facilities, does anyone own theirs and does it make more sense to purchase?

Thinking of putting tile into the restrooms and behind the bar, have been in old bars before where the only thing still new looking was the tile floor, any thought or suggestions on flooring for restrooms, behind bar and in main area, where people also dance, no formal dance area in other words.

Many more questions but dont want to ask two much at once,

Allan.

[wygk]

If you go with tile, try to get the kind that has pigment throughout the clay, rather than just a surface glaze color. That way, the inevitable chips won't show as much. Even more important, ask your tile setter about grout sealer, and mix a fungicide with the grout, to avoid the grout getting stained or mildewed.

[ministry]

for alot of guys ( including me ) when we were building there was not alot left over to spend 2500 on a pool table or 10k on a video game. it is alot cheaper to go the way of a split. there really is no down side to letting someone else buy it for you. now if it is a very busy table, simply have them pull it out after you are open a while and have some cash flow going and buy it yourself.

[Falcon]

I own my pool tables but work a split on everything else the technology in bar tops and Jukes and the like changes too fast for me to want to keep up with upgrades and repairs keep your floors in high splill areas simple and swabbable I like a cement floor behind the bar with comfy mats for the tenders that can be pulled and cleaned once a week. for the bathrooms, what ywgk said. oh and (I think you could do better on the Juke unless its gonna be doin a thousand a month) good luck

[Baudtender]

Part of this, at least, I have some thoughts about:

The 50% (and I have a lot to say about that number a bit later) of the coin-op split you are giving away to an operator pays for:

1) Repairs and maintenance (not trivial: how much does it cost to re-felt a pool table and do you have a source that can get that sucker back up in a day or two (don't forget that you also have to provide sticks and cue/hand chalk, bridges, stand for the cuestics, etc?)) Ever priced a touchscreen for a Megatouch when some jerk punches it?, Do you know how to troubleshoot a classic Pac-Man motherboard or re-cap the monitor? The latest machines get more rugged, but I'm confident your customers will prove themselves worthy of representing thermodynamic bothers concerning entropy and decay.

2) Moving them in and out. Depending on your physical layout, this can be a GIANT pain. Come to think of it, even on flat ground, moving coin-ops is a GIANT pain.

3) Replacing stale machines with fresh ones, and providing updates (you should see what they pay to make a Golden Tee 2004 into a 2005, or update to the latest ang greatest Megatouch version) to existing moneymakers. Go price a Dance Dance Revolution. Price a Golden Tee 2005 and the latest Megatouches. For jukes, this also means updating the music.

4) Dealing with the other coin-op guys in the business (depending on where you live, this ranges from Sopranos to just-plain-cutthroat.)

5) Providing and renewing any and all local, state and/or government stickers, and ASCAP/BMI/SESAC royalties for music boxen.

6) Expert advice about in-house location. We've had machines that got moved from one corner to another that picked up better that 200% income in one month. They worry about that stuff at night, you don't. Don't get me wrong - a lot of coin-op venders would love to put a Megatouch/Poker/Cherry bartop in front of every barstool, but these things have big footprints and are exceptionally intrusive to what the people behind the bar are trying to do.

Before you start pricing machines on eBay or local auctions (and they are both plentiful and disceptively CHEAP,) recognize this: lots of amusement companies will flat out refuse to service you if you try to work both sides of the fence with them (exceptions: gumball machines and bathroom medicine/condom machines can usually be worked out as being non-competitive.) If you're thinking about bringing in your own machines, clear it with them first.

My advice:

1) By yourself a 3-brand or better gumball machine off of eBay, buy the junk to stock it with from a local Sam's Club. Put it right next to the front door or real close to the exit route from the bar. Price it at 25 cents and sit back and prepare to be amazed at how fast it pays itself back with very little interaction from the owner. LISTEN: NO BUSINESS OWNER SHOULD EVER ALLOW A THIRD PARTY GUMBALL MACHINE IN THEIR BUSINESS. (These machines are generically known as "gumballs", but can also dispense Peanut or regular M&M's, Runts, Mike & Ike's, etc. - AND SHOULD.) I have never in any property I own made less from one of these machines than to pay for one really nice vacation.

2) If you have a guy who will re-felt it and can move it (they are deadly heavy) then the next machine you want to own is a coin-op pool table. Beware that many amusement folks will NOT tolerate you competing with them. Some will. Do NOT buy one brand new - as long as you aren't shopping in the Christmas season you should be able to pick up a gorgeous table for less than half the price of new (my local guys told me yesterday they pay $1795 direct to Valley (the Cadlillacs) and less for a Dynamo.) That's for brand new with shipping included.

3) Foosball, Super-Chexx Hockey, and soft-tip darts (Arachnid brand is the only I'm familiar with) are then the next three things (in order) that I would tell you to buy, based on how easy they are to fix when things go wrong and how easy it is to buy parts online, if not local. Of course, you don't buy anything if they aren't bringing in big bucks. Route operators spread out their investment over many places, some hot, some not, and by rotating games when they get slow. You don't have that luxury unless you own several (ummm...many) stores.

4) Never, ever, ever buy a video game (this is easy advice since most of the hot cutting-edge money movers START at $6K-8K and quickly move to $15K-$20K+) unless it's a very popular classic, and you have a source set up to fix it for you. I can count the qualified of these on my fingers: (to wit: Pac-Man, Centipede, Galaga, Donkey Kong, Tempest, Gauntlet, Star Wars, Marble Madness, Asteroids.) This is my hobby (I own over 150 classic arcade games and wished to hell I collected stamps instead) and I can tell you these are a giant PAIN for a non-electronics-geek bar owner to keep running long enough to make them worthwhile.

5) Never let a coin-op guy hassle you for less than a 50/50 split on any machine, with the sole and ONLY exception of a cigarette machine. Cigarette machines you generally provide as a convenience to keep your customers in-place, and most of you would be smarter paying for a license (if required in your state) to sell a very few brands from behind the bar anyway. If you ever take less than 50/50 in the U.S.A., you are being played for a Rube. If you don't believe me, then spend a few bucks for a subscription to Replay magazine. There is simply no other machine, NOT the latest jukebox, NOT the latest bartop, NOT the latest golf game, nothing, nada, that you don't get 50% for. If they won't budge and they're the only game in town - tell 'em to F.Off because your uncle in Missouri owns a coin-op business and wants you to take it over and set it up in your new town, but you're thinking against it because your hands are full with your bar/club business -> the only thing that scares a coin-op company more than a savvy operator is new competition. Yes, and I say this quietly - that also goes for cherry and pokers.

6) As you contract with a company, part of your negotiations is how the money is to be counted. This is how it should work:
A) Collections are to be done on specified and agreed upon days and hours - do NOT let them come in on a whim or because "they're in the neighborhood" without notice and agreement.

B) Counts are to be done in full view of the owner. Counts are to be done for each machine individually (see D) below for the audit trail)

C) Coins are to be rolled, and bills are to be strapped.

D) There are to be mechanical play-counters (look like odometers) inside of each machine: DO NOT rely on video screen displays which can be easily adjusted by the machine owner - the owner should write down the play count each collection period to resolve their split as well as establish which machines are worthy of the real estate they are occupying.

E) Recognize that some machines (e.g Golden Tee and Megatouch) have national league capabilities (if you hook them up to a phone line or Internet connection) and these require payments to the machine developer that isn't part of your split. Go over this and understand it.

F) Don't be shy - ask your coin-op vender up front what the process is for you to have an off-night "Free Pool" or "Free Jukebox" promo. Mine says paint an "X" on the quarters and they separate those out and return them to me before the count-split. Hardasses may tell you no-way/no-how.

G) Recognize how much money your vender is spending on machines and be his buddy. Clean them, do not allow people to abuse them, treat them as if they're your own. BUT... do you REALLY need the latest internet-downloadable-jukebox that costs him $7000+ wholesale or do you just want one of the fifty wall or floormounted CD jukeboxes he has in his shop gathering dust? I don't like the internet downloadable boxes and wouldn't have one of them in any of my properties simply because I <----I <-----ME <-----OWNER decides what kind of music gets played here.

H) NEVER be afraid to tell the operator precisely what music you want and won't tolerate on your jukebox. NEVER allow new music to be put in your box without your approval (hint: NOT the daytime bartender's approval.) Ambient and active music has a HUGE effect on how customers perceive your business.

I) Take good advice from your coin-op venders about contests, tournaments and leagues, but be wary (wary, that is, not dismissing them out of hand) about those that are run by them. I've seen more than one league self-destruct that was run by the coin-op vender simply because they wouldn't settle disputes for fear of losing an account. Leagues run by coin-up venders mimic cheap bottle rockets - promising beginning, dissatisfying end. Sponsored contests or tournaments can be very profitable AND have legs.

O.K. - I say this with reservation - how much does a PlayStation 2 or XBOX cost with 2 or 3 good games and how much does an inFocus X1 cost to shine it onto an 8-foot diagonal screen? No quarters coming in (well perhaps, but that's up to you) but butts stuck on the barstools, eh? Strange as it sounds, many of us bar owners made lots of money from dart players long before the soft-tip dart machines started moving in.

I designed a concept where the pool, jukebox (my own mp3 touchscreen bar jukebox software), classic videos (some I owned plus some MAME machines) and pinballs, and home video arcade games were completely free. along with free broadband internet terminals around the bar and it worked on paper simply because most of us owners neglect to consider game income in our monthly budgets to begin with (unless were a big joint with lots of them or are running gambling machines.) Give it some thought. Sometimes I wonder just how much we owners know where our bread is buttered.

Give me 2 more beers and/or 2 more hours and I'll add another 25 paragraphs to the above. Meanwhile, I know that there's some smart operators here - what can you guys throw in?

And, oh yeah, I always do floor to ceiling ceramic tiles in my bathrooms - simply because it hits back. :-D

But never, ever, use the color white (including off-whites) in a bathroom anywhere except the ceiling. Bad strategy.

Think earthtones, black floor, dark colors low getting lighter as you go higher (and grout can and should be dyed, by the way.) Bathroom design is a subject for a different day. Whooeee could I write a few paragraphs on that...

Baudtender

[Falcon]

good info Baudtender I appreciate your indepth perspective and read every word since I have been coming here. I would like to say tho that I have a download type Juke It has over 2,000 tunes instantly available that I approved it also has 700,000 songs that can be down loaded within a matter of seconds, they cost the customer an extra credit. the juke box plays almost alla time these days and the proceeds have more than tripled

[allanjustallan]

I would really like to thank everyone who responded first of all, some really very interesting info.

Am just about to close, some minor/major things like sellers have more debts than the offering price and hope thats going to be ironed out in the next week.

Have met with local law enforcement, lucky enough the top guy here is someone I kinda knew long time ago when he was still new, but hes now in charge here and I really like and respect him and I got the message across that I intend to co-operate fully with them in getting problems reduced to a minimum.

Thanks for the restroom info, simply confirms my original thoughts about tile, its the best way to go I believe, and adds a touch of class at very little additional expense.

I believe ministry is right, owning ones own pool table is the way to go, but in the process I was offered an ultimatum, no private pool table or lose all the other machines which were in the bar, so now I have an empty bar and more time will have to be spent researching which machines to replace them with along with the additional expense.

Am going to get myself a gumball machine for sure, thanks baudtender, and I will explore further your other tips as well to see how they may fit into my current situation.

I would appreciate if you could give me more info on your internet jukebox falcon, sounds kinda interesting to me.

I also found out I have termites, yes indeed, just another small surpise along with the seller having a lot of outstanding bills.

Allan.

[Visual Magic]

There is boatload of good info in this thread concerning gaming tables. Some stuff I wasn't even aware of.
But the part about floors, I can turn you on to something really cool. It's called Acid Stain.
(First off though, I'm going to have to assume you are on a first floor or single story with a concrete foundation. You have to be on a concrete foundation for this info to be of any real value. If you aren't then this might be useful to others anyway)
This acid stain method is absolutely awesome. It started more in the residential market as an alternative to tile and/or carpet but has made a huge splash in the business industry. You can simulate all types of surfaces with this stuff on a concrete slab. You can even include logos and patterns permanently burned into the concrete itself. It is now being used for counter tops in homes and therefore could just as easily be used for Bar tops. That's where I want to go with this stuff. The grocery division of Wal-Mart is currently using it for a stone floor look. You can see some really good examples of its use at this link: www.acidstain.com
I'm learning more about how to do some of the higher end patterns and logos with this stuff so I can add it to the design elements I offer already. I'm really excited about the possibilities. Just thought you might want to look into it yourselves.

[allanjustallan]

Talk about plodding slowly forward, my quest to become owner of a bar has slowed to a glacial crawl.

The current owners have a negative net worth, and creditors with judgements against the bar total 12000 more than my purchase price. In order to close I was forced to send in an additional 12000 to pay their debts. My only justification is that 107 for a bar is still not all that much, but 95000 would have been soooo much better.

Have decided to buy much of my equipment via the internet to save money. Have settled on the top of the line sony speakers model save835, and augmented these with an additional two speakers from sony save831 which are simply carbon copies of the 835 sattelite speakers. This should work well with the sony reciever which has 5.1 or 7.1 output the model strde995.

Gonna call bigdealtv.com http://www.bigdealtv.com/policies.aspx on monday as a sign of my faith this bar deal will finally close after three tortourous months.

Have decided to get a pool table from global billiards manufacturing, the buckingham model seems just right for my bar decor. http://www.pool-tables.com/

Have also kinda decided on the top of the line pergo laminate flooring, pergo select, and buy it online as well cause the price seems very right at http://www.floorshop.com/Store/Subcategory.cfm?Pergo%20Select%20Planks&subcategoryID=234

Still researching vidio games and still not sure if I should demolish the bars old walk in freezer, its an electric hog and makes a whole part of the bar unusable.

Anyone having any ideas on freezers for bars and where to buy them I would love to hear from you please. Also if anyone has any better ideas about pool tables, flooring etc please let me hear your thoughts,

Allan.

[Falcon]

the fact that the sellers have run aground and owe more money should not be your problem. I bought my first business under simalar circumstances. if the owners could not sell at a loss they would have had to peice out everything at an auction just to satisfy their debts they made more money selling at a loss.

a walk in cooler is invaluable... if the refridge componants need up dating ("electricity hog") you will cut down on electric by making it more efficient at a lot less cost than demolishing replacing

next time I replace my pool tables I am going to try wranglers they are in all the trade mags and cost less than 2 grand shipped
that is if we are talking about coin ops... also pool halls that have been around for awhile know where there are great deals on used tables sometimes thay even have one or two stored... recovering costs anywhere from 200 to 350

Last floor I put in I used abs tiles cheap easy to clean looks great and relatively inexpensive. used a local guy who turned out to be a good man and brought me quite a bit of business this is true in a lot of the trades you will need to interact with... how much money is some internet salesman going to spend in your place?

if you have a 'touch tunes' rep in your area they supply your juke box and sound system with Bose surround sound at no cost to you... get your bar tops/videos from the same guy zero upkeep

money is an object

[Thomas]

Allen

Don't know the politics of cali bar life but a couple of points for you to ponder.

Do they have pool, dart, golf, foosball ect. leagues there?

Up here in the great white north we depend on leagues to fill up our slow times. A lot of these leagues are run by the vendors thus if you purchase these machines by yourself you could possibly be left out in the cold. Tournaments are also a big moneymaker. If I wish to run a pool tourny and need an extra table or two my vendor will make the arrangements. Same with dart boards. We're big on state dart and pool tournaments and to qualify league games must be played on vendor machines. The very wise Baudtender makes some excellent points. Develop a great releationship with the vendor and the return will more then makeup on the split. Remember this is a substantial investment on the vendors part. $30 - $40 k in equipment is an attainable figure on capitol investment of the vendor. Not sure of your finances but would rather hang on to the capitol for unforseen expinditures then spend foolishly at the beginning.

If it were me, I would let the vendor fill it with machines desired, keep count as Baudtender suggested and if you feel that you be better off owning your own profit centers, buy at that time. The vendor might even sell you the equipment instead of moving them.

Good Luck

Thomas

[Baudtender]

Some after-comments:

1) I really like that acid-stain idea - but I wonder how durable a polyurethane sealer would be in this environment. It only takes a nick or scratch in the sealer and any liquid is going to permeate the concrete and stain it from what I can see. Am I off-kilter here?

2) Over the years, I've used many different brands of coin-op pool tables and the only two that have held up exceptionally well are those made by Valley and Dynamo. A good investment (or part of the deal with the vender if one is placed on your site) is to get one of those table jacks with casters - makes it much easier when it's time to strip, wax, polish, etc your floors. On one smaller property, I used one of these to move the table out of the way on the nights we had entertainment or did banquets. It was a pain-in-in-rear to re-level the table after moving it, but at the time it was our best option. If it's fairly easy for you to move the light (e.g. drop ceiling) consider moving the table periodically - the feet will divet the flooring if it sits in one place for a long time.

3) Don't lose faith in your closing - I once made a ridiculously low offer on a property, and the first offer was accepted by a bank, rather than the owner, in 15 minutes (damn - wish I'd offered less!). It took 8 months to get everyone paid off (we got smart and used the same lawyer for both buyer and seller.) But it was worth it. My experience is that unless you have unlimited capital, profitable businesses are better made than purchased.

4) If you can get on Usenet or can figure out how to use http://groups.google.com (http://groups.google.com/groups?q=rec.games.video.arcade&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wg) (link goes to the relevant groups), check out the newsgroups:
rec.games.video.arcade
rec.games.video.arcade.marketplace
and
rec.games.video.arcade.collecting

There's a wealth of advice and counsel concerning oldie but goodie games (and more than a few moderns offered for sale) but of particular interest to you would be to inquire about coin-op auctions in your area. These guys know where they're at and you might just pick up a pool table, foosball, megatouch, jukebox, gumball, crane, classic vid or pinball at a fantastic price. I don't know why you don't see more plush cranes in bars/clubs (except for the large footprint) - these can be great money magnets for the rubes trying to impress chicks (and yes, sorry to burst anyone's bubble, but if you value your money, don't play these.) Reaction time games (such as Sports Arena (http://www.sammyusa.com/games/soldout/sports-arena.asp) are such a natural where alcohol is served it's nearly an embarassment. If you've got the space, a foldup good quality ping-pong table can also build up some devoted regulars. In spite of my original post warning, I have a Pac-Man machine that pulls in an amazing amount of money from the 35 years old and up crowd. Unless you're opening a bar in Berkeley, if you catch my drift, a shooting game (such as Police Trainer, Lethal Enforcer, or Deer Hunter) can also pull big bucks.

5) Make sure you know someone who can fix your machines. Realize that all pinballs are now classic, since they aren't made anymore.

6) Laminates such as Pergo or Mannington are expensive (compared to commercial vinyl tile,) but absolutely incredible how durable they are. On my last build-out, I got ahold of enough of a discontinued Mannington pattern for dirt cheap to do my restaurant floor and had enough left over to do a 30 seat bar. No one has yet found a way to stain (but I wouldn't try harsh chemicals or use it as a bathroom floor due to uric acid from urine inaccuracies), chip, dent, or cigarette burn it. The decision to use it was made after a carpenter let his freshly lit cigarette roll out of an ashtry onto the floor - it burned all the way down and it wiped up clean with just a rub or two - it's proven to be the best bartop surface I've ever seen (we just put it over the old wood with no pad and used a urethaned oak trim on the edges.) One caveat is that it probably wouldn't make a good dance floor surface. You're supposed to use a pad underneath the laminate - gives it a rather pleasant spongy feel - not sure how that would hold up to heavy equipment moving over it (bands, DJ, pool tables, etc.) One bonus is that when padded, glasses and bottles don't often break when dropped. Breakage is damned near a sure thing on vinyl tile over concrete - you get many years out of it, but stripping/sealing/waxing costs finally convinced me to invest in a highspeed buffer and do it ourselves.

7) Walk-in coolers are not designed to be frequently opened and closed - I do my best to limit access to no more than 3 times per day. If there's no way around it, make sure you install a plastic strip door inside to help out with the cooled air loss and humidity entry when the door is opened, or even better would be an air curtain blower. Perhaps you can get the cooler space out of your sales floor by moving the bulk of it outside so that only the door(s) are on your inside wall. If you can't move the sucker, have your carpenters build a new one to your specs (check out Thermax sheathing made by Celotex.) I'd sure recommend a stainless or thick aluminum sheet flooring with a 4" lip up the walls, but if that's too expensive for your budget, you can use a two-part epoxy enamel paint and resign yourself to repainting every year or so. The key to good performance and longevity with all refrigeration is to KEEP THE COILS CLEAN. I use a spray-on coil cleaner and do every coil in the building at least once per month (and more often in humid weather, when they have to work harder.) I've heard bar-lore about never cleaning dirty coils or the compressor will fail (it gets "used" to the dirt, so it goes) and can tell you that's utter nonsense, and at best a really bad and expensive excuse for laziness. Have a refrigeration tech come out and really service the compressor and evaporator units on ALL your refrigeration equipment and unless it's in really, really bad shape, you'll save a bundle in replacement costs.

I still agree with Thomas - except for a low-maintenance item like a gumball, I would much rather see you use a vender's equipment than buy it yourself out of the gate. Don't add any non-essential headaches to your opening year - trust me, you'll have enough. There's two ways I know to cure you of sleep - have a baby or open a bar (and God help you if you do like me and do them both simultaneously.)

Let us know of your progress!

Baudtender

[Visual Magic]

>>>1) I really like that acid-stain idea - but I wonder how durable a polyurethane sealer would be in this environment. It only takes a nick or scratch in the sealer and any liquid is going to permeate the concrete and stain it from what I can see. Am I off-kilter here?<<<

What actually colors the concrete is a chemical reaction. It burns in deep. You use wax inside. Just keep it mopped and waxed periodically and it lasts for years even in heavy traffic.

[allanjustallan]

Am just sitting here waiting for tomorrow to hear from Bret at the abc, todays his day off. Hope he tells me he sent in the final paperwork cause its now been close to 90 days and after sitting around now for a month doing nothing I am very ready to get back to a hard work situation.

You are a fountain of knowledge baudtender, and I also have appreciated all the other good advice as well from everyone else.

The walk in cooler I currently have has glass doors on side and the bartenders use this as their stock when a customer orders. Its old and uses up a lot of space as well. Was considering removing it and using something along this line http://www.bigtray.com/productdetails.asp!sku.TRUGDM72,catid.10120.html

Then using an underbar cooler like this as well http://www.bigtray.com/productdetails.asp!sku.TRUTD9538S,catid.10315.html

There is a possible place to put a walk in cooler that is out of the main customer area, would make the place look much better I believe and serve the same purpose.

I checked out the valley pool table, damn its so UGLY cant you reccomend something that looks better? but their foosball table looks good to me at first glance. I like the idea of a table jack, and am going to get one for sure.

Spoke to my accountant, he suggested I buy quickbooks http://quickbooks.intuit.com/ and this add on seemed kinda interesting to me as well.
http://quickbooks.intuit.com/commerce/catalog/category.jhtml?priorityCode=0273400000&categoryId=cat0000000000004331262&lid=ap

wonder if anyone uses point of sale software/hardware?

an update on the top of the line sony speakers, they are no longer available and it appears they are comming out with a new line called the save845 hope they become available soon.

Hey baudtender, I think your a really tough guy to be able to start a new bar and have a new kid at same time, lol, just hopes I dont get in the same sitaution.

I quit trucking and its 80 hour work week in order to have a life again, Money is not my real motivater anymore, just want to have something to do while I live in a really nice area, but being me I just love the mental challenge of learning something totally different.

All the best,

Allan.

[Falcon]

yer gonna need luck kid , here's wishin ya some

[allanjustallan]

When I became a stockbroker at 23 they, whoever they is said I would not succeed, guess what I stuck with it for 16 years and became a certified financial planner while working, when I got divorced and decided to become a trucker they said I would not last, four years later I quit on my own terms.

Thanks for your kind sentiments falcon I hope to make this succeed as long as I dont make any fatal mistakes. My financing is mostly cash, I have a huge credit line if need be, I dont depend on any of the expected cash flow from the bar for my personal needs.

They have said to me that I will either not make it or will lose my investment, I hope to prove them wrong, and try to have some fun doing it,

Allan.

[allanjustallan]

Just spoke to abc, gonna get my final go ahead sometime next week, boy am I ready for some hard work,

ON my agenda is termite extinction, sewage pipe removal and replacement, toilet replacement and new flooring, lucky my brother is a plumber. New bar equipment like pool table, sound equipment plus new computer and software.

Gonna be a steep learning curve for sure, about all I have going for me is its the only bar in town and I dont personally need any of the income which the bar generates.

I am getting excited but am also worried about the huge mountain I am going to have to climb,

Allan.

[Baudtender]

> ...about all I have going for me is its
> the only bar in town and I dont
> personally need any of the income
> which the bar generates.

The former is fantastic, the latter is presumptious. :D

If you take out your walk-in, where will you keep your working and/or staged draught beer kegs? Where will you stage (cool to stocking temperature) your bottled beer and takeout cans? Where will your bartenders sneak to smoke cigarettes. O.K., forget that last part. In a previous property, I had a self-contained draught box (refrigerated underneath for kegs and faucets on the top) and had to lug kegs and cases from my kitchen walk-in - IT SUCKED! But if you have no other better option, you do what you have to do. Knowing what I do now, I would never trade a properly designed and placed dedicated bar walk-in.

Now, I'll wisely defer to your aesthetic impression of the Valley pool table (notice I never said it or the Dynamo were particular good looking) - but I wonder, have you ever heard a fellow say "I ain't going there, their pool table is UGLY, man!" :)

I use two of the True glass door uprights (except mine are double door instead of triple, and are on either side of a 100" diagonal projection screen - neat layout for a horseshoe bar) - I use them mainly for my imports, microbrews, and to-go beer and use the deep bin beer coolers (like in your second link) for my fast-moving domestics (since I can stock a lot more of them at one time) and green/clear bottles.

Some suggestions:

First of all, on your glass door coolers, turn off the internal flourescent lights and leave them off - the blue spectrum skunks beer fast, ESPECIALLY clear and green bottles. In fact, beer hates light, so I never stock clear or green bottles in them at all, since ambient light is getting through the glass at all times. Bartenders can be lazy - make sure they practice proper stock rotation (new goes to the back) and placement (make a drawing or affix labels to the shelves) and they "face" the product (labels facing forward.) Watch out for the top shelves of these coolers - that's where the air from the evaporator blows and it freezes stuff easy - put your higher alcohol stuff on the top - never NA's unless you like cleaning up broken glass and beer muck from burst bottles. NEVER (and I mean post big signs on the glass doors) allow self-service from the uprights if you do to-go beer. Also make sure the doors close each and every time freely on their own (keep the rails clean and lubed) because these loose their cool real quick when a door is stuck open just a couple of inches.

Build a nice shelf or display case to show one of each bottle brand you serve, and print up a beer list (you can stick them in plastic table tents and distribute them around the bar and tables) to make up for the lack of customer view into the uprights (which ain't so good from behind the bar distance anyway.)

The deep-bin coolers:
I always save my cardboard beer cases and (flattened) use them to line the bottom of my deep bin beer coolers - they soak up broken bottle droppings and condensation and make removing broken glass and trash easier (amazing what you'll find down there.) At least once per week (and more often if I suspect theft or other shenanigans) during a stock-in, every bottle is pulled and counted (so I achieve true inventory counts - the rest of the week I'll just eyeball how much to bring in), the old cardboard is removed and the bottom is cleaned up, and new cardboard from the saved cases is put flat on the bottom (don't cover up the drain hole near the compressor or you'll get a real mucky mess on the bottom - this ritual will become clear some day when you have to throw away 6+ cases of really old beer bottles (per cooler) covered in ice and rust and sludge because everyone avoided dealing with the bottom rows.) New bottles are stocked in followed by the old, so I get proper inventory rotation. Keep to this ritual and you'll get many years of service out of these. Neglect them and the bottoms will rust out. Except for short rush periods and never on really humid days, I don't allow bartenders to run with the deep bin doors open - you don't lose cold air, but I notice a lot more condensation on the bottom when doing so.

Don't presume that your bartenders know how to properly stock a deep bin cooler - many don't and done improperly, you can't stock nearly as much in the same space and you get avalanches that cause broken bottles. If you're not sure how it's to be done (it varies as to the width you give a particular brand,) get someone knowledgable to show you (good daytime bartenders - the ones who usually have to stock - love to show off this skill, and it truly is one.) Likewise, train and insist that your bartenders completely remove each row before descending to the next. Short chicks hate deep bin coolers (hell, I'm 6'0" and it's a giant pain getting to the bottom row or two - if you have speed rails on the front of the cooler - a good idea - going deep can often mean a near nipplectomy from the pourers), unless they're gifted with cleavage/booty in which case their tips will increase with how far/deep they have to reach - don't shoot the messenger, it's science, dammit.

QuickBooks is just fine. A good POS system is not an option or a place to save money - it's an absolute necessity - PLEASE don't operate with a "glorified cigar box" type register with one key for Domestic Beer, another key for Imports, etc, and/or prices punched in by the operator. If you can't afford state of the art, see if you can grab some used Micros 2700's off of eBay (they're built like battleships, to the chagrin of Micros, because they have a helluva time upselling to the new expensive models to the people who own them) or from a refurbisher like this wonderful guy: refurbisher (http://www.nabgroupequipment.com/products.shtml).

Then have that sucker programmed so that EVERY product has it's own key so you can have inventory management that is actually useful (pay a CPA to train you in perpetual inventory and money handling/analysis - saves you a fortune later.) If you think all of your employees will be honest by nature, man are you in for a shock.

This ain't advice, it's gospel. There is no better way to sink your business faster than with crappy money and inventory management tools. Every bar/club owner that I've convinced to get rid of the cigar boxes and start practicing real inventory & money control has never seen less than a 25% increase in profits "magically" without increasing sales. I've seen 75% increases and wondered how the hell they survived beforehand. Now you say you don't need any of the income generated by the bar, but I'm confident (3 to 1 against you is a fair bet) that you'll never see any profit until you fight tooth and nail for it. If you want to be charitable and distribute that profit, that's up to you. Think about it - somewhere between 70% and 80% (depending on whose stats you buy) of new bar owners never see any income but instead bleed money to death. How many times will you need to put in another $25K to keep it afloat before you knuckle down? For my first bar/restaurant, the answer was twice in the first 18 months, and it HURT. Expensive education.

I appreciate the compliment, but I'm not as tough as you think - at 45 years old, my firstborn is now four years old and my second is 1 1/2 (by God, I am fertile, if nothing else.) I'm just now finalizing a lease with some new tenents for my last (and best) property - all the other ones were sold off. I'm still going to stay close and mentor them for at least the first year, but I want lots of time left in the day for going home, writing software (my first true love) and playing husband and daddy. Much easier getting a rent check than working for a living, at least until the boys are old enough to introduce to a commercial dishwashing machine - it's in my blood, man. :)


Good luck!

Baudtender

[allanjustallan]

You are a deep well of knowledge Baudtender, take some time off from writing software and write a book about running a bar.

You are smart to spend more time with your children now, once the hormones kick in(teen years) you can expect to lose them for six to ten years.

I usually think long and hard before I do anything irrevocable, so still thinking about the walk in, its not that big anyway and really destroys the ambiance of that part of the bar, as well as being wastefull of energy and space. Will make my final decision after more consideration but now leaning to keeping it.

Your info on keeping beer in top shape was right on the money, I came across this site and it mirrors what you said.
http://www.abwholesaler.com/eprise/main/SharedContent/BeerTender/beertender03.htm

Thanks for steering me in direction of micros unit, now I just have to find out how it interacts with quickbooks,

Allan.

[Baudtender]

As far as how the Micros 2700 interacts with Quickbooks - it doesn't directly. You can get an interface card (but it requires an ISA slot and Windows NT) and import the 2700's data into your PC, and there may be some third party software that will further massage into a format that Quickbooks will import, but there's little point as there are relatively few numbers coming from your POS that you need in your accounting software that would warrant more than hand-entering.

Now, inventory usage numbers are a different matter. Until I get the time to finish my own bar/restaurant inventory control software, I've been playing with a package called IPro (search for that in eBay - you can usually pick it up for around $50 and they do have an import module available for the Micros 2700 - I haven't done much with it yet, but it looks promising from an overview standpoint.)

What's behind the wall where the walk-in sits against? If it's outside, problem solved - most walk-ins can be easily converted to outside units, so you'd just flushmount the doors then on the inside wall.

Interesting idea about writing a book...I've read so many crappy ones that weren't worth the paper they're written on that I wonder if it would sell. Years ago, I worked as an editor and before that had a couple of books published (computer programming) so that may still be in my blood somewhere as well.
Thanks for the idea fodder!

Baudtender

[allanjustallan]

I am looking for something that logs drinks sold via pos and interacts automatically with quickbooks, will let you know once I get everything to work. Idea being to keep right up to date on invertory and also how productive each bartend is, perhaps this will also help keep theft low and finally will help with taxes. Anyway thats my idea, hope I can make it work if anyone reading this has similar setup PLEASE let me know.

cant put walkin cooler in side wall, but could perhaps move it however then it would lose its close proximity to bar, think I am gonna just sit on this one for while.

Writing a book will not make you much money, but it would be great to do I would imagine, writing a book may help you break into consulting, which I would say could make you money you certainly have the knowledge base baudtender.

Just got back from three hour seminar put on by abc here in santa rhosa, ca. It was kinda interesting and free. Their main push is against serving to minors and serving people till they are drop dead drunk. Lady called Carol gave it, she was way smart you could tell, seems to me this agency has a lot of really sharp female agents, which of course makes sense, lol. She more or less confirmed what I already suspected, if they want to shut down any bar they can, so good relations with local law enforcement and community a MUST.

Still waiting to get go ahead from abc, and of course the waiting gives me time to wonder what on earth I was thinking about when I decided to get into bar business.

Allan.

[allanjustallan]

Have finally got the licence transfer from abc, so bar is now mine.

Have been spending last number of days cleaning, my brother, as I watched with some concern, used a power pressure washer to clean the entire bar, you should have seen the accumulated nicotine dripping down from everywhere, place now smells much better. Have pulled out much of the old flooring, gonna put in that pergo select which I just ordered yesterday from www.floorshop.com and also ordered a pool table as well from http://www.pool-tables.com/

Found out that the sewer blockage is caused by a HUGE root, which is good news kinda, just remove root and the problem will go away, plus termites here are very mellow and relatively few, they have also stayed away from my main beams, which are redwood.

Ordered quickbooks from gateway computer, they have the cheapest prices for software so far, and got accupos point of sale which links up directly with quickbooks http://www.attitudepositive.com/foodservice.htm

Also ordered hardware bundle from http://www.posworld.com/newm1ser15lc.html to complete setup.

Have an appointment with accountant this thursday and I hope to have him set up the system, he already has two other bars which he takes care of so he knows what to do.

Also get to meet bud distributor today, eagle distributing installs all types of bar fixtures, and I have feeling they are gonna be big help.

Talked to bobbie fetzer of fetzer vinyard fame, he thinks a pool table in the bar is going to attract the same old bad crowd, and advised against it, however I simply find it really hard to walk away from such a huge potential money maker, hope I am making right choice.

Finally, was working with guy digging up sewer, and alarm sounded, I raced him to volunteer fire station just down the road, and upon finding out that I had current valid cdl the fire chief was very happy to have me play water tanker driver for a few hours, was kinda fun.

Hey baudtender, here are few web sites for self publishing, www.xlibris.com www.iuniverse.com www.fidlardoubleday.com www.cameopublications.com www.trafford.com www.parapublishing.com

I really have appreciated your input so far, hope you keep on giving me your thoughts, all the best.

Allan.

[allanjustallan]

I guess I am making this forum my personal diary site, anyway its been another great day.

I had just got to bar today, wondering where I was going to find someone to help me fix the wet rot flooring which I had uncovered while removing all the old non working fixtures from behind the bar, when this huge giant of a guy(must be at least 6.7) walked into the bar and asked if I needed any work done.

A group of them had come to Covelo in past week so that his friends wife could have access to a midwife who they knew. Anyway it turns out they are really good old Texas boys who just travel around the country in a huge old school bus, they look kinda hippie but really know how to work, boy did I get lucky, my old flooring is about replaced and ready for pergo select, which I have been informed is on its way. Painting is in its final stages and pool table and under bar cooler and draft beer dispenser are ordered and on their way.

http://www.galasource.com/prodList.cfm/1677,M,Deep%20Well%20Bottle%20Coolers,1,1,F,MX1

http://www.galasource.com/prodDetail.cfm/3754,90%22%20Four%201%20%202%20Barrels%20Beer%20Di spenser,MX2

Still have to check back with accountant about pos system, but finally hopefull I may open before end of month, or at least within a few days anyhow.

Sony save series speakers which I know from personal experence to be great are not available right now, and still researching jukeboxes but may go with this one

http://win.eagle-distributing.com/wurlitzerjukeboxes.htm

Allan.

[Baudtender]

Looks like some pretty good refrigeration you ordered. One very important thing I forgot to mention about the deep-bin bottle coolers:

One of the greatest sins behind my bar is to let me catch a bartender sitting (or worse standing) on a bottle cooler. The slide doors have rather flimsy rails that don't support weight (and a real pain to fix), and the doors themselves bend and warp easily. You will never hear such a profane cacophony as you will when I catch someone abusing the slides. Keep those rails lubed with food-grade silicone grease and baby them.

Am I to understand that you are buying your own jukebox, or is the vender allowing you to pick one out?

If you have a dropped ceiling (ceiling tiles and grids), these speakers are not cheap (vender's problem) but do sound very nice:
Dropped Ceiling Speakers (http://www.happcontrols.com/amusement/jukebox/50205600.htm)

Be careful if they want to put up bookshelf style speakers on wall brackets - make SURE if they do that separate safety chains are securely installed - I once had one of those 20-lb. MTX speakers come down on a female customer's noggin. Thank God she had a thick skull, a sense of humor and a belly full of cheap tequila.

Keep us up to date on your developments - I for one am very much enjoying your "diary."

Baudtender

[allanjustallan]

I have decided to buy my own jukebox, am fairly good with numbers and figure a healthy return via the ownership route.

Really like the idea of internet jukeboxes, but they appear to track every cent that goes into juke, and also I hate rap and heavy metal.

Am also going to have to fork out big amounts for mega touch machines http://www.meritind.com/index_ie.asp

These machines bring in the girls, who love playing them, and of course girls bring in guys who enjoy drinking.

I checked out the speakers, they go down to 40hz, I really want speakers which are full range down to 20hz, of course one option is to install these speakers then simply add a subwoofer to bring it down to 20hz. I must be honest, I have not heard any speakers which are better than the sony save line of speakers, just my bad luck that right now they are inbetween product introductions. Gonna have to make a decision really soon however, just hoping sony gets their act together soon.

Another good day at the bar, all the subflooring is now repaired, and those two hippie texas boys have allready demolished the bathrooms and tomorrow will start rebuilding them.

Next task I am going to research hd tv, probably lcd, low maintenance and now just about as good pic as any out there.

All the best,

Allan.

[allanjustallan]

Well right now I am really tireds. and my main crew who with me have been working 7 days a week are also wearing down as well.

However the pergo select arrived from floorshop.com, and all 1000 feet of it went down in one day, just a few finishing touches for the second day to complete the flooring, I am really happy so far with this choice of flooring. In addition the tile and marble combination really worked out well for the bathrooms, it looks very beautiful and was fairly reasonable as well.

Also have electrician making sure all electrical outlets are safe, and he is updating fuse boxs with modern equipment, which probably is waste of money but safety first in my prime concern.

Still waiting for my refrigeration equipment to arrive, probably will be friday and I intend to open fri no matter what cause its a very big weekend here, with rodeo and lots of tourists etc.

And I just got a call from the driver who is delivering my pool table, he is going to arrive here in covelo about 1am tomorrow and wants me to be at bar. If I had not been a driver for 4 years I would have told him to deliver first thing in morning, damn, I am sooooo tireds right now running on fumes but will be at bar 1am to try manhandle 850 pound pool table with only him and I.

Gonna order from the beverage guys tomorrow, and will have bar fully stocked by friday for big weekend.

Still lots of loose ends to tie down, especially for new guy like myself who is winging it, but I hope to make it a success by taking one step at a time and dealing with each situation as it comes up,

Allan.

[advancemellc]

sounds like you are in overdrive getting your bz going. in case you need an injection of working capital let me know. My company, AdvanceMe, Inc., can provide it-

advancemellc@aol.com

[allanjustallan]

Thank you for your kind offer Edward, however I have always felt that it is best to refrain from obtaining money from finance companies with their fairly high to really high finance rates.

Cost of capital is key to keeping overall costs down, and although much of my expenditure was done with cash, I have indeed had to dip into my equity line of credit at 5%, plus had the foresite to contact two of my credit card companies, one of whom has given me an interest free loan till march, the other has extended a 1.9% rate till sometime next year as well. In other words the cost of my loan capital is really very low and no help is needed.

The driver of the truck arrived at 11 pm last night, and with help from my brother and another friend we swiftly unloaded it into the bar. Was very impressed with Charles the driver, 69 years old and still going very strong, working I would say in excess of 60 hours a week, way to go is all I can say about him.

The pool table looks great, am looking forward to a game soon, also had two of the bartenders in, they will come back tomorrow to help set things up.

My accountant is lost somewhere I think, because I dont believe he will have my system up and running by friday, so going to do it the old fashioned way for now.

I asked the budweiser salesman to just deliver what he wanted to for the bar, I really like and trust him. I feel they are really professional in many ways.

The youngs market company guy had halitosis like you cant imagine, and I dont trust him for some reason, but he did travel 75 miles one way to see me and take my order for which I am gratefull, but I feel I will have to watch him in the future, lol.

Southern wines and spirits is awol right now, left a message and he did not get back, heck I have an empty bar which he knows, am kinda surprised no return call.

Also going to try get coke to let me pick up some supplies with my pickup if need be, they will let me know tomorrow. IF they dont come thru am going to go with pepsi just because.

Anyway all in all its been a fairly good day,

Allan.

[allanjustallan]

Well its been a very interesting and busy four days for me.

The southern wine and spirits guy came thru for me, driving more than 200 miles round trip to deliver, for which I was very gratefull.

Opening day was not announced, but living in a small fishbowl like Covelo the news soon spread that I was about to open.

I opened around 3.30 pm, and people soon started pouring into my place, before I knew it the two bartenders and myself were working flat out trying to supply what seemed like a tidal wave of people all wanting to be served now now now.

In the middle of this my order from www.galasource arrived, and it was really great to see 8 to 10 customers help me carry these 450 pound pieces of equipment into the bar and bodily carry them over the bar into their places.

To top it off, this is rodeo week here, and we got a lot of cowboys and girls comming into the bar as well. I think this must be the most diverse crowd in the world, street people mix easily with very wealthy educated people, along with cowboys and indians, yuppies and pot growers.

Anyway the police told me they expected two fights the first night, and they were right, but with help from my two texas hippie workers now turned bouncers no one was really injured and the night was a great success.

I have agreed to the police request to stop serving alcohol around about 1am, because in the past the most serious injuries like shootings and stabbings have occured betweent one and two. I came up with the strategy of serving an unopened beer for a dollar after 1pm(or thereabouts) as long as they understood it was not to be opened in the bar, or a six pack for six dollars or a twelve pack for ten dollars.

It seemed to work really very well, many people asked me why I was closing early, but fully understood the reasons why when I explained it to them.

However one of my bartenders was burnt out by the first night, she started to get argumentative with the customers, who then seemed to delight in taunting her further. Its the first person I have ever had to fire/let go, not a pleasant thing to do but the right way to go.

The second day I opened around about 10am, and once again the place soon filled up, and I got to tell two loud argumentative customers to leave, one rushed right up to me, but fortunately at the last second veered around me and left. Only one argument/fight this night, but because the customer threatened to get a gun and come back I called 911, police were great, arrived in under three minutes, caught the guy and he indeed had a loaded gun in his truck, so off to jail he went. However he bailed out next day, poked his head into the bar and asked me to step outside, then once I did he apoligised to me, seems he had not had a drink in ten years or so, but i found out he had shot up a bar in the past while drunk.

Also got to see two girls pouring tequila onto guys chest/nipples and then both attached themselfs to said nipples, I guessed it was legal cause hes a guy, hope I am right, was an interesting show.

Third night was very mellow, till the very end, then a female customer asked to use my phone to call 911, seems someone was being aggressive about letting them into their car. I walked her out to her car and then talked both guys out of fighting each other, lucky for me I guess because both these guys were really huge.

Cowboy rodeo crowd came back with the two girls, who then wanted to do the nipple treatment on me, with some reluctance I declined, because I know right up front if I descend to that level in public I loose my moral hight ground and respect, and without that I have no hope of controlling a potentially tough bunch of people.

Tonight was really very mellow, nice crowd and great mixture. I have started to attract firefighters because of my policy of giving any public safety personal 50 cents off their drinks.

Also had to fire my two texas boys, they were getting really high on pot while on the job, I dont care what anyone does on their personal time but to me its a major no no while working.

Anyway its really late here and am ways tireds, getting five hours or so sleep right now, too much work but I hope to make it all work out in the end.

Allan.

[Baudtender]

Yep, the latest and greatest Megatouches are indeed expensive, but they sure do bring in the money here. Our local vender is going to install a couple of the new LCD flat screen models - I have to say I really do appreciate the smaller footprint.

Now what I'm about to say is not real well known outside of the vending company circles, but since you're considering the ownership route (if you haven't bought them already,) you probably ought to know this. The main vulnerability of the Megatouch machines, according to my vending guy's technician, is that just a light touch on the touchscreen with a lit cigarette and the touchscreen is blown (and that's about a $200-$300 repair each time.) Don't have a clue why Merit chose the Microtouch capacitance style touchscreens - I would have though resistives would be the way to go if this is the case.

Keep your wits, never go outside without someone watching your back, and you'll get through it. And don't forget to stash some of that "honeymoon" cash away for leaner seasons.

Congratulations, best of luck, and welcome to the club!

Baudtender

[allanjustallan]

Thanks Baudtender,

My order from gala did indeed arrive, but the draft beer cooler was not working, finally got a repair guy to check it out, he suspects a slow leak and recommends replacement, going to be interesting to see how silver king responds to that, will let you know if they are indeed responsive but seems kinda strange to me that a brand new 2000 dollar cooler is sent out non functional.

My brother the plumber found out what the sewer problem was, some unnamed plumber in the past left a snake in the line, so thats now behind me, and I also had air dryers installed in bathrooms, no more paper towels.

Also having two or three young adults trying to get into bar on busy nights, sometimes its really hard to keep them out, especially when bouncers are busy somewhere else, but will attempt to tighten up security to control the problem.

Am still behind the eight ball, have not yet ordered my high definition tvs and game time is now, so going to lose a bit of business as a result, but should have them ordered by this monday.

Slowly getting together a good team of workers, I think if all goes well I may soon have a smoothly functioning organisation.

Anyway back to the bar I go, these long 16 hour plus hours are tough, but am going to stick with it for now,

All the best,

Allan.

[Baudtender]

My tenants just ordered an inFocus X2 DLP projector. I had given them my X1 (previous model) for behind the bar to shoot on an 8-foot diagonal screen, the new model is to shoot in an adjoining room on a 10 foot diagonal screen.

The only real differences I could see is that the X2 takes a slightly different pigtail-type adapter to get HDTV component inputs, and it also sports about 50% more brightness (1500 lumens vs. 1000 for the X1.)

I hooked it up today and was utterly shocked at how gorgeous the picture was. I have an HDTV digital converter box from my Comcast cable company, so I found the best combination is to use the component input for 16:9 HDTV channels, and the RCA composite inputs for 4:3 analog channels. For some bizarre reason, I could not make the S-Video output from the cable box work with the S-Video input on the X1 (didn't try on the X2.)

He paid $995 for the X2 at Best Buy, and they do have a return policy if you're not satisified. Bulbs are supposed to get 3000 hours. You need a bit of throw distance to get these sizes of pictures (there's an online distance calculator on inFocus's website), but judging how expensive even small plasmas and LCD's are, this is something you may want to check out. If you (or someone else reading this) decides to go with the X2, order the M1 to Component pigtail adapter from the inFocus website and you can also find cheap ceiling mounts on eBay.

The underager's (as well as the miscreants that have been barred from every other bar/tavern/club in the county) are a common problem for new establishments. My best solution was to post a sign on the front door that said "WE ARE LOOKING TO MAKE AN INCREDIBLY HARSH EXAMPLE OF THE FIRST PERSON UNDER 21 WE CATCH ATTEMPTING TO PURCHASE OR CONSUME ALCOHOL HERE. DON'T BE THAT PERSON." The problem solved itself almost overnight.

Another good sign: "WE DON'T CARE WHO STARTED THE FIGHT. IF YOU'RE INVOLVED IN IT, YOU WILL BE BARRED FROM THESE PREMISES FOR LIFE PLUS 20 YEARS."

Silver King will probably want a factory-authorized repair service to fix the machine (almost certainly they won't want to replace the whole unit.) If it's a gas leak, they'll find it using ultraviolet dye. In the refrigeration realm, gas leaks (slow or otherwise) are both common and an easy fix.

Did I mention how lucky you are to have a brother that's a plumber? If that's the worst thing he finds in your lines, consider it a miracle! :D

Short naps do wonders during sleep deprivation periods. I used to crawl under my desk and take catnaps during the slow(er) parts of the day since even my wife never thought to look there. I once slept on my roof during a cool autumn afternoon. Amazingly enough, the place managed to run without me for that hour or 2 I was AWOL. If you're expecting COD deliveries, leave signed blank checks behind the bar in the register with detailed instructions for the bartender (make sure they get a signed receipt, etc.)

The most important thing you can do during this period is absolutely abstain from drinking any alcohol - which, I know, is really tough after these long hard days. But doing that coupled with stress and sleep deprivation will burn your candle down faster than anything else I know.

One of the big pitfalls for new owners is to allow their business to encroach into their personal life. DO NOT ALLOW bartenders, entertainment, etc. to keep you there for hours after closing. In fact, keep all of your employees at arm's length, don't socialize with them or involve yourself in their personal lives. Run shut-down hour with a military discipline and efficiency. My rule is we are out of here 30 minutes after last customer exit. If the band/DJ ain't broke down by then, they can come back the next day and finish. The bartenders/servers should be busting ass on their end-of-shift duty list from last call service to clock-out 10 minutes before locked door.

Baudtender

[CCTVZak]

allan if you want that demo site link let me know

edit: for Baudtender, projector bulbs have a half life so that means that a 3,000 hour bulb will start to lose clarity/brightness at 1,500 hours

[allanjustallan]

Well its been a really interesting few days as usual, couple of nights ago Jeremy came in, he seemed sober so bar tender served him a drink, but he rapidly became obnoxious and very loud, I asked him nicely three times to quiten down, then told bouncer to watch him while I went to get ice, when I returned bouncer had quit leaving me to face the music, was threatened but finally got him to leave, but he returned then insulted his own brothers wife which resulted in a brutal brawl with brother before police arrived and arrested him. I found out then that regulars will indeed help out if they like you but highway patrol guy was kinda on my case about serving intoxicated customers, geesh its a tightrope we walk in this business.

I just ordered security system from these guys, http://www.cctvwholesalers.com/customer/product.php?productid=16188&cat=259&page=1

Told Zak about this website and he was very helpfull, they are based in New Orleans and facing a hurricane but did not seem very concerned as he walked me thru order process.

Thanks for your input Baudtender I truly appreciate all your thoughts as I climb this uphill learning curve.

No tv this monday ment slow slow business, got to get one asap but at least I got me a security system on its way, which is a start to stopping the evaporation of alcohol which you warned me about in advance Baudtender, and also it should be very helpfull in slowing down all the fights in this very very tough bar, according to local police perhaps the toughest bar in Cali.

Anyway slow night but uneventfull, so going to bed more relaxed than last night,

Allan.

[Cheek]

If the police are telling you that you are running the toughest bar in cali, this is defintely a bad bad thing. I would do everything in my power to correct that immediately. I don't know what context they said it in, but I know how I would take it. Believe me, if they consider your bar a trouble spot they will put an end to your business in a hurry.

[allanjustallan]

Yes Cheek, I agree with you 100%.

This place I choose to call home is a really special place, its also in some kind of time warp as well, you insult someone here and you will get punched, its that kind of place.

Dont get me wrong, its really full of wonderful people but the values here are something out of 18th century America in many ways.

The problem for me is that laws which are made for city people just dont work very well here, for the most part. Even the police have a similar attitude, they are quick to arrest someone who is violent but if they know them to be generally placid they are very slow to press charges, which by the way I agree with.

I have excellent relationships with the local police so far, my neighbour is one of the local police and he was the one who told me this bars reputation is not only state wide but out of state.

Not the previous young couple but the guy before them, Wayne Cox was reputed to have discharged his revolver into the ceiling one evening, and more than once locked up his customers inside the bar, anyway I was not a witness to this but can say he ran the bus for more than 20 years, and I met him before he died, was a real character no doubt.

My ice machine arrived from galasourse today, which was good news, but my walk in cooler is on the blink, thank God I have a deep cooler functioning or I would be in real trouble right now.

btw baudtender was right, walk in coolers are wonderful, am so happy I took peoples advice and kept it, would have been a huge mistake to have removed it.

Made local volunteer fire chief mad at me, he s the one who removes garbage from my six rentals and wanted to do same for bar, but wanted to charge me 10 dollars per week per can plus keep bottles plus charge me for his helper.

He told me today he will no longer work on my rentals, and also that he will soon do title 19 check on bar, fire and safety code I believe, hope its not going to be a big problem time will tell.

Yes I am feeling that I have spent about enough right now, time to get tv and then work hard reducing current debt levels, tighten up security and work hard to make sure no underage people get into bar.

Have cut off a bunch of people when I felt they were getting too tipsy, also sent a bunch of young people out of bar before they were served, but seems to me maybe that fewer incidents are occuring.

Biggest day of the year is approaching, Indian days this comming weekend I believe, and I am right next to the biggest Indian reservation in cali.

Gonna be interesting(stressfull) with all these people comming into bar to celebrate, but fortunatelly I have excellent relationship with the local Indian community, who btw are my biggest customers and also generally most enjoyable so far.

Of course my attitude is customer centric, I dont see anything but how to please whoever is there, within the confines of the law, as best I can, feedback from community has been mostly positive, they really really want the bar open,

Allan.

[allanjustallan]

Jeesh, five days without a fight, have been told by several locals that the word is out, you have to behave in the bar or get 86ed.

This being the only bar in 50 miles that means something. Indian days is this comming weekend, have been told to expect a massive crowd, kinda stressing me out just a little but I guess I can only try to do my best.

I give a 50 cent discount to firefighters and any emergency sevice personal, so have been seeing a lot of them in the bar, which makes for a much better mix of people, also many people who would not ever have come into the bar are now customers so am hopefull I can keep on a roll and change the character of this bar, time will tell I guess.

Just got my hd tv, a huge 61 inch model from samsung, going to have a platform built tomorrow and have it installed, my bus sucks when football is on, but am sure this will get the crowds back in.

Coke enterprises also let me down, ordered co2 plus mix for fountain thats supposed to be installed, I dropped in to make sure that it was comming tomorrow as promised, they changed the delivery here in Covelo and made it today, but forgot to put my order on truck, will take another two weeks before another delivery can be made, not sure if my co2 for draft is going to make it that long, also considering changing fountain installation to pepsi, not sure if thats going to make difference to customers or not ordering jack and pepsi but really not happy with cokes indifferent attitude towards me.

One things for certain, draft beer sells well, no doubt about it, my bottled beer orders have fallen drastically and customers are really very very happy to once again have draft after 20 years without it here.

I guess the next order is going to be megatouch machine, many people have said they want the bar to be more than just drinking, there is no entertainment here and they want something to do while in bar.

Allan.

[allanjustallan]

hdtv is in, its a beauty at 61 inches from samsung, bought it thru costco for just less than 4000. This should wow the sports fans.

Also still trying to get my security system from cctv wholesalers, they dont ship to alternate address and I have a po box number for billing being in the countryside, but finally spoke to superviser called Brian, he said if I change address to bar they will ship tomorrow and also overnight without charge, if I did not want their security system so much would say forget it, but really want it so hope they finally get my system shipped. Will let you know how well it performs.

Coke has also come thru for me, went up the chain and Gerald rattled someones cage, they are going to make special trip to get me set up for Indian days this weekend. One thing I know for certain from my stockbroker days, the higher up the chain you go the better the results you get, people in high up positions dont get many complaints and are way more responsive, moral of the story is keep going up the chain of command when you have a legitimate complaint.

Also got my posi pour 2000 with dust caps attached, should cut my overpours from sweetheart bartender who gets way high tips but who also pours way too much as well. Yes I love Michelle who is way cute and way great bartender just dont like overpours, lol.

Also noticed something really sweet as well, the Indian community really looks after their own, when someone gets too tipsy they make sure to get them home safely, something to be said about a community where almost everyone is related.

My relationship with the local police also seems intact and getting better as well, I think they know I am trying very hard to run a clean bar, I really like the fact that they respond within 2 or 3 minutes when I call 911, they are the ultimate bouncers in my opinion but I still try to settle problems before it gets to that point.

Allan.

[allanjustallan]

Almost broke my record of no fights for past week, but fortunately I saw trouble was brewing and nipped it in the bud before it got anywhere. The two guys were like water and oil, just seemed attracted and repulsed at same time, not a good mixture.

People here are very patriotic as well, some misguided guy from sf bay area was spouting about how bad America was, and Shane a cool indian guy asked me if it was ok to pop him. Anyway I spoke to urban guy and informed him he was about to be demolished, he thanked me and quit the bs talk, lol. Just another day at the bar, cept my unfaithfull walk in cooler is on blink again and Indian days weekend is now, going to be interesting weekend no doubt, very glad I had backup deep cooler saved my day for sure.

Am getting used to bar life, but its like going out on the town each night, really starts to run down ones body, not an easy way to make a living but I like it so far.

Allan.

[allanjustallan]

Been too busy to post for past few weeks, but am learning more about the bar bus as time goes on.

I had expected a really knockout weekend for Indian days, but two huge weddings(free alcohol) knocked my sales down to half what I expected(still good however). To top it off there was a fight in the bar, I helped push out the two guys and after a few punches they were seperated, however then the girls decided to duke it out outside the bar, one girl got stabbed and my weekend business has declined about 40% since then.

Minors here are often helped by their mothers to get into the bar, they are like waves approaching a beach, endless. Finally found and hired a good bouncer, he knows all the locals and has had a great influence on reducing the minor problem.

Its lucky for me that I have a close and very cordial relationship with the local police, they know I am going everything possible to run this bar in a clean manner, and have given me a few breaks when they could have nailed me to the wall if they had chosen to do so. They have expressed their satisfaction with my progress so far.

Now for some positive stuff, that system from cctvwholesalers.com is absolutely great, easy to set up and works like a charm, just having it running with a screen so bar patrons can see themselves has had a huge impact on customer behavior, in my opinion. Pity cctv gave me such a hard time charging it with my credit card, such a run around that it took a week of ph tag and changing my billing address to my shipping address before they would even send it, which ment it was not functional the night of the fight. That said for 3500 including 4 cameras and everything is a very fair price.

I bought seven athena speakers from best buy, could have got it cheaper online but wanted the improved sound system right away, and coupled with a new sony reciever delivering 110 watts and hdtv compatable I can say people are now bouncing in their seats.

Just a few more things to purchase and hopefully my major expenses will be out of the way. People have been hounding me about getting back the megatouch machines, so tomorrow will order one or two.

Cant say how glad I am to take baudtenders advice about keeping the walkin cooler, its absolutely indispensable in my opinion, dont know how I could do without it, thanks baudtender.

Also took his advice to check and clean coils, was really surprised to see how fast dust builds up in them, its now something I check biweekly.

The pool table is a real crowd drawer, really happy with how it looks and how it always seems to have a crowd of happy people around it.

The pergo select flooring is holding up, and using a mop and water nothing seems to stick to it, was a very good choice in my opinion. Bathrooms with marble and tile still look pristine, and people constantly tell me how nice they are.

Not sure but probably the combination of all the above has ment my crowd is changing for the better, a really great mix of many types of people, most of whom have told me they would not have come into the bar before.

On that positive note got to get back to bar,

Allan.

[Falcon]

never put two combatants out at the same time,

of course you now know why

good luck just allen

[Securitygeek]

Falcon nailed it on the head, try to keep the less aggressive in the bar for 10 or 15 mins. of course if they want to leave you can't legally stop them. But at least send someone (preferable 2 or 3 someones) to make sure they leave the property, a fight in your parking lot is the same as a fight in your bar as far as law enforcement is concerned. just my 2 cents.

[allanjustallan]

Three weeks without any law enforcement calls, but last night broke a budding record. Really nice crowd, Jason Cox a local deputy came in, looked around and congratulated me once again on how I was doing, many really respectable people also came in for the first time, I was riding high and of course thats always a precurser to a fall.

Having learnt the lessons from the previous fight two weeks ago, and heeding the advice of security geek and falcon I sent the aggressor out first, keeping the other guy inside. Then another white guy started insulting a few Indians resulting in him being 86ed from the bar as well, for his own safety,however he had a bottle in his hand and he fell outside the bar, breaking the bottle in his hand he spouted blood all over the place before I grabbed a rag and helped quell the bleeding.

Unfortunately the other aggressor of the night was still hanging around, they both walked off together, down the block till the young Indian guy started kicking the other guy almost to death before my bouncers ran down the street to stop the assault.

Police arrived arrested the first aggressor and the other guy still not responding was sent to hospital via chopper.

Not sure what I could have done differently to change this unfortunate course of events.

Ironically boo was hanging around near the bar, (the guy who ignited the fight/stabbing of a few weeks ago) he helped stop the assault on the fallen guy, then wanted to beat the snot out of the guy responsible for this current assault

Am learning a lot about human nature, we live in a grey area here in the bar bus and after midnight a more primal savage side appears in many people and the villan one night may be a hero the next.

Am also driving home intoxicated people from time to time, no taxi service here and have prevented quite a few people from getting into their cars in that state. Not sure if its the smart thing but I feel its the right thing to do,

Allan.

[Melon Man]

I just wanted to say thanks for keeping your journal here alive. It's a much appreciated little blow-by-blow story. All the more precious for coming from a first-timer :D

Does sound like a real rough place, but it also sounds like you are pulling it back from that - which is a hell of an achievement.

.dan.

[teenclub]

Originally posted by advancemellc
sounds like you are in overdrive getting your bz going. in case you need an injection of working capital let me know. My company, AdvanceMe, Inc., can provide it-

advancemellc@aol.com

I have seen several of your posts, but never any info about your company.

If you are legitimate and can prove it -I would be interested in discussing options you have available for financing night clubs. Threre is a friend of mine who is also about to open a club.

Do you at least have a website? A packet to mail? something?

maurice

[allanjustallan]

TY Dan, I am now hopefull that this bars culture is changing for the better, time will tell.

Have noticed that business falls about 50% night after a fight, so its simply bad business when it happens, and I only get back to original gross after about two weeks.

My two local Indian bouncers, Doug Hutt and Matt have proved invaluable in almost eliminating underage problems, and now minors for the most part are not even trying to get in, a huge change for the better. I have found however that they are reluctant to get in between two potential combatants until a fight is actually on, which means I place myself in harms way at least once or twice a night on my problem nights(friday and saturday) however from personal experiance the time to stop problems is before fists are swinging.

The positive is that when I do confront guys about to go at it like last night they now often apologise to me, saying they did not mean to disrespect me by fighting in the bar, respect here is a BIG thing, many would rather go to prison before losing face.

The 61 inch samsung dlp tv is a big hit, my business has increased because of it, my thinking is get a few huge hdtv screens rather than a dozen small ones which one often finds in bars.

Today is my try at starting a weekly pool tournament, my sunday business during the day is small, hoping to increase bus by offering free play and a chance for some really good pool players to go head to head against each other.

I have structured it so players put up 5 dollars, winner takes 50%,runner up takes 30% and third place takes 20%.

My soda gun from coke has been a huge help, so nice to press a button and dispense coke, sprite, cranbury juice, soda water and grape juice etc, plus its way cheaper as well.

Would appreciate advice on football pools from anyone in california, many people have asked me to start one but dont want to get in trouble with the abc board here in cali.

Also had to let a bartender go, she was deep into speed type drugs, and thats a hard boundary for me. Felt really sorry for her but the bar has to come first.

A customer let me borrow a pedometer, now I know why I have lost so much weight these past few months, am walking an average of ten miles a day behind counter,

Allan.

[allanjustallan]

I got thru the weekend without any major problems, the local police were expecting major problems no doubt, three police cars were parked nearby all around the bar, historically this past weekend has been a big problem weekend.

However, there was one fight outside nearby the bar, and the two involved had a few beers inside the bar. Kinda spoiled it for me a bit, was hoping for a perfect weekend. They did check out my security video, which confirmed that no trouble had started inside or righ ouside the bar. My relationship with all of them is still very positive, which is how I intend to keep it, the way I see it our goals are similar, keeping problems to a minimum.

My two evo megatouch machines arrived, and not only are they being played regularly but I have noticed a number of new customers comming in with the prime purpose of playing while drinking a few.

http://www.bmigaming.com/games-video-countertops.htm

My bud sales have increased 97.4% for the month of september v last september. If you ask them they will supply a really helpfull graph and summary for you, very handy.

Unfortunately the pool tournament idea has not yet taken off, will keep trying but have a feeling its going to have to wait for the end of football when they have little to occupy themselves.

My expenses have finally stabalized after two months and I no longer have to put additional capital into the bar, may be able to start aggresively paying down debt within the next month, which is way ahead of my original expectations. Gross cash flow is about 400% higher than the previous owners, I guess if you establish a safe clean nice environment they will come and spend their money, so far still enjoying my 80 hour workweek and learning a lot about human nature,

Allan.

[ca. club owner]

Just got done reading your day to day work. Sounds like you are on your way. I have a place opening up in the 1st quater of next year in So Cal. Very Upscale place.. Need all the POS info you come across. Been looking when I get time. Just alot of BS that I keep finding. As for the SONY speakers. If you still looking for them let me know. Used to work for SONY for 5 years. Still have people in the right place. To get just about anything SONY makes at a very good price.. All legal.. ( have to say that now days ) haha Whats the name of the place. Send me a lil info, would like to come check out the place an spend a few bucks...

[allanjustallan]

Bad news good news from Bret Ajax at santa rosa abc office, he is going to send me warning letter due to underage minors which occured long time ago. The good news is that after speaking with local police and his boss they are not going to hit me hard this time. I got the impression from him that he understands just how hard I am trying to run a clean bar, and it appears the local police did indeed put in a good word for me. Just a little concerned however that the inevitable next problem will result in a 15 or 30 day shutdown. On the positive side I feel I am getting smarter about identifying problem people and then act promptly to get them out of the bar.

Also got an 18 year old arrested, he comes into the bar, stands at the entrance acting aggressive, then at the last second as I approach him he leaves, only to do the same thing again, but he has gotten more aggressive as the weeks have gone by. My other fear is that he will boast about his exploits and then my minor problem which has been largely eliminated will once again be a major problem. Anyway both the police and I are committed to keeping minors out, they are nothing but trouble in my opinion.

Now researching a karaoke machine, people really want to sing once they have a few brews.

My soda gun stopped working, seems I should have installed an inline filter because I am on a well, anyway now I know. My athena speakers from best buy sound good, but the subwoofer and one speaker are not working after 45 days and best buy is giving me the run around about replacing it.

For anyone wanting to vist my place its called the buckhorn bar located in covelo northern california. Its at the end of hwy 162 very beautiful valley surrounded by mountains but not an easy location to get to, next town is 50 miles in any direction.

I have a pos system but still have to get it installed, once I do so will let everyone know how well it works.

My initial inclination about buying my own pool table and megatouch machines has proven to be a winner, getting a large hdtv has also been a good thing along with decent sound system.

So far I feel like I am on track, just hope cali abc gives me the time to continue improving image and operation of this bar. I still feel very confident that I will succeed,

Allan.

[David]

Can you say “Restraining Order” for the 18 year old that hangs out at the door.

Start prosecuting the minors that get in. The word will get out.

[allanjustallan]

TY David, thats really good advice. With the arrest of the 18 year old and this being a small community word has indeed gotten out.
I feel my minor problem has declined to a point where its no longer a problem but am considering posting a sign warning adults who bring in minors that they will be 86ed for a year. Not sure however because I want to keep the tone of the bar positive.

Its now been over a month without any serious problems, a new record for the buckhorn. I have also adjusted my closing time, the last hour between 1 and 2 can gross more than the previous 3 hours so I have adjusted my closing accordingly. I do last call around about 1.20 to 1.30 if there is a large crowd, but if its really small and mellow I get them all out by 1.55. I told the local police about my new policy and they dont seem to have a problem with it.

Also now know why they dont issue onsale/offsale licences anymore, would be so so easy to cheat on taxes, but being a workaholic with no interest in toys and wanting to continue improving the bar while paying down debt I simply bank and declare everything I make, seems strange but I really dont mind paying taxes.

Seems girls like bar owners, have never had this much attention in my whole life, all ages and shapes, almost every night. If I did not have a girlfriend and did not work so hard I might be easily tempted, I know its not me but the position I occupy, if I was a girl I would not consider dating any bar owner, we are married to our bars as far as I am concerned.

I can also see how this business could shorten ones life span, long nocturnal hours cannot be healthy, but still enjoying it after three months on the job,

Allan.

[David]

Be carefull with the ladies. The most friendly ones are usually under age and are only using you as a patsy.

[allanjustallan]

Got my car keyed a few nights ago, a guy called jr azbil, a young 24 year old punk who was involved in the violence down the road from the bar(kicking incident) just got out of prison after serving 45 days for it, he talked to me for a while then asked if he could have a drink, I said no and told him he was 86ed, he left but not before doing 1400 dollars of damage to my new car. Fortunately my security system caught him in the act, now he will be doing more time in prison no doubt.

High price to pay but I dont want anyone who is connected to violence in my bar, and its paying off in a big way, there is no doubt at all that my customers are now way more relaxed, and the mix is getting better every week. Its now almost six weeks since the last big problem in the bar, a new all time record for the buckhorn. I think my policy of not allowing aggressive behavior in the bar is setting a new tone, which allows people to be more relaxed which in turn means a far more mellow environment.

My relationship with the local deputies is also getting stronger, I chatted and joked with Jason and Bret for almost half an hour outside the bar last night, so long in fact that their dispatcher called them to make sure everything was allright. Just before leaving Jason once again congratulated me on the job I was doing.

I just hope I can keep this up. I Know sooner or later I am going to get punched because I instantly get in peoples faces whenever there is any hint of anger but its the price I will willingly pay to run the bar the right way.

Health department sent me a certified letter, no more smoking in the bar or else so its an end of an era. Seems rules and regulations are finally making their way to this very remote valley but I have no intention of trying to buck any government department, they are the hammer and I am the nail,

Allan.

[allanjustallan]

This is the letter I intend to send to Bret at the cali ABC, I hope it sends a positive message because I dont want to have the wrath of abc on my back. Its good that they did not give me a 15 day shutdown as a result of my bouncers mistake, but for the next three years I cannot afford to make even one mistake or its a definite 15 day shutdown. Any further hints on how others make sure to keep minors out would be appreciated,

Allan.

December 7, 2004

Bret Ajax
DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL
State of California
Santa Rosa, California 95404

RE: File #48/21-413154


Dear Bret,

First I would like to sincerely thank you, Michael Mann and local law enforcement for your understanding of the situation which I inherited and the opportunity to continue improving my policy procedures to correct any violations which may have occurred.

As a brand new bar owner I knew in advance that I would make mistakes, but my sincere desire is to run my bar in a lawful manner. I took the helpful course offered by the abc as a first step towards this goal.

From the behavior of the patrons I have come to the conclusion, supported by my conversations with local law enforcement and you that the previous bar owners allowed all types of unlawful activity to occur. When the bar reopened these patrons expected to continue in the same old manner. My challenge was to change these expectations and raise their behavior norms back to an acceptable level.

The first few months was controlled chaos, many thought it was acceptable to scream loudly at each other, push and shove and sometimes even exchange blows, after all this is the way it had been for many years. I have been personally threatened a number of times, had my car vandalized because I simply will not allow known violent people into my bar.

None of this has deterred me however, running a lawful bar is just good business as I have noticed a 50% drop in gross receipts whenever a problem occurs in the bar with a recovery time of about two weeks. I get financially punished every time a problem occurs.

With financial loss, probable revocation of my alcohol license and personal safety at risk I immediately instituted a number of changes:

First I purchased a $3500 24-hour motion detection camera system with 30 day recording, and made a point of letting people know it was there. This covers the whole bar and area immediately outside as well. I taught the local deputies Jason Cox and Bret White how to use the system, and told them they could review any events at any time by simple request.

Secondly, I fired the two bouncers who were not locals and hired Matt and Doug, two local guys who know who the problem people are and who the minors are as well. I posted a sign visible when entering the bar saying, “No ID - No entry - No exceptions,” and gave instructions that anyone who did not have ID and appeared to be under 30 was not to be allowed in.

Thirdly, through experience I now have zero tolerance for unacceptable behavior; I don’t give warnings - I simply expel problem people out of the bar.

In addition, after each and any problem I make a point of talking to the local police, whether or not they had to be called. I tell them the problem, what I did to solve it and ask for any suggestions on how it could have been handled better. My relationship with the local police is very close, in my opinion. I have come to rely on them heavily; fortunately for me they are all very competent and responsive and have given me many useful suggestions.

There has been a sea change in people’s behavior, in my opinion. I am now seeing some very prominent people entering and enjoying themselves. People like Roland Hony, owner of the business park, Bobby Fetzer of Fetzer Vineyards and Craig, internet billionaire have all enjoyed our hospitality. I even got the pleasure of serving Tammy White, the wife of policeman Bret White and Leslie Combest, the wife of recently retired Judge Combest.

None of these people would have entered the bar before I bought it, so it is with some pride that I relay this information to you.

I have made a major financial commitment buying and renovating the bar, I work every day between 12 and 16 hours; making this bar work means everything to me. Running it in a lawful manner is in my own self interest as I make more money and have fewer problems.

I am 100% responsive to any government agency’s requests or demands, and I feel that my relationship with you, Bret, is also very cordial and friendly as well. If there is anything that you feel I could do differently to make this bar an even better place, please let me know.

The challenges I face are still going to exist: cramming seven different Indian tribes into one small area, coping with tribal/family vendettas that have existed since before I was born, mixing that in with cowboys and hippies and mountain-type people along with local town people and this being the only bar within 50 miles means they all have to coexist whenever they come to recreate at the bar.

One thing is certain however, the majority of people here in Covelo want the bar to remain open; there are few other nighttime alternatives other than driving the hazardous 162 to Willits. I understand there were a number of accidents as a direct result of the bar being closed because people still wanted the pleasure of being in a bar, and chose foolishly to make the 50 miles one way trip.

I believe I am up to the task of changing people’s behavior while in the bar and will continue to work closely with local law enforcement to minimize problems at the bar.

Thanks once again for your patience Bret, and I invite you or any representative of ABC to observe how much this bar has indeed changed since I took over. While I am certain I can never achieve 100% perfection I can indeed assure you that my intention and financial interest meshes with ABC goals of not allowing minors into the bar (they don’t spend much money and only cause problems).

I have allready published an article in the round valley news and hope to publish again in the future detailing my adventures here. Hopefully it will be another positive article about how I have managed to change the Buckhorn for the better.

All the very best Bret,


Sincerely,



Allan Barr.
BUCKHORN BAR
p.o.box 68
76360 Covelo Road
Covelo, California 95428

[allanjustallan]

ABC and task force along with local police conducted an undercover operation to see whether any of the local business would sell alcohol to minors. A 16 year old came into the bar but my trusty bartender told him nice try and sent him out the door. This was early in the afternoon just after I left the bar for a short time.

I reviewed the video, then went outside to have a puff, there was the same 16 year old trying to hide by the corner of the building having a cigarette while trying to induce patrons to buy him alcohol.

Anyway he saw me then took off before I ran him off because minors are not allowed to loiter near the bar. Just had to laugh however, because people under 18 are not allowed to smoke in california. Here was a kid trying to induce people to break the law while he was himself breaking the law while under the direct observation of policemen.

I love living here but there are some strange contradictions in a state that has more people imprisoned per capita than any other place in the world.

Anyway I did get to speak to Bret Ajax, he congratulated me and enthused about the letter I sent. For now my relationship with him and local police is right where I need it to be. They are all very competent and if they think I am doing the right thing then I believe I am,

Allan.

[ca. club owner]

sounds good to me... Yea Living in Southern Cal. I totally understand what you are saying... this place is a real trip at times... haha Sounds like you are moving in the right direction.

[Joe]

Yes, congrats are certainly in order.

Baptism by fire is a tough way to learn.

Also, I'm quite taken by your ability to run the bar without the most common items working properly at first. Some of the things that you write with excitement have made me cringe at the thought of operating without, the soda gun story kills me.

Now, we need to get you into a bit of inventory control and a better understanding of improving your monthly cashflows.

Can you elaborate upon your sales #'s and how your expenses are breaking down for things like cost of goods sold, payroll, insurance, rent, debt service and the like?

At this point I think you have many of us interested in helping to make you as large of a success as possible.

Best of Luck,
Joe

[allanjustallan]

TY Joe,

You have identified my next challenge.

I concentrated on changing the culture of this bar first because I knew that local law enforcement and abc had the spotlight on me. Now that I finally have their confidence and active help its time to move forward.

Am going to talk to my accountant about implimenting the point of sale ideas I have using accupos. http://www.attitudepositive.com/

I really am in the dark about inventory control any suggestions would be very much appreciated. If you or anyone else is using pos software which connects to quickbooks also please share your thoughts.

My current monthly breakdown is 22000 gross, employee payroll 1500, am assuming 30% cost for alcohol at least until I get my point of sale and inventory control up and running. Debt level peaked at 130,000 now down to 121,000 with average interest rate of 5.25% . I own the building so no rent. Utilities average 500 a month. Am just now talking to insurance agent regarding liability insurance so will know cost in next week.

The only other significant ongoing expense right now is the renovation behind the bar for my home office/crash pad, once thats completed in the next month everything I earn can go towards paying down debt and making further improvements.

Employee costs will go up a little because right now I am working the bar myself on many nights, and becomming just a little tired as a result. I need to spend more time thinking and implementing more ideas to further improve cash flow. I intend to get my accountant more actively involved with handling my paperwork as well, so thats going to be a few hundred dollars more per month.

On balance it seems to me, before taxes are taken into consideration that I am keeping something in the order of 50% of gross sales, after all expenses but not including my pay, of which I am taking nothing at all at this point,

Allan.

[ca. club owner]

Sounds like you are making all the right moves to make your place a real nice spot... But 1 lil piece of advice I was told from a guy who is 80 plus now.. All ways, all ways pay yourself an income. It helps seperate you an the biz.. I know you are working there an its yours so you figure eh I am ok.. But gots to remember, a lil something that is made in the place is yours... =)

[UnBound10]

Work with your Promoters because Promoters bring in people in your area but you need to make sure you have a WEB SITE and start collecting email, Mobile, IM etc so you stay in contact and create buzz in a "Community" We have found that sending broadcasts with Brand promotions bring in a 44% view rate. Your competition is doing it if they are a good club or bar. GET THE WORD OUT!

Go to www.imobileadvantage.com for more details.

[allanjustallan]

Merry Christmas all.

Being the only bar within fifty miles in any direction I really dont have to advertise at all, there simply is no competition not counting free drinks from weddings etc. As for taking income from the bar I simply dont need to at this point in time, so everything is going towards the bar renovation and paying down debt. On the plus side I am not paying anything in ss taxes ect for myself. But your advice is well taken club owner, I will start taking an income next year, I have so many write-offs that I doubt I will be paying any income taxes this year.

Had to protect and then drive home dave, a really nice guy who simply got too drunk on jager, then when I helped him outside I stayed with him waiting for him to get more sober in the cold air. From past experiance I knew in advance if I left him alone he would get into trouble, which he did by stumbling against someone who thought he had touched his ass deliberately.

Last night had two altercations outside the bar, broke them both up with no need to call the police, I must say having cameras is a major plus, people dont want to fight in the bar when they are being recorded, this is the message I have been told time after time.

I now have a surplus of beautiful females comming to the bar, I believe they now feel safe enough to arrive alone or in twos and threes. Seems to me once the word gets out the males will follow, enhancing my bus. Also got three young beautiful bartenders working different shifts, its really funny to see guys with their tongues hanging out.

My next acid test is going to be new years, Jason has told me they expect a lot of trouble at the bar and they are gearing up for it, everyone is going to be on duty but if they are called away then I am going to be on my own. Will have min two bouncers plus female bouncer plus myself to handle crowd, hope its enough with the bar expected to be at its capacity of 145.

If I can get thru new years without major trouble it will be a huge milestone.

Good luck to all hope everyone has a wonderful trouble free new years,

Allan.

[allanjustallan]

The new bartender who I have just finished training and who is really good at her job got an unwelcome over the bar handshake/tug on her hand from exhubby. Now he was tipsy and was shaking hands and hugging everyone that night until I cut him off and got a family member to safely take him home.

She told me that night that she did not want to serve him anymore, no problem that was very reasonable but the next day without talking to me she filed assault charges against him. His family spends more money than anyone else at the bar, perhaps a days worth of business each month comes from them.

My initial inclination is simply not to call her for more work in the future. Its really hard sometimes, she has two kids and really needs the part time job, but bringing her personal issues into the bar seems like a losing proposition to me.

Would appreciate anyones thoughts on this matter,

Allan.

[ca. club owner]

Cant have personal business in the bar.. Thats one of the biggest problems in this biz. that will neva die.. haha X- boy friends what ever. Show up get drunk an there feelings come out when they see there used to be girl friend talking to others.. Got to ask up front about X's so if they do show. They can let you know, an you can keep an eye on them.. Sorry to hear about the issue. Maybe you should sit an talk to her before letting her go. But you have got to remember. She should have came to you 1st!! I am sure there is someone else looking for a job. Its a tough call to make. Got to go with your gut feeling.

[allanjustallan]

Hard to believe but we had ZERO problems for new years, this has got to be some kind of record. The bar was kinda crowded but really I believe many people stayed away out of fear, because every new years there has been major problems at the bar, fights both in and out of the bar, major near riots outside etc.

I just hope I can continue to change the bars reputation but feel its going to take a few years. Still behind the eight ball when it comes to implimenting pos and inventory controls but just now feel a little worn down, going to work a little less and sleep a little more until I can recharge and get ready for next few ideas I have to increase business.

This is a pic of me taken a few years ago, http://profiles.yahoo.com/allanjustallan


I trust everyone else had a similar event free new years and am looking forward to continuing growing my bus in this new year,

Allan.

[ca. club owner]

Sounds like a good step in the right direction... I went to vegas an was like a 5 year old fresh of restriction... =)

[allanjustallan]

Well everything is still going well, very few minor problems no major problems.

Took a drunk guy home few nights ago, his dog bit my pants leg but that was all. Someone scratched my new evo megatouch machine, going to cost me 375 plus labour plus having to drive all the way to san francisco to get it fixed.

Not sure if its the same for everyone but towards the end of the month my business slows to almost nothing, just when I start to get despondent first of the month rolls around and its humming again. Kinda crossing my fingers that business does not stay slow thru the winter months, time will tell.

Its been about 15 days since the local police came in the bar, am feeling kinda neglected in a nice way.

Allan.

[allanjustallan]

Well business is still good, only down about 20% from my busy summer and fall months. Not bad and am looking forward to the impending busy season, when pot growers, deer hunters and tourists flow into the town. Am hopefull that as word slowly gets out that the buckhorn is no longer violent and offers a wide range of beverage choices that more people will come on into this very historic bar.

Its now been 32 days since the local police have visited the bar, I do believe they are happy with the very low incidence of service calls from the bar. Have also finally assembled a really good team of people, I do believe I have the nicest and arguably the most beautiful young ladies working as bartenders, its really helping business no doubt.

Have been procrastinating on getting my inventory and accounting controls up and running. Its a weakness that needs to be fixed, also have to get my pricing lists done for offsale of litre bottles of alcohol, I have noticed that as my selection of alcohol has grown more people are interested in buying for offsale, and more people are comming in for a beverage as word gets around about the wide selection now available.

New barstools are now on my agenda, anyone with any suggestions would be most welcome. Any thoughts on really good books about running a bar would be appreciated as well. I want this bar to continue on an upward performance trend and to do that I need to further educate myself.

Still on my to do list is a jukebox and also claw machine, but hopefully I will have time to get around to researching and installing these as well.

Must repeat my assertion, going the ownership route on the pool table and evo megatouch machines has been one of my smarter choices.

Am still happy to be a bar owner, and it seems the burden of running a bar is getting easier to bear,

Allan.

[allanjustallan]

Guess I should have listened to Falcon way back, he gave me really good advice about a jukebox selection. Have been researching which jukebox to buy and there is no doubt in my mind that the touchtunes is the way to go.

More than 140,000 songs preinstalled on touchtunes juke makes the regular cd type jukes seem like a poor second choice. Big price drop plus free financing makes this a no brainer in my opinion.

http://www.replaymag.com/covstory.htm
http://www.replaymag.com/finish.htm
http://touchtunes.com/our_jukebox/

I intend to place my order today, under the 12.95 per week plan plus they get 16% of gross. I cant justify charging 50 cents per play but tentatively intend to charge one dollar for three songs or 50 cents for one, hopefully that means less quarters to deal with.

One small possible problem however for those who want to go the ownership route. I called touchtunes yesterday, they really tried hard to encourage me to go the vendor route, but fortunately I found a distributor who would sell me touchtunes directly.

Allan.

[allanjustallan]

Took about one hour on ph with touchtunes while I installed juke yesterday. Fairly easy and speakers sound great. Last night one person spent 15 dollars in one go and raved about the choices available. There are options available to limit which music is played, but so far will allow everything and see how it goes.

Just after shutting bar, and while still getting last stragglers out a customer asked for beer to go, but it was just after 2am so I refused, when he and his two huge friends insisted another customer who was in process of walking out the door said no beer after 2am. This almost resulted in a fight, with me in the middle as usual. I pointed out to all that they were on camera and would go to prison if they fought, which finally calmed the most aggressive one down. The three almost turned on me as well but I finally got them all out the door. Of course heeding past experiance I got single guy out bar first then herded the three out after few minutes.

Anyway alls well that ends well.

Now in process of researching lighting effects for music. I have this crazy idea of turning the bar into a dance place after 9pm or whenever a group of people arrive in the mood to dance. From observation its mostly females that want to dance, and I intend to try and accomodate them. I really have no idea about dance lighting but seems a good place to start is mirror ball plus few special effects lighting.

More and more females are patronizing the bar, many of them married which seems to me the word is out bar is safe place to recreate.

Also have to renovate area just outside bar in back, am trying to visualize back patio but still mulling over ideas to do it right. What type of flooring/deck and what type of roofing/cover. How many and what type of plants and what type of seating.

If anyone has any thoughts on reasonable cost dance lighting ideas and or outdoor space would appreciate it.

Still enjoying owning the bar so far,

Allan.

[allanjustallan]

Touchtunes is a huge hit. For once I got lucky being so far out in the middle of no where. They will not sell an individual jukebox to individual bar owners, but made a one time exception for me because I am simply so far away from anything that they could not find anyone willing to service a single juke.

Seems my old economics 101 lessons have some validity. I initially priced the juke at the suggested rates, grossing about 200 per week in the first week but noticing that the juke was not being used half the time. I then dropped the price significantly, the juke is now being played much of the time while my gross revenue has increased. In addition people are comming into the bar just to play the juke, then drinking a few beers while they browse music choices. People are raving about the music choices, makes me happy to see how excited they are.

You know running a bar is like putting pieces of a jigsaw puzzle together. As each piece goes together it increases business incrementally.

The Ukiah daily journal ran a negative article about unnamed bars in mendocino county which allow smoking against the law. They named the towns instead but being the only bar in this town means they might as well have named my bar. True I was guilty at first but heck I was more intent at the time to change peoples violent behavior before I changed their smoking habits. Anyway am happy I saw the hammer comming and avoided it by promptly complying with the no smoking laws once they sent me a certified letter. Why they ran this article 4 months after the fact I dont know, perhaps it was a slow news day.

Business in also picking back up again but I will never again take for granted the very comfortable cash flows of summer and fall which I enjoyed so much. I make a point of taking care of my regulars who helped me thru the slow winter months. I know know their names and drink choices and welcome them warmly and serve them promptly no matter how busy the bar may be.

I have noticed something. People will wait patiently for a drink when the bar is busy as long as you acknowledge them by making eye contact, smiling warmly and telling them you will serve them shortly.

Wish I had the facilities to serve food, I believe this could provide a much needed service while increasing the gross another 100,000 or more.

Allan.

[ThePhillyGuy]

Hello,
I am a newbie at this game. So, my question is ....how do I find a bar/tavern? website,newspaper,word of mouth....etc....??
Do I buy the business and/or real estate?
Thank you in advance

confused

[booblik]

It's been pretty inspiring reading this thread! I've been dreaming of opeining a bar-concert hall with my husband for a while now. He has some experience with promoting concerts but none in the actual bar/restaurant industry. I've read several books recently about starting and running a successful bar and the harsh reality of it all has been quite sobering. Reading this diary by Allan here has been awesome! I live in Orange County, CA in a quite upscale area where it would take a lot of capital to get a nice bar and just seeing somebody's weekly account of living the dream of bar ownership and successfully at that has refueled my desire to seriously consider dong it.
Thanks to everyone with their great advice. The only way we would ever dive into this business would be by hiring a consultant like Baudtender. :)

[allanjustallan]

TY Booblik,

I appreciate your compliments and interest in my on going challenge and learning curve as a new bar owner.

Saturday was my garbage day run, you will find me once every two weeks on saturday doing the recycle run. I met Bill Baker, the volunteer fire chief who has done such a wonderful job heading up a first rate fire and emergency response team.

He told me that the sherriffs office was very pleased with my performance so far, and that calls from the bar were way down compared to last year. He thought my installing cameras was a major reason why and also told me of an incident where someone had attempted to file a complaint with the police, with the intent of suing me because they claimed to have been over served at the bar and then crashed their car. Without my knowledge while I was away someone from the sherriffs department checked the video, and found he had no case because my trusty bar tender had refused him service when he entered drunk.

I also know of a few other times that people have tried to imply that something wrong had occured but one look at the tape disabused them of that notion. The camera has solved so many problems, big and small that I dont know how any bar functions smoothly without them.

I learnt another lesson last night, details details details. The erasable marker had run dry in the pool room, but this time no one told me so they were relying on memory to figure out who was next. Jason and Will got into a dispute about who was next, Will got into Jasons personal space complaining and of course Jason, even though he was much smaller than Will punched Will once in the stomach before I noticed what was happening and got in between them.

I sent Jason home for the night, prevented Will from leaving even though he wanted to because he wanted to get his licks in, reviewed the tape which made me realise Wills aggressive behavior, made sure that Jason had left the area, gave Will a lecture on the poor wisdom of getting in peoples faces at this bar in particular and sent him home as well.

Now when we open am going to make sure erasable pens are functional, such a small omission could have resulted in a very nasty fight.

Had an interesting conversation with one of the young tough guys who frequent this bar. He complimented me on my actions in defusing a fight situation which he had observed some time ago, said he had learnt a few things just watching me in action. Also said something really interesting which I hope is true. He told me that even the most stupid young punk would not break in or vandalise the bar because I had gained respect in their community and this was one of the few places where they felt they could come and relax.

Anyhow, feeling good right now but in the past thats when problems have occured so not going to relax my guard one bit,

Allan.

[gabby]

hi guys i am from Sydney Australia, i found this website by default and for a little while my friend and i have been brainstorming an idea about a nightclub, we live about 30mins from the city and in our area there is only 1 other club that plays mainly dance, we want to open an RnB club only because i know myself and a lot of my friends hav said they wish there was one around this area. im hoping that you guys have so much info that you can help my friend and i get started.

so far we are enrolled in a nightclub managment course here, and we have been reasearching all the laws and regulations, we know the area very well and soon we will be searching for a location...

another thing we were thinking of is that we wanted to find a silent partner who would own the club, we would design it and get it off the ground but the actuall ownership is his and my friend and i would manage it. is this a good idea??

i hope all of this is making sense, im trying to get all my information out. my friend and i are really hopeful about all of this and really need some support because not a lot of people believe we can do this

by the way i was so inspired yesterday allan by your story that i was hooked for 3hrs straight, i hope everything is still going well and im really hoping you guys can help me out with anything :D

[allanjustallan]

Was an interesting few days for me.

On wednesday Wybe Lincoln stole two coronas out of my walk in cooler, and Dan, someone who I concidered a really nice guy took the opportunity to ask for and recieve one of them.

I caught this action next day with my daily review of the camera action. Gave Dan a one month 86, still considering whether to 86 Lincoln for a month or year, but showed video to his very good friend, this being a small town word will get out and its going to be very embarrasing to both these guys.

Thursday, just before closing two cousins got into it. Jr Britton and Eric, Jr pushed Eric to the ground and when Eric got up he said something about sticking Jr. I got between them and told Eric he would have to stick me first, that no one was hurting anyone without hurting me first.

He looked at me in a strange way then handed over his opened knife, I put it on a table walked back and was handed a second knife. They talked for the better part of half an hour while I watched closely, then gave each other and me a hug before leaving.

Its interesting that for some reason they do not consider me a threat in any way. I think relationship building, which I make a point of doing with all my regulars has something to do with it. Even people I do not recognize get a very warm welcome and some small talk from me.

Have noticed that more people are bringing in and drinking beer bought outside the bar. This trend has got to be stopped. Will have to 86 a few people for the night to get the message across.

Tonight may be an interesting night, an Indian band called twice as good is playing in the bar, from what I hear they have a big following so may be capacity crowd. Going to cross my fingers that we have an uneventfull night.

Also finally ordered a mirror ball, pin spots and few other dancing lights. Will soon see if my crazy idea of turning this bar into a dance type place after nine is a winning idea,

Allan.

[allanjustallan]

The band was a big success, brought in a lot of people who had a lot of fun.
I can say for sure, bands mean a lot more business on any given night.

Only had to get rid of one guy who wanted to start a fight but just as we were closing a gay indian guy with a big mouth and sensitive attitude about being gay got into it with a guy who was hanging around nearby the bar.

Fortunately I pulled them apart before any real harm was done but not before gay guy strained his foot. He thought it was broken and called for ambulance which meant the police arrived as well.

There were also a lot of minors hanging around nearby the bar, and a near riot almost erupted with a few blows being exchanged before I managed to convince them all the police were comming and to get out of dodge.

It seemed like the bad early days for me, was personally threatened at least twice last night. Guess I can never ever let my guard down.

Am going to talk with Jason as soon as possible about really harrasing the minors and going to have to find another bouncer who will help me in a more physical way. I really dont like being in the center of the fight without backup. The hard part for me is finding an Indian bouncer who is not only tough but will also practise extreme restraint when dealing with a conflict situation. They dont want to work here because they fear being harassed when away from the bar.

Its really interesting about human behavior, everyone is hanging out having a good time, two idiots start a fight and suddenly almost everyone wants a piece of the action, guys and girls.

Still love owning the bar, life here is always very interesting,


Allan.

[allanjustallan]

I got to speak to Jason, Eric and Bret, hammered home my central message. I can keep tight control inside the bar but minors hanging around across the street invariably leads to trouble as customers depart the bar.

Last night Boo, Little John and two others were hanging around across the street, calling out to customers and from past experiance I knew in advance that sooner or later there would be a fight. I called Jason on his cell and 3 minutes later he came on by and five minutes later all the minors were gone.

I dont know if everyone has such great rapport with their local police department but I can say its been vital to my ongoing quest to totally change the culture of my bar. I really owe them a lot and am very gratefull to them.

My idea of installing dancing lights is a big hit, customers particularly females are staying longer and really enjoying the dancing. The 16 inch mirror ball really works so well along with the heavy duty motor and long life light bulbs in two pin spots. http://www.theatrefx.com/store/commerce.cgi?product=mirrorballs

Bought everything from theatre effects, they have good prices and ship promptly. 1-800-791-7646

I went with relatively low consumption power fixtures because I am not sure how much power my outlets can stand. The passion scan is a really nice addition and I now have two of them and will probably add two more. http://www.chauvetlighting.com/system/fixtures/passion.html
http://www.chauvetlighting.com/system/fixtures/obsession.html

The comet(dont buy it) and obsession only lasted a few hours before giving up the ghost. I ordered another obsession because its also really cool, but with the exception of the mirror ball setup all these lights need to be turned off after half an hour or so with 15 minute downtimes. So thats the lesson I learnt the hard way, one needs a dual lighting system to ensure long life. They do give warning they are overheating however because they stop moving to the sound of the music when they need a rest. Probably also going to order a cheap haze machine to enhance the lighting effects. http://www.123dj.com/lighting/fog/chauvet/fx800.html

Ladies night on thursdays has also really taken off, 50 cents off drinks plus free pool(only ladies can play in this time slot) from 6.30 to 9 plus dancing lights has proven to be a winner.

Bought the barstool exactly as shown in the link below and I really love them. I have noticed that the price has now increased by 30 dollars over what I paid just a few weeks ago probably due to popularity.
http://www.thebarstoolsuperstore.com/cart/shopper.cfm/action=view/key=TI002

Allan.

[allanjustallan]

No, I did not buy the barstool as now shown on barstools.com. What a strange looking bar stool covering they now show. Got the mahogany wood plus black seat cover. Had a good laugh when I saw what they now show, would not work in my western looking bar.

Its been a very good few weeks since I last posted. Business is steadily getting better as the spring/summer crowd returns plus more local people are hearing about the safe clean very friendly buckhorn and are now comming in out of curiosity and returning again because they had such a good time.

I do believe any bar reflects the bar owner, I tend to be naturally very easy going, treat my staff and customers with genuine respect and in some cases friendship. My staff passes on this attitude in their interaction with my customers which increases customer satisfaction, and in return the customers respond positively which reinforces the bartenders friendly behavior.

I like the previous bar owners, but I have noticed that just about every second time they come in the wife gets into some fight with someone. Just last night I had to protect her once again. I am guessing that was one of the reasons why there was so much fighting at the bar, the tone was simply not right.

One of the deputies enjoys the current bar environment so much that when he stops by he tends to stay for half an hour or so. I really enjoy his company but his presence puzzles everyone and scares some of my customers. I really dont blame him for lingering however, why sit in a patrol car on a slow night when one can watch hdtv on a 61 in screen, while enjoying eye candy behind the bar. One of these days I am going to get him to come into the bar to have a drink when off duty.

Just discovered that my ice machine is hooked up to hot water, no wonder it was taking so long to make ice.

Allan.

[MultivenueRus]

Have a backup, multi disc cd player ready for those times your feed or net goes down...Nothing worse than being busy on a Friday and having not a note coming from your lovely baby that is supposed to be fool proof...

Latro
D

[BrownStreetStat]

Just a quick question for ya, is that flooring you put in still holding up ok, im thinking about using it, would love to hear what you have to say, any pics would be awesome!

[allanjustallan]

The touchtunes juke has a half a terabite hard drive so its independent of the internet. However it is indeed connected to the internet so that in the early morning hours the latest songs are automatically downloaded. The reason I went brand new on everything was I hope to get many years of relatively trouble free operation, and yes I have a backup music system just in case.

Let me say once more, touchtunes is the very best juke in the world, I have customers who come in just to play it. Its simply beyond belief how good it is, and how simple it is to use. The traditional juke companies are going to have a hard time staying in business unless they come up fast with a similar concept.

The pergo select flooring was one of my better choices brownstreetstat, after almost 9 months of heavy use it still looks brand new, and cleaning it is a pleasure, just water and a touch of pinesol, its truly awesome nothing clings to it and its just about indestructible. It takes about a day or so to install, minimal downtime with zero downside. Even when its wet it keeps some traction so customers dont slip and it upgrades the look of the bar.

I intend to show pics both before and after, , but not ready just yet want to finish everything first, just take my word for it, install pergo select you will be very happy you did so.

Starting work on the patio finally, hopefully it will be finished in the next few weeks. Going to lay concrete down then cover it with flagstones.

More local people who would never have come into the bar before are now doing so, and bringing in their out of town friends. It touches my heart when these people thank me for what I have done to turn this bar around.

Geesh liability insurance is very steep, agent gave me a quote of almost 11,000 for 1 million coverage, then called me back few days later with another quote for 7,000. I will probably have to do it because I currently dont have any insurance.

Allan.

[allanjustallan]

Last night was my day off. A customer from Europe brought in a child aged 18 months and wanted a quick beer. My bartender served him then right after that the ex owner jeralyn Thompson came in, obnoxious as usual when she is high or drunk she flew into a rage against the bartender and customer, who left almost right away. She followed him and kept on screaming at him while he was placing the young child into the car.

She left but called the police three times from home, and even got a friend to call them as well. I got the call from the bar and of course called Jason, who said when he arrived at the bar after the 4th call there was no evidence of a child and told jeralyn to mellow out.

Seems so strange to me, jeralyn told me how gratefull she was that I had relieved them of the bar, how much she hated it, how stressfull it was, how she came to hate most of her customers.

But before leaving the bar last night she was ranting about how it was her bar? How she had gotten into so much trouble over much less and that she would make sure the bartender(bar) got into a huge amount of trouble.

I had some idea that she was jealous of my success, but because I simply dont think that way did not realise that she would go to extreme lengths to try to close my bar down.

Sadly its the same young bartender who I had to chastise about gossiping about customers who frequent the bar. Not quite sure what I am going to do. Do I fire her or not? Jason says no, this should blow over.

I believe the local police department will protect me to the best of their ability because I have indeed dropped service calls to the bar by over 90% since I took over, and I am now a known quantity, someone who wants to run a lawful bar.

Time will tell if this is just a little bump or something more. Yes, this being a small town I called jeralyn, she denied making any calls until I confronted her with the facts, then she claimed that she was just trying to protect me. In between all this she alternately cursed me.

I have a feeling she has a big huge hard drug problem but this latest stunt means that she now has the dubious honour of being 86ed from my bar for life. I wanted to do this some time ago, another lesson learnt

Allan.

[Estefon]

Hey Allen,

I always enjoy reading your posts and usually have no comments to make, but I'm a little confused by this one.

Did the bartender do anything illegal by serving a customer with an 18month old? Is it illegal to have a beer and drive with a child? You're obviously not intoxicated after one beer, right? Is it illegal in your state to have a child in you bar at all? Seriously, I don't see the problem here. Why would you consider firing your bartender?

I'd '86 the bitch too. Calling the cops on your establishment is not "protection".

[allanjustallan]

Hi Estefon, thanks for your support.

In California its not legal to have anyone under the age of 21 in the bar, unless they are workers doing work for you, such as fixing something. My bartender made a judgement call that accomodating a tourist, at a very slow period in the late afternoon with one beer would do no harm. One beer would not make you unlawful to drive. The law is a little vague about how long anyone under 21 can stay before a violation occurs. abc judges have said something less than ten minutes in past cases and the tourist was there less than 10 minutes but its a grey area.

If abc takes a hard line then there could be serious consequences, like closing down the bar for 15 days or paying a 3000 dollar fine. A second offense of any type within 3 years could mean a 30 day shutdown or revocation of the alcohol licence.

However, working in my favour is that Jasons official view is that when he arrived there was no minor hence no violation hence no report to be made. No report means no abc involvement which means no sanctions.

I have said it before, what a tightrope we walk here in the bar/club business but after almost nine months I still really enjoy it and will say again, good close relationships with your local police is VITAL if you want to stay in business, they will bend in your favour only if they think you are generally doing the right thing, and will slam you hard for the most minor offense if they want you out, as happened to Jeralyn,

Allan.

[BrownStreetStat]

Thanks for the info on the flooring am really considering it after reading up on it and hearing your comments.

Kevin,
www.brownstreetstation.com (middle of nowhere canada) heh

[allanjustallan]

Another good week, no real problems but I am gearing up for next Friday, a band is going to play across the street and in the past that has always ment a whole lot more business and a whole lot more trouble as well.

I tried to hire someone to do my books, but the lack of control and a clearer picture of what is happening to my business is driving me crazy. Now busy learning how to use quickbooks premier, seems more or less simple enough and sure beats paying someone 300 plus dollars for a few hours of work a month.

Accupos is a bust, one of my mistakes as a new bar owner. Its fairly complex and just does not do the job as a viable pos system.

Jason was on the warpath last night, a minor managed to enter the bar for about 15 seconds before my bouncer escorted her outside, Jason saw this and arrested her, no hit on the bar because he saw her enter and exit shortly thereafter with my bouncer. Another guy gave him lip and he briefly arrested him before letting him go with a warning.

I am really happy that they have taken my concerns about minors hanging around nearby the bar seriously, hopefully word will get out and my minor problem will be history.

Was reading the thread about drinking while on duty, I allow my bartenders to have a drink every so often, most of them choose not to drink while on duty.

As for me I feel zero fear after a few, helps me get thru some really tough situations which may be life threatening and people can see I am not in the least afraid, which tends to make them back down I believe.

Being a libra I can see both sides of the discussion, there are pros and cons in my opinion, Bouncers are not allowed to drink at all, I have seen too many fights allready where the drunk guy lost every time,

Allan.

[TMSOriginal]

Allan,

Nice posts...

If I may offer some friendly advice regarding your lighting effects. You are correct, many/most low-end lighting effects require a "duty cycle" of approximately 15 minutes on max then 15 minutes off cool-down-time (cycles vary, consult owners manual) -- if you are wanting to completely automate your lighting effects show without need for a DJ to change the light show, or even if you want to be able to change manually, I'd recommend checking out this link:
http://www.northernlightfx.com/cart.php?Action=findcat&cat=FXCONTROL&start=0&pagenumber=1&number=25

Here are my recommendations:
* Light CoPilot II (American DJ), only $199.99, and it will work for all of your lights -- you can adjust your cycle from very short/fast to long/about 10 minutes, or operate manually. No need for multiple extension cords -- or added outlets -- as the copilot has a relay pack for the outlets that connects to your controller with one single cord.

* Chauvet Product Number: SF-9005 , only $99.99, and very similar to the copilot. Cycle times range from 12 seconds to about 15 minutes. Has seperate relay & controller also.

* Elation Product Number: T4 (American DJ), only $59.99. This is a pack you hang near lights & four fixtures plug into it. It has no seperate control panel, but you can set the cycle time to anytime between about 1 minute to 15 minutes.

I own all of the above & they all have served their purposes greatly for my needs. If your interested, feel free to contact Ben with NorthernLightFX at www.northernlightfx.com or 1-888-660-6696 (no, I am not affiliated with that company & I rcv absolutely no kick-backs, but I'd appreciate it if you told him I referred you. Thanks.)

Any questions about DJ audio, karaoke equipment or dance lighting - feel free to ask. I've been a professional mobile entertainer since 1985...I'm gearing up to open my first sports bar/restaurant now.

Take care.

[allanjustallan]

Hi Todd,

Yes indeed I would be very grateful if you would give me some advice on DJ audio, karaoke equipment and dance lighting.

I have already installed a 16 inch mirror ball plus few other lights. Its a hit but I just know that it could be a much better light show with the right equipment. My dance area is fairly small, this being a small bar. The dance area is about 8 by 25. If you might share your experiance by doing a step by step suggestion of what you would install, and perhaps how you would connect all these lights together would be invaluable to me.

My one limiting factor is I am uncertain of how much more power I can draw.
Am using the touchtunes juke as the sound source, its been popular beyond belief and brings me an additional 200 dollars a week in extra revenue, which is better than paying a dj for a bar this size.

Karaoke is something my customers have also asked me for, any suggestions from you would be greatly appreciated.

On another subject, am on track to pay down my debt to zero by middle of next year, just in time to weather the comming slowdown as the real estate bubble moves into deflate mode. As someone who spent 16 years examining values for customers as a stock broker and certified financial planner have tracked very closely whats happening in the real estate markets. With equity extraction being the only thing keeping domestic spending high its a sure thing that any pause in this bubble will slow consumer spending considerably, this must inevitably affect the bar business as well, in my opinion.

I wish you luck with your opening and thanks once again for any advice you can give me regarding lighting,
http://patrick.net/housing/crash.html

Allan.

[TMSOriginal]

***warning: this post may get really long, sorry.***

Allan,

Not a problem at all giving some friendly recommendations. Now, I'm not sure what your budget is, and I mean no offense by the following assumption, but for this post I will assume a conservative budget based on seeing what you've installed thus far.

This first lighting recommendation is actually a package deal that includes three lighting effects and one fog machine...all for only $199.99!

Instant Light Show
Dynamic Light Pack Bundles 4 Easy-To-Use
Special Effects Lights

"Putting on a coordinated multi-effects light show...has never been easier – or more affordable. Now anyone, even non-pros, can create spectacular visual effects, with the Dynamic Light Pak, an all-in-one light-show-in-a-box from American DJ. ...the Dynamic Light Pak brings together four compact American DJ fixtures: the Trilogy lighting effect, the Double Twist lighting effect, the S45 Strobe and the F700 Fogger.

"The package is so easy to use and assemble that it requires absolutely no expertise in lighting--just plug it in and let it play. ...the Dynamic Light Pak is also very affordable. With four components combined into one package, it represents a tremendous value for lighting users. Designed to work together, the four effects provide a fun, easy way to enliven any party or event.

"One of the units in the Dynamic Light Pak is the Trilogy, a popular lighting effect that projects moving triangle shapes onto a wide area of the floor or ceiling. A sound-activated effect with an audio sensitivity control knob, the Trilogy’s 26 lenses produce 78 beams of multi-colored light that crisscross back and forth to the beat of the music. The Trilogy measures 10.5”L x 8”W x 8”H and weighs only 6 lbs.

"The Double Twist, another sound-activated multi-color effect in the Dynamic Light Pak, uses 16 lenses to create 32 dancing beams that rotate back and forth to the beat of the music. It measures 12”L x 11”W x 5.5”H and weighs just 8 lbs.

"The S45 Strobe adds some serious flash to the Dynamic Light Pak. Users can adjust the strobe rate manually using the unit’s external speed control knob. This mini-strobe measures 12”L x 11”W x 5.5”H and weighs a mere 1 lb.

List Price: $ 299.95
Your Price: $199.99"

more info: http://www.northernlightfx.com/cart.php?Action=closeup&prod=DynamicLightPak
I purchased one of these packs for a bar install I did and it worked great. I will admit the fogger is a low-end unit, but for the money as a package it's well worth it, IMHO.

You may also wish to add a Mushroom light effect of some type/brand. There are numerous ones out there (American DJ, Chauvet, etc) -- if you don't mind "off brands" you might want to consider the MUshroom-1 from CheapLights at http://www.cheaplights.com/catalog/01_info.php?sec=103 it's only $39.99. Or the Chauvet version of the Mushroom is only $59.99 and at http://www.northernlightfx.com/cart.php?Action=closeup&prod=CH-250 and this gets free shipping. I'd recommend the Chauvet version versus the no-name version as it's only $20.00 more and I have lots of experience with the brand name Mushroom lights.

Another all-in-one package to consider is the Chauvet DJ Pack 3. It has three lighting effects and a fogger as well (similar to the AMDJ Dynamic pack above). Since you obviously like Chauvet, you might want to consider this:
Chauvet Product Number: CH-Pack3
It includes:
(1) Ch-250 Chauvet Mushroom
(1) F-650 Chauvet Fogger
(1) Ch-219 Chauvet Obsession
(1) Ch-730 Chauvet 35 watt Strobe
List Price: $ 299.99
Your Price: $199.99
View at: http://www.northernlightfx.com/cart.php?Action=closeup&prod=CH-Pack3

Regardless of which package, or individual lighting effects, you go with...I strongly suggest you purchase a controller with time/chase ability so you don't have to worry about your lights burning up due to abused duty cycles when you don't have time to manually switch the lights. My post above about the controllers will help you -- I personally recommend the AMDJ CoPilot at http://www.northernlightfx.com/cart.php?Action=closeup&prod=LIGHTCOPILOTII it's only $199.99 and will save you hundreds in replacement costs of fixtures & bulbs over time.

As far as your question about how to connect the lights...it's easy...once you have received your lights and copilot controller, get all items out of their boxes (try to do this when you are closed) and place them around your dance floor area. You will want to hang your copilot relay pack (with all the outlets on it) somewhere centrally located above/near your dance floor so all lighting effect cords will reach it. Attach the relay pack 25' cable to the relay pack & let dangle to the floor for now (we'll come back to it later). Hang the copilot relay pack.

Next, grab a piece of paper & pen. You will want to write down which effect you plug into which outlet as you go.

Now, plug your two existing Chauvet lights into the relay pack - one per channel (say 1 & 2). Write it down.

Hang your new effects within cords reach of the relay pack. Plug them in & write them down.

Your existing mirror ball motor & pin spot(s) -- this is your choice, leave as is so always on, or plug into the relay pack so they will turn on & off. The replacement bulbs for pin spots are 4515s and they are cheap (apprx $5.00 @) and last a long time -- I'd have no problem either way; your choice.

Next, remember the relay pack cable that you attached to the relay pack? Well, you will need to run it to where ever you want your lighting controller to be installed (hint: install this where the guests/customers won't mess with it, and where it will stay dry). You'll want to safely & securely attach the cable to the ceiling/walls/etc as you make this run. Attach the cable to your copilot controller.

Grab your list and label each copilot controller channel appropriately -- either a label maker or masking tape & a black sharpie work well. (hint, do not write on your controller because if you ever change your light show...)

Make sure the main power switch on the controller is off.
Plug in the main power cord to a grounded three prong outlet.
Turn the power on.
Test each channel to see that the light(s) turn on/off okay and if you need to re-aim the lights better.
Follow the Copilot instructions for setting chase times.

Here's a friendly hint for lighting as well...aim some of your lights so they hit walls and/or ceilings. If all the lights hit the floor, then you run the risk of the entire light show looking the same...and when your dance floor is packed, the lights get lost in the crowd. Also, make sure none of the lights shine into peoples eyes at tables/booths and especially the pool table area (if applicable).

Finally, you will want to secure any low hanging cables/cords and then clean up your boxes/etc. File owners manuals/paperwork appropriately so you can find it if you ever need it for reference or for warranty work.

Any questions, do not hesitate to call/PM/email me at anytime -- or post here.

Thanks & good luck!

Have a SUPER day!

(BTW, if anyone is ever looking to add a mirror ball, www.CheapLights.com always has incredible deals on mirror balls & mirror ball motors. Just thought I'd throw that in for everyone's info.)

[TMSOriginal]

Allan,

As far as your erquest for info on karaoke -- it is my belief that hiring a professional mobile entertainer to come in weekly & use there equipment would actually be less expensive for you than you absorbing the cost of the equipment and music, book printing, training a staff person, maintaining the current music library with weekly/monthly new additions, etc. You could easily invest a minimum of $5,000.00 just to get started with a decent entry-level karaoke music library and equipment...while you could hire a professional to use his/her equipment/music for anywhere from $150.00/night on up. (Not that I'm in your market, but just for reference sake, my bar rates begin at $200.00/night depending on which night & number of weeks committment, and my wedding rate begins at $995.00)

There are benefits to hiring it out in addition to the initial investment and on-going maintenance as well, some include: if it doesn't catch-on or become profittable for your venue, you are only locked into whatever length/terms you signed for instead of having all that equipment; the professional DJ/KJs will work hard for you & they have a built in following which could potentially mean additional guests for your venue; etc. I strongly advise only hiring a professional DJ/KJ that will work with a signed Entertainment Agreement an carries his/her own commercial liability insurance policy and avoid the "will work for beer" type wannabe-DJs for oh-so-many-overly-obvious-reasons.

If you are convinced that you want to purchase your own karaoke equipment, let me know & I will be happy to give you some recommendations.

[Estefon]

Wow! Thanks for the info TMS! I now it wasn't directed at me, but that was some good stuff. Thanks for the links and the info.

Allan,

Is it because you're located in BFE that you can't hire an outside company to do karaoke for you? The equipment, lighting and songlist can be outrageously expensive if you want to do it yourself.

Sidenote: we recently fired our old karaoke company because they weren't performing to our standards. It's a long story, but I recommend shopping around if you go with an outside company and be selective with your host. He/she will make or break the party. We've got a new guy who costs us alot more per show ($250 vs. $150), but he's wonderful. Nobody complains about being skipped over, he doesn't have a tip-jar to haggle my guests over, his play-list is huge, his equipment actually makes people sound better when they sing and he gets people up and dancing in the aisles. I've never seen anything like it.

Anyway, good luck and thanks TMC for the info. I'm playing around with the idea of making our pool room into a dance floor for Sunday SIN nights.

[TMSOriginal]

Estefon,

No problem...glad you found the info useful. Good luck with your Sunday SIN promotion.

[allanjustallan]

TY Todd,

Very helpfull info you make a fine teacher. I guess I will have to slow down my debt payment schedule and make a few more purchases in order to make a great light show utilizing some of your suggestions.

I am in the middle of nowhere Estefon, its very beautiful and having travelled all over the world I can say its about as nice as any place on earth. Thanks for the advice however, I will put karaoke on the backburner for now.

Regarding generating more business, I am now going to have mens night on mondays, free pool from 6.30 to nine plus 50 cents off all drinks. Doing the same thing on Thursdays for the ladies has been a huge hit,

Allan.

[TMSOriginal]

Absolutely no problem, Allan. Best of luck to you!

[allanjustallan]

Two nights ago Jake Britton along with Jakes two friends almost got into it with two other guys. Fortunately I got the two outside and into their car before any blows were thrown. However Eric the local deputy arrived saying someone had called 911. I told him about the small problem then reviewed the tape. Seems Bell(a lady) had a run in with Jake earlier that evening away from the bar, and called 911 without saying anything on the ph while I was busy calming down the situation. Then to top it off Cindy Swan, the owner of the local newspaper called 911 shortly thereafter, because Lauren as she was leaving gave out a loud scream.(she does have one of the loudest screams I have ever heard).

Asked Cindy why she called(her office is across the road and she enjoys working in the late hours), she said she feared for her life and also thought some lady was being attacked. Jeesh, anyway the real reason is that she has to move out of my home by yesterday because I want to move back into it. Spoke to Jake last night, informed him that any more trouble that revolved around him would mean 86 for a while. Spoke to Bells daughter told her that anymore 911 calls from Bell would mean 86 for life. Spoke to Eric and told him the true reason for the 911 calls.

I sometimes get the feeling that I am a school teacher babysitting a bunch of kids. People have such varied motives for what they do, but having the camera means I usually get to the true story.

Still waiting for my flagstone to arrive, and decided not to go with concrete just fine sand with flagstone placed on top.

The atmostphere in the bar continues to improve, I feel I have finally turned an important corner but of course having a bar means there will always be problems of some type.

Allan.

[allanjustallan]

The flagstone looks great, has significantly improved the feel of the outside patio. Decided to simply install it on a bed of sand, works great and very reasonable. I do have one problem however. Due to the slope of the land there is a five inch wooden retainer wall that runs thru the middle of the patio. It looks really good but I am concerned that its only a matter of time before someone has a fall. The length of this beam is about 13 feet. I have placed two flower barrels plus tables so as to reduce the risk area, which now measures about three feet. Does anyone have any ideas that could highlight the step without taking away the current beauty of the design, am thinking perhaps a ramp or led lighting or reflective tape.

Had to call 911 last night at midnight, Stan got into it with a small mexican guy right outside the bar, the guy attacked Stan for some reason(I will check tapes today but suspect Stan was being a bully thru the night) I heard about the scuffle and told Stan to leave, he became very aggressive with me, with some pushing and shoving and verbal threats then hung around outside till Jason and Eric arrived. Eric gave him a ride home, but I was not happy to make the call knowing in advance that I would have to get them out of bed.

Thinking about having security Wednesday thru Saturday, but the additional cost will hurt the bottom line. I wonder what percentage of gross sales should be devoted to security, knowing this would help me make up my mind.


Allan.

[Visual Magic]

Use a side-glow fiber optic cable to light up your step. You could even ring the entire patio with it. They work well stepping in either up or down directions and dramatically enhance the look of stairs and floor risings.
You can see a photo of it installed on some steps at this site:
http://www.micalighting.com/showcase.html
(There are many companies that sell it. This is just a good picture of what it looks like installed.)
Side-glow not only causes people to notice there is a step in front of them, it makes for a nice lighting effect too.

[allanjustallan]

Thanks for the info Visual Magic.

Its hard to believe that my one year anniversary is fast approaching. Sept 4th was opening day for me. I have turned the bar into a really nice easy going place and my customer mix is great. Still have the occasional ass but now they stand out and are evicted before they cause too much trouble.

The next month is going to be hectic, have a band playing this comming saturday and next saturday is blackberry festival here in Covelo. Lots of people plus two really good local bands, one at the Buckhorn plus one just across the street at the Northfork resturant.

Considering some type of event to celebrate for Sept 4th, just not quite sure what I should do right now however.

Finally operating solidly in the black, thats a huge relief. Still have not got a decent pos system operating but one day hope to get that resolved.

I really want to thank everyone here who has been so helpful to me. You have helped me to avoid some major pitfalls and have also given me some really good ideas to make my Bar a great place to visit. Thankfully the hectic dangerous place which we call the Buckhorn has now changed significantly thanks in large part to the wonderful advice I recieved here.

I still find myself looking over old posts, there are so many good suggestions located in this thread.

Thanks again,

Allan.

[allanjustallan]

Margos band was a huge success, I have not been this packed since opening night. A good local band with a loyal following really makes for a great night.

I have changed my opinion about allowing bartenders to drink while on duty. The ones that drink make more mistakes in my opinion, so no more drinking.

Two young people spent half an hour trying to break down my door at around 530am. Fortunately for me they finally gave up. I now have a steel security gate plus the sturdy door.

My relationship with the local police has never been better.

Allan.

[Securitygeek]

Ok, lets see here. You were wondering about what percentage of revenue to devote to security. First off, do you charge a cover? If so, that is all gravy money, so you pay security out of that. If you don't charge a cover, think about it, especially when you have live music in the bar. This is also a good way of eliminating some of your minor problems. By charging a cover you can have some at the door checking ID's.

What is the capacity of your bar? I know that alot of us use a 1:50 ration for security that does not include door person and parking lot people.

How many nights per week are you open? What are your problem nights?

With more info, I or any of the other Security guys can make better recomendations.

[poochkas]

Not sure if I agree with security geek on this one! I just don't believe in "gravy money". You are the business to make money and if you are good at it you can do it in other ways than just getting bar sales. Ie. cover charge, coat check, vending machines, games, etc......
Allan, I have found that you should be able to effectively run a bar without food at approx. a 10% labor cost. That includes management pay, bartender wages, security, etc.... Be warry of using this as a cut and dry formula though. You always want to maintain full controll in your own venue and if that means that on a band night that packs the house full of testostorone filled beer drinkers you have to run two extra security then do it.

[allanjustallan]

My labour breakdown, excluding accounting fees or my own salary is indeed running about 10% of gross sales right now. I usually have one bouncer on Friday and Saturday,(my problem nights) adding a second or even third guy whenever I feel its going to be a busy night due to some special event. I also act as security myself. This being a small town bar almost everyone knows everyone else, they are very quick to assist in stopping a fight before it gets serious.

I charge 5$ at the door whenever I have a band, 100% of that goes to the band. My capacity is 145 people but usually the bar averages between 15 to 50 people during the evening hours, with a lot of turnover as people come and go. I am open 7 days a week from 1pm to 2am. Busy nights are usually wed thru sat, slow week is last week of each month.

MY touchtunes juke averages 200 a week, megatouch machines have slowed down to about 100 week for both, pool table averages about 180 per week. I own outright all of these machines and they have proven to be an important customer draw.

Allan.

[Securitygeek]

sounds like you got it covered... I would recommend maybe 1 extra person full time. Just my opinion.You are too valuable to the bar to get hurt, and if you are out for a month or more bad things might happen.

[allanjustallan]

Thanks for the thumbs up securitygeek.

Past week was my best grossing week since opening night, and the band made about 640 at the door, they were a big hit and everyone had a great time. Its not my imagination my crowd mix has changed significantly for the better. I make a point of approaching tough looking guys letting them know in a very friendly way that everyone is on camera and that this is now a mellow bar.

Finally the bar is running more or less on automatic, distributors come in and make the order themselves, with the exception of the hard alcohol guys who for some reason insist that I make the order.

The problem of getting bartenders to work has been solved by over hiring, now they are very eager to get a shift. As business has improved so has their hourly earnings, making them even more eager to work.

My idea of trying to get a band to play each Sat appears to be working, people are now making their party plans with the expectation that a band will be playing resulting in more people as the weeks go by. Local bands are now very eager to play as word gets out the buckhorn is a mellow place to be.

I now get an offer from someone to buy the bar about once every two or three weeks, makes me laugh because at one time before I bought the bar there was simply no interest from anyone.

The outside patio has also attracted the late afternoon crowd, its turned into a real social hit. Some of my female customers asked me to install flowers in half wine barrels, I paid for it they installed it, looks great.

First the touchtunes screen went bad, then shortly thereafter the tunecental hard drive went bad, but they were great, sent me the replacement items promptly then walked me thru installation and its still under warranty so cost me nothing.

Looking forward to the rest of this month, no improvement outlays for the first time in a year plus expect this month to be best of the year as well, however still have to come up with a plan to make the outside patio weather proof as winter looms on the horizon,

Allan.

[Securitygeek]

Congratulations Allan... sounds like you've got it rolling. Where are you again? I ever get the chance I think I might like to stop by and see how the place is looking.

[allanjustallan]

As usual when everything looks great I hit a slump again.

Nicolle was off duty enjoying a drink with a friend who was wanted for probation violations, she foolishly tried to hide her and of course she is now deeply disliked by local law enforcement.(I asked them if I should let her go but they said give her a stern warning)

My trusty bartender Loretta ignored a minor who was playing pool with his friends, until they stole her bicycle that is, fortunately she confronted him few days later and got it back. Then Friday night Doug, who is usually so reliable when it comes to minors thought a 19 year old was of age. She sat in the bar for a while then finally left.

The bad news is that the local police heard about the first incident, and observed the female leaving the bar. I am once again under close observation, they think that we are slacking off and they are right. If they chose to report this to abc then I will have mandatory 15 day shutdown, hope they dont but if it happens will take a 15 day vaction, its been over a year since I had any time off.

I have told everyone that they must card anyone who appears under 30, and no id means no entry, simple as that. I have also said that the penalty for failure to keep minors out is no longer being able to work here.

I also intend to keep Doug at the Door on our busy Fri and Sat nights, and I also intend to stay close to the door myself. Have simply got to stop this rot from harming my bar, because being a small town the local police always hear when we mess up, and a lot more minors attempt to enter when any of their friends succeed.

Being so closely observed and graded on my work is a constant medium stress event, punctuated with high stress whenever there is risk of conflict. I have reduced violence by 99%, reduced minors entering the bar by 98% yet this is still not enough for the local police who want perfection which I am unsure I can deliver.

I will try harder however, guess thats all I can do. Ironically my customers have never been more happy with the bar environment.

I am located in Covelo Securitygeek, take hwy 101 14 miles north of Willits to hwy 162 east about 30 more miles.

This should be a slow week then its Indian days week after, time to get everyone including myself back to a razor sharp edge in preparation, hopefully no more mistakes for a while,

Allan.

[The Event Guy]

You've GOT to stay on top of your people. If you don't, then you know the consequences.

Good luck.

[Ilovethisbar]

Thanks for starting this thread. Nice to be able to walk in someone elses shoes before I make a go of it. The first night that I started reading this I was up until 5am. Thank God my wife lets me sleep in on Saturday :)

[allanjustallan]

Its my pleasure, have avoided a number of mistakes because of some very good advice received here.

Indian days was a huge success, best grossing night since opening day. No fights either.

One mistake was not stopping service sooner however, am going to new format right away, and its going to be put in writing. Last call at 1.30, stop serving onsale at 1.40, move people out door at 1.50

I have also put in writing whats expected of bartenders when they open and change shifts, something they can mark off as they complete each job.

Also working on a list of our most popular mixed drinks and their prices, hoping to keep my customers experience uniform no matter who is on duty.

I have also researched pos systems, seems to me that for such a small bar with gross revenues now in vicinity of 300,000 a cash register does the job for now. I do hope to continue increasing revenues however so may revisit this choice in the future,

Allan.

[flexiblehead]

I just finished reading all the posts on this thread and I wanted to thank Allan for detailing his adventures...and offer congrats on the success.

I am working on the purchase of a bar/restaurant in NY (western, upstate area)...and I am about where Allan was when he started this thread...so this was an unbelievable read...and I am very thankful.

Keep up the good work, Allan...and if/when you have time, please continue to keep us updated.

Jeff

[allanjustallan]

TY Jeff.

More Drama as usual, I tried to quit smoking so unwisely stayed away from the bar for six days, got three 911 calls and a very upset bunch of local police who were wondering what the hell was going on.

My bartenders are really good but they simply need moral support by having me around. Police looked at the video and bluntly asked them why they called.

I explained my absence, and for past two weeks we have had very few problems with no 911 calls. They are once again happy with me but another important lesson learned, I simply have to be at the bar most of the time during the problematic evening hours. I knew this but the lesson has been reinforced once again.

Because of my absence Nicole and Christy quit. Fortunately I had hired Kathleen on a very part time basis, she has filled in the gap and has become very important due to her willingness to work and obvious dedication to the bar. She started a potluck on Mondays, I pay for the food and she prepares it, its started to make Mondays a lot more profitable and fun. Ester a good friend and regular customer helps with the preperation as well. I have so many people who simply love this bar and feel very fortunate. They have contributed so much to making this a fun relaxed community type place to be.

Winter is comming, have just ordered patio metal roofing plus a patio heater
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?prodid=11008557&cm_mmc=Bcemail_115-_-PatioHeater-_-23-_-Bcemail_115_PatioAccessories

The bud salesman told me that the Buckhorn is now within the top three Bars in Northern california for sales, made me feel good to hear some positive feedback.

Allan.

[Baudtender]

(sticking his head up out of the ground)

allanjustallan:

My Lord, I can't believe this thread is still active! What a great testament to your stick-to-it-tiveness!

I just can't prevent myself from commenting on your last message about quitting smoking, but it's so far off your topic that I think I'll start a new thread.

Keep it up and glad to see you're still kicking!

Baudtender

[allanjustallan]

ty baudtender, I have always had a sense of sticking to whatever I do, just my nature I guess. Besides this thread with many helpful contributions from others including yourself has helped me in so many ways.

The only way I will quit owning my bar is if I get bored(so far its far from boring and in fact has become my social centre much to the dismay of my girlfriend), or if I do such a bad job that I am forced out.

Okay it seems that we are now back on track, no calls, no violence very few small altercations and I hope to keep it that way.

Have stopped accepting checks because of non payment, and right now am considering stopping credit, there are just so many people who abuse this privelege I really should not have ever started this practice in my opinion.

Allan.

[Estefon]

I understand not accepting checks, but how do people abuse using credit cards at you place? I would love to not accept credit/debit cards, but there's so many people these days who don't carry cash it would be impossible not to accept them.

[Securitygeek]

I think he means in house credit. :)

[aussie]

Allanjustallan

I was reading through your, should I call it a book, really good. Congratulations with everything you have done. I was wondering if you have a website of your place so I can take a look.
I am familliar with this company in Florida that has all the bar stuff you might need called www.barproducts.com check it out.
I am curious to know what the reasons are for not wanting to accept credit cards anymore. I can understand not accepting checks.

Anyway, again Congratulations and good luck.
Aussie

[allanjustallan]

No website Aussie, but will get around to taking pics once I am finished upgrading the bar. This is not a fern bar however, its a simple country bar that does an incredible amount of business considering its location, bad reputation and small population base.

I am indeed talking about in house credit, for the most part its been a very expensive lesson. Am considering offering credit card service thru costco, they appear to have very attractive terms.

I just wonder how much credit cards will increase my business? Would appreciate anyone reading this letting me know what percentage of sales is via credit card and should I get on the credit card bandwagon asap.

Allan.

[Michael Black]

Hey, Allan, great thread.I've been so busy, trying to catch up again.In my opinion, you should accept credit cards ASAP. Do a search on the web,look at the national restaurant association for leads, and talk to other local businesses before deciding on a company that offers both low fees and great support service.Consider a $10 or $20 minimum purchase.Yes, you pay a little more in fees but you cannot discount that we have become a credit card nation.The bottom line is that it's easier for your customers to go, stay, and spend more money at your place.Depending on the place, I've seen as high as 100%-they did not accept cash! But, I think one could reasonably expect about 10%.You may be higher or lower - it all depends on the situation and customer base. Did you say you do not offer food or have a kitchen? Restaurants often have a higher percentage. People, even those who often use cards, tend to use cash more often on just drinks.But groups use them more and their are individuals who will go elsewhere if you don't take them.

This is just one of many ways, you are looking out for your customer (and your biz:)) by offering this convenience. I once dropped $300 worth of goods at a checkout at a Home Depot where there were a couple of managers and several cashiers standing around, 20 checkouts, and one lane open with a line a mile long for a long time.I dropped the cart in front of the manager, before walking out and said, " Don't ever make it difficult for your customers to give you money!" Remember that.

Good Luck!,

Michael Black

[Michael Black]

Hey Allan, I looked at the Costco credit card processing offer and it looks like a pretty good deal.After reading some of the thread, I would expect your credit card sales to be fairly low - 5% or less, at least initially, but still an important convenience for your customers in my opinion.As you clean up the place and get more and more wanted customers with more money to blow, credit cards will become increasingly important to take.Make sure you put the word out that you take them and which ones if not all.Obviously mc and visa are a huge percentage that almost everyone with cards have.


Let us know how it's going,

Mike

[David]

I think that credit card sales are a must for any bar or club. Most banks are reasonable on what they charge and believe it or not, most are negotiable to a point.

My experience is that there is a large cross section of the general public that use credit cards for their bar and club purchases. This way, they don't have to carry a bunch of cash around with them. I'm one of those people. I pay for almost everything with a card. I can track my money and my purchases better and it's more convenient.

I spoke with one of my clients that owns a bar that caters to a wide range of customers. They said that 40 to 50% of their business is done on a card. Somewhere round 60% during the Holiday's

[RussMetz]

Is it better to have an ATM and get paid, or use credit card machines and pay for credit sales???

[Michael Black]

Both should be in any bar or restaurant and both offer important paying options and conveniences to your guests.The whole point is to use them as just 1-2 of many factors to why SOME should choose to go to your place vs. elsewhere. Furthermore, to keep them there longer instead of having to go elsewhere or go to get cash. Some may not have the cash to withdraw and some may not desire to do so and want to charge while others may not have the credit cards, don't want to use them for small transactions, or are trying to get out of debt.There are alot of purchasing facets to so many different places and curcumstances and different customers we must seriously consider both since the costs are relatively low and recent atms take up far less space then in the old days. And...we have become a credit card nation.

Ps: the credit card convenience with minor fees, like much marketing is not a cost or an expense, but an investment. Think outside the bun,.... I mean box:)

Just my 2 cents,

Mike Black

[RussMetz]

I am still not convinced.

My Credit Card machine died on me and i ran a month with out CC, just the atm. My atm usage quadrupled and sales were higher. Which means I made more money from my Atm, plus sales increased. I know the sales increase might not be directly related, but it seems to have.

[Michael Black]

There are many factors that can influence sales.But, I have no doubt that an atm does help. However,if you had it all along with the cc machine, that means they had that option all along, so the lack of cc processing would not mean and increase in sales or are you including your net fees from the ATM as part of those sales figures? Each case/situatuion is different and maybe some cc people went to the atm because they had no choice but you also might have had even higher sales with cc's because some people did not have an atm card or want to use it. And I don't know anything else like if you are the only bar for that particular market in town or 1000 other things. Like with Allan's case, I believe the smaller and/or rural, blue collar places would not have a significant percentage needing cc processing, but still a nice convenience to offer customers if they do.Some still say many younger people do not have cc's or got into debt and now don't have them.They would then use atm cards, but now most atm cards now offer visa, etc as a bank card that will work on cc machines for a lower cost than atm fees to the customer. BUT, if tabs are difficult, and people just want a quick drink, I agree that most are going to want to use cash and have access to an atm. This seems to be your case based on limited information.For your case you may be part of a slim exception percentage, but I still think the overwhelming majority of establishments should have both and will benefit from both.I would be very interested in a test with none, 1 each, and both all other 1000 things being fairly equal, but that's easier said than done. Given the small fees, I still say go with both. I am sure there are some customers who would be upset that they would have to pay those atm fees instead of being able to use a cc, but in some ways it's ther own problem for not having or not wanting to carry enough cash.

I am curious to if you own and maintain the atm and if you have ever had a run on the money and must rely on an outside company to maintain and restock it?

Good Luck,

Mike

[allanjustallan]

Hope everyone has a great thanksgiving.

Its been a really stressfull last few weeks for me, succomed to temptation and got caught so lost my really good girlfriend of 17 months, its a huge loss. I have no intention of getting serious with anyone while I own this bar this business is not condusive to relationships in my opinion.

Lost another bartender and another will leave in a few weeks to be with her boyfriend. Am back to working single and double shifts every day but the side benefit is that I am losing weight fast without the fine home cooking and long work hours.

This past saturday the 19th was a real test for me and the local police department. A huge family group with friends came down to the Buckhorn to have some fun. Everything was going just fine for the first hour until a known violent family member known as XXXXX tried to enter the Buckhorn to join his family. My trusty bouncer Doug got him out of the bar within 10 seconds. XXXXX hung around outside for a few minutes before going across the street and getting into a fight with someone. Doug along with patrons who were smoking outside rushed to stop the fight. Doug came back to the door and shortly thereafter speed tried once again to enter the bar, when Doug tried to stop him XXXXX attacked Doug. I got this assault on camera.

A tribal police woman had seen the first assault and called it in, so within seconds of the second assault another was on the scene. Unfortunately for everyone within seconds the Bar filled with family members and friends had also emptied so the deputy was faced with a really large(25-30) group of angry people who wanted him to release Speed.

I tried to calm down the crowd and got seriously threatened by an individual.
Despite this I continued to try to calm down the crowd, and did manage to get many non family members back into the bar. My logic was reducing the crowd would reduce the stress that the deputy. He fortunately acted with extreme restraint and calmness, while members of the family got right into his face, tugging and pulling on him and surrounding him while some were screaming abuse while others were pleading for him to release the perp.

Another deputy arrived at this point and was instantly surrounded as well. When the Deputy arrived shortly thereafter, was about to help when one of the family members got into a car and half heartedly tried to run down One of the deputies. I say half heartedly because he was moving at a really slow speed, was not accelerating and at the last moment he veared away. His back was to him until the last second so if the driver was really serious he could have indeed easily run over Eric. Am not sure if he hit anyone or not as I was across the street.

Jason gave chase and it ended within a few minutes right where it started. Jason arrested the guy. He then attempted to help Bret. When he tried to subdue and detain a guy in a red shirt the guy(who is one of the most powerful guys I have ever seen) jumped over a side fence right next to the bar with Jason and his dog in pursuit. Unfortunately right away three or four family members followed. They were uttering threats and I believe at that moment they ment to do Jason serious bodily harm.

There was Jason, flashlight in one hand, trying to handcuff this powerful guy with his other hand while being menaced by family members and he was in an effective allyway, boxed in with little light.(a later conversation with Jason indicated that he had indeed been assaulted by a family member at this time)

I heard him say back off or I will shoot, and shortly thereafter I heard a small pop. A female thought the red shirted guy had been shot but Jason calmly and immediately said no, I did not shoot him I tasered him.

I ran into the bar to get two flashlights and used them to light up the scene. My purpose was two fold, give Jason light so he could use both hands while lighting up the scene would assure family members that he was not abusing anyone. This appeared to work as they did finally back away.

The situation somewhat calmed down at this point(this is a relative reference because it was a highly volitile situation for the approximate hour plus time this whole event lasted) enabeling the deputies to place two of the handcuffed people into the police cars.

However people had been using their cell phones and many additional family members arrived. While the deputies were trying to calm the angry crowd two people released the two detained guys who had been locked into the police cars. One of the guys was the same one who had threatened me earlier, but I simply could not say for sure who he was when I was given a photo line up later as he was not a regular and this was the first time I had ever seen him and it was in poor light under very stressful conditions.

It was kinda funny in a strange way, the red shirted guy took off as if he was running a hundred yard dash, the other guy took off at a really really slow shuffle. Both these guys had their hands handcuffed from behind.

With two additional family members detained, one hog tied on the ground passions flared up even more, mace was used and as usual anyone nearby got maced as well by accident, resulting in one of the handcuffed people getting it in their eyes, according to conversations I had later with family members. I did not see this however as I was still doing my best at this point to get people inside and keep people inside the calming haven of the bar.

Most of what I saw was on my side of the street, so did not see much of what Eric or anyone else across the street was doing most of the time, what I did see was Eric constantly surrounded by angry people for a long long time. He and the rest of the deputies did well, had they reacted violently and lost their cool I believe they would have been torn apart by the crowd.

Hard to believe but even at this point there were many people on my patio who had no clue about what was happening outside. There was not a single instance of violence inside the bar that night.

Police reinforcements were called in from Latonville and Willits and perhaps elsewhere as well, they took about an hour to arrive and by the time they did arrive its my personal opinion that the local deputies had the situation well under control.

At this point I was asked to stop serving and close the bar which I did right away.

Its my opinion that the local police practised MAXIMUM restraint, its a miracle or rather testament to their professionalism that no one was killed that night. These guys have tried really hard to be a community based police force, I have seen them bend over backwards in the past to give people the benefit of the doubt when they could indeed have arrested them. I have seen them verbally abused and they simply smile and maintain a proffesional attitude.

Because of one family member, a large family has been devestated simply because they unwisely tried to help him out and their hearts rather than their heads took over in the passion of the moment.

The guy in the car is in deep trouble, and family and community members are frantic for him. I just hope the DA goes easy on him as many people have said he is a good family man these days and he is feeling devestated. I hope the DA takes a hard line it should be against speed not the rest of the family. Mercy right now for the rest of them will assist in restoring the fairly good relationship the police have enjoyed in the past few years, taking a hard line may do a lot of damage.

This could set back police efforts at community policing by many years and once again I will suffer personal financial loss as people associate the Buckhorn with violence and stay away, despite the fact that there was zero violence in the bar that night and the deputies(Jason, Eric and Bret) have told me we did everything right that night.

Family members have visited me the last three nights, getting my version of what happened. They are clearly unhappy that my position is one of support for the local police, but honesty is honesty and I know what I saw and heard. Being totally sober means my recollection was very clear. There is a threat of a lawsuit being brought against the police which means I may have to testify. As usual I feel caught right in the middle but I will certainly take the stand if I have to and honestly recount what happened. I am fairly certain that if I have to testify I may be subject to some serious personal threat, this family is large and some members are violent in the extreme. They may take my honesty to mean I am against them, and in this valley those are fighting words.

Have a happy thanksgiving,

Allan.

[Ruben]

Holly Allan, you must have been in a lot of stress.Well I hope the best for you and hopefully everything will resolve for you.

[David]

Allan:

Just a word of caution, don't use peoples real names. If they decide to sue you for any reason, slander being one of them, they can subpoena this site. I, along with the others, don't want to be part of a lawsuit or any other negative action.

On a more positive note. Your thread is doing great. It's nice to see that you are sharing your trials and tribulations with all of us.

Thanks. I did go back to your last post and edit out the names for obvious reasons.

[DDDinNoCal]

Dear Allan,
So sorry to hear of your troubles... it sounds as though you have been through a lot lately. But I have to ask.... when you said that you lost your girlfriend due to the fact that you got CAUGHT- what made you think you wouldn't? Covelo is a small town... and if you truly valued your relationship of 17 months you wouldn't have "subcommed" temptation. This has nothing to do with the "bar business" it has everything to do with you. your girlfriend is better off. I have dated too many men like you who fail to see the responsibility in their actions. How old are you anyways? I hope she was worth it...
Denise :mad:

[aussie]

Hey Allan
I want to wish you good luck and remember you have to tell the truth. It looks like this will be closely watched by the local Police.
To build a good reputation in a small community, you can never be caught for doing even one thing wrong. It sounds like the community is behind you.
Again, good luck and let us know how everything turns out.
Aussie

[ibion37]

Hi Allan. I have been reading your threads and seems like you finally got the bar almost under control. Congrats!! After the two prior owners i had lost hope for the bar. I had worked there for two years under wayne and seen a lot of negative stuff for the most part and some positive. Good work Allan!

Ps. Don't get to involved with the patrons like the prior owners did.
It's Covelo, "TRUST NOBODY"

Ibion37

[allanjustallan]

Denise I am not justifying what I did, it was foolish and hurtfull to someone that I truly loved. We are both in a huge amount of pain right now. I have however tried to make some sort of amend. I have given her thru July 2006 to find a new place, so she can live rent free for a fairly significant amount of time in my home. She is not a thief, however two weeks of gross receipts plus my shotgun and derengers are missing. She denies taking anything and due to her past history of honesty there is nothing much I can say. I am paying both financially and emotionaly for being stupid. The lesson has indeed been learned. I would love to reunite with her and spend the rest of my life making it up to her but I dont believe she will give me another chance.

I was born in 1960, so I should be old enough to know better.

I think I know why the local police like me, this town is always going to have problems due to family feuds which have been ongoing for decades, combined with a culture that places saving face higher than going to jail means many people resort to violence as a first response. The local police know this and I guess appreciate the massive reduction in calls from the bar.

Bar business has indeed taken a hit as expected. There has only been one minor scuffle outside the bar since the riot, which I quickly stopped.

Ty ibion37 for your words of encouragement, you know personally just how challenging the task I face. Ty David for your suggestion about names, will remember to be more discrete in the future. Everything I have posted has been true but of course that does not prevent anyone from filing a lawsuit.

Now for some good news, the local chamber of commerce has honored me by staging their annual party at the bar on the 13th Dec. These people are for the most part really afraid of the bars past reputation so this is a great occasion for me.

I also got into the local newspaper again with this article which I had posted in the restrooms, Cindy liked it and published it:

Driving under the influence of alcohol

Please, its just too costly getting a DUI in California. First time offenders get fined up to 1000$, 48 hours to six months in jail,
three to six months mandatory attendance at alcohol/drug program plus loss of driving rights for six months to a year.

The total cost often exceeds 8000$

If someone gets hurt while driving DUI you could be in for some serious prison time(think ten years or more).

To avoid this bring a designated driver. Pace yourself, one drink per hour should keep you legal and stop drinking an hour or
two before leaving the bar.

Leave your car at home and have a friend or family member pick you up.

Let us know that you need a ride home, we will try to find someone who is going your way.

As a last resort the local police are very community oriented, they often give rides home to people who need one.

Regarding minors: If a minor is found in the bar they will be arrested and taken to Ukiah jail. The bartender will be fined 250$
and the bar closed for fifteen days, second sale to minors will result in the bar permanently shut down. If you provide alcohol to a
minor then you will be fined 250$ and possibly taken to jail as well. If the minor gets hurt in an accident after you provided alcohol
then you could be facing serious jail time.
.
The moral is dont buy drinks for a minor and dont come into the bar with them, this opens up serious liablity for yourself and may result in the
bar being closed for good. Our policy is one year 86 for an adult who brings a minor into the bar, and we always buy a drink for anyone who points
out a minor to us.

A fifteen day shutdown results if we serve an obviously intoxicated person, so please be understanding whenever we have to cut you off or
refuse you service when you come into the bar drunk.

Violence is simply not tolerated anymore, if you get into a fight with someone here and the security cameras show you are at fault expect a minimum
one year ban from the bar.

The good news is service calls to the bar are down in excess of 90%, I would like to thank each and every one of you who have made this possible.


Allan.








Allan.

[allanjustallan]

Back on track again, business is booming and the customers that were scared off have started to come back into the bar again. Have trained two new bartenders and they are working out very well. Neither of them are the outright beauties I have hired in the past, but they clean well and interact really great with my customers. Another lesson for me I guess.

One issue that I do have is chasing off minors who hang around outside the bar from time to time. I chased off a minor but not before he took a fighting stance against me, fortunately I asked a departing patron to get some guys from inside the bar to come outside, when he saw the odds stacked against him he then left. I dont wear a uniform so its always risky when I have to tell someone to depart from nearby the bar.

Got a deputies wife happy, she had a really great time at the bar and text messaged some of the deputies looking for a ride home. They are a wonderful couple who have been happily married for many years. He was not all that happy with me, said I was now on probation, smiles. Heck she only comes to the bar about every six months, shes a fine mother and wife, just had a really great time at the bar.

I feel, I really feel that my relationship with the local police is tight and intimate, we share the same values and because of what happened recently they know that they can depend on me. I like these guys and I think they know it. I depend on them whenever I am in dire need and reducing service calls is what its all about.

Anyway have got a band for new years eve, its a popular local band and the word is that its going to be a blowout party. If I can get thru the new year without any fights its going to be a double first, this bar has never gotten thru new years eve without a couple of fights, last year there were no fights and I am hoping to duplicate it.

Hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and a happy new year.

Still enjoying the bar bus just a little tireds from working seven days a week,

Allan.

[allanjustallan]

Must be some kind of record, two years in a row without any fighting on new years eve and for the bar we got gross revenues just shy of our all time best which was when I first opened the bar.

I also stopped serving 25 minutes before 2am, worked out just fine everyone was out before 2am.

No minors, no fights I bet local law enforcement is happy right now with us. I know they expected a major problem, Shannon Barney who heads the local deputies was on night duty, which shows they expected some serious problems. Only two situations this night, kicked out a guy who I know is a problem, and stood in front of a HUGE minor who attempted to get into the bar, fortunately for me he backed down and left.

After a slow start Eric and I have bonded as well, hes really a great deputy who is into community policing. He said hes a little worried about how I look recently, heck I know I look bad right now because I am working 7 days a week while I patiently wait for the right bartender material to appear. I also may be coming down with the flu that has struck almost everyone here, hope not however because I don't have anyone to cover me right now.

I get anxiety attacks almost daily, but just deal with them, its the chest pains that really scare me sometimes, they have been getting worse, along with numbness in my extremities. Have not taken a pressure test lately, because I know its not going to be good. I know this job is going to kill me, but I love it and I really enjoy interacting with all the people who frequent my bar.

Anyway, my bar is on track for the new year, I hope to continue making a fine place to enjoy oneself and intend to continue improving my bar. Next thing on my agenda is getting a small wine cooler, something that holds about fifty bottles of wine and I will sell by the bottle, wine does not keep well once its been opened I have found out, and it also attracts a different crowd, one I am interested in attracting.

Hope everyone had a great new year like me and wish everyone a prosperous year to come,

Allan.

[allanjustallan]

Okay so I should not post when I am way tired, I tend to get a little melodramatic about my personal health, something which I should not even be talking about anyway, smiles.

It was kinda interesting this afternoon, watching a football game on tv while two females wrestled out on the patio. I stopped them fighting but in the end gave up on trying to keep them apart once they got outside, it was simply too early and I was content to let them duke it out. They actually rolled around in the middle of the highway, until a female motorist stopped and they each went their separate ways. Bret stopped by here just a few minutes ago, said the fight continued in housing.

Its all about culture and how one solves ones problems I would say. Many people here simply dont take well to being insulted and the first resort is the fist. Am really happy about New Years, should be slow however for the next three months so time to think about what I can do next to increase business, have a few ideas which are perculating.

Allan.

[SomewhereInAug]

Am just about to close on a small bar in Northern Cali, no big price tag its going to run about 100,000 for land and building along with onsale and offsale licence.

So far dealing with the abc has been a real pleasure, they have been very helpful and useful, and the investigator that I have got is a really nice guy as well.

Just talked to the guy who owns the pool table plus juke box and other assorted entertainment in the bar, its a fifty split with the exception of the juke box which rents for 320 a month.

why dont bar owners simply buy their pool tables and other entertainment facilities, does anyone own theirs and does it make more sense to purchase?

Thinking of putting tile into the restrooms and behind the bar, have been in old bars before where the only thing still new looking was the tile floor, any thought or suggestions on flooring for restrooms, behind bar and in main area, where people also dance, no formal dance area in other words.

Many more questions but dont want to ask two much at once,

Allan.

Allan, if your purchase your own machines and pool tables you will quickly learn that after you pay to keep them up to date, fix problems, empty the machines, count the money, replace pool table coverings, repair dammages from customers and normal wear and tear you will quickly see that if you have a reputable company you are dealing with that will provide you with good and up to date equipment, it is well worth dealing with them instead. Also, if you have to purchase state vending permits, they may greatly enter into your profits. We have tried both ways and prefer the amusment company instead of ownership.

[allanjustallan]

SomewhereInAug, Its about time to revisit my original decision to own rather than have someone else run the entertainment options and see what the results have yielded.

My location is in the middle of nowhere, the previous vendor guy had old machines, old ugly looking pool table and the old cd type juke with fairly limited song choices. He was the only game in town and visited about once every two weeks, if something went wrong the machine stayed down until his next visit. I failed to see where he was adding value to the equation especially as I wanted everything new and updated in my bar. His arrogance and take it or leave it attitude plus his past casual attitude towards service ment we were on an inevitable collision course. Of course I also understood his situation, driving most of the day for a single machine would not be productive for him either.

The video screen on one of the machines was indeed scratched and I had to replace it at a cost of about 500 as I recall, including labour. They started out great money makers but have slowed down significantly. I have however made back all of my investment with a nice profit, plus I own them outright so the balance sheet for these machines is positive. If I were to buy them again I would insist that they also accept quarters for the casual customer who happens to be sitting next to them.

The pool table is a consistant money earner, I charge 1.25 per game. In retrospect I should have charged an even dollar however the relatively high price means that the long wait to get in the game happens relatively infrequently. This month or next I will indeed replace the felt, a local guy with a lot of experiance will walk me thru it, after I have done it once I hope to be able to replace the felt myself in the years to come. Even if I were to hire someone from outside however, the cost will be about 500 or so. I also have to replace pool sticks about every other month, tried wood but now use graphite which costs about 15 dollars apiece. The cost has long ago been recuped most of what I get now is pure profit.

The juke is a major consistent money earner, and people come into the bar because of the large selection and superior sound. I deliberately ignored the advice of touchtunes company regarding pricing, I underpriced it because I believe the customers who play the juke set a very important tone in the bar, its simply incredible what my customers bring to this environment once you give them total choice in music.

I would say however that if I lived in or near a major urban area and if there was a reputable middleman who was responsive servicewise and indeed kept the machines up to date and replaced them with new ones fairly regularly and if I was a big bar where gross receipts from these machines was a fairly small part of my bottom line profits then indeed it may be smarter to consider someone like that. None of those points apply to me however and I am very happy that I went the route I chose.

Was down with the flu for past few days, been a long time since I spent two whole days covered in sweat unable to get out of bed. Felt good enough to work the bar yesterday and was very happy to once again work and mingle with my good customers and friends, hope I did not give any of them remnants of my flu but heck almost everyone here has had it already.

Going to try once again to increase my offsale business with a pricing strategy thats cheaper than any of the local stores before they close at nine, then increase the price after nine so that I can maintain a decent profit margin. Its geared towards increasing traffic flow during the slow daytime periods and also as a reward to my loyal onsale customers, who can now buy offsale alcohol and cigaretts cheaper than anyplace within 50 miles. Will stay the course this time and give it at least six months to see if the strategy works.

My weakness remains a viable flexible pos system, maybe one of these decades I will come up with something that works for a small business like mine that needs different pricing flexablilty depending on the time of day,

Allan.

[huddabucket]

AllenjustAllen

I just wanted to touch note on the bar in Covelo or rather the community there. isn't it true that it is about 90% Native American? If not more? Do you honestly believe that you will draw the wine crowd there?

I would think that your business is mostly Indian's considering it is one of the largest Indian Reservation in Northern Califonia? I would hope that you would not mean to personally insult the culture or the heritage of said population.

Seems to me that it would in turn hurt your pocketbook? I would hope that you would have done your homework about the community and realized that these were native people. Maybe you should try to embrace their business and still make it a safe place for all. They will still be there in years to come long after you are gone these people will be there and will continue to support that bar. It is after all in a way their bar. That bar has been a part of their community and their families for as long as they have been alive. They could give you a better history of "your bar" than any one else could. Generation after Generation!

I wish you well with your business and I am glad that you were able to see the cash cow that the Buckhorn could be. I think that you have really done well for yourself as well as the bar. I like your ideas I would just urge you to remember where you are. Please try to be respectful of the Indian community as a whole. These people that you so freely name to do not represent the whole of my race.

[allanjustallan]

huddabucket,

I have a deep respect of and fondness for many of my regular customers, I simply dont care what race, religion or socio-economic strata they occupy. For me its simple, how do they behave in the bar. If they behave they are welcome if not they are not. Being a small business owner I embrace every customer that walks into the bar, after all I need everyones business in order to survive and prosper and to continue making improvements to the bar.

I can assure you that my fondness and respect for my Indian customers and their culture runs deep, and would sincerely hope that nothing I have posted here would in any way suggest otherwise. If you have gotten a different message from any of my postings I apologise.

In the very early days some people tried to suggest I was gay because I am gentle in appearance, some people with their own motives tried to suggest I was racist, having grown up in South Africa in their opinion ment I was defacto racist. I knew that actions spoke louder than words, by my actions over the past 17 months I have proven who I am. I dont hear these accusations anymore but now a new one has come up. Some people think I am too pro police. They fail to realise that the police have never asked me for info on anyone, and I have seen with my own eyes the restraint the police have demonstrated when they handle a call for the buckhorn. In 17 months I have never seen them get aggressive or heavyhanded when carrying out their duty, I know thats not a popular message but its the truth, at least here at the bar.

The bar is still a potential cash cow, I have spent so much money upgrading that every cent I earn needs to go back into paying down debt and every time I look around I see more upgrades that should be done. Currently I have the pleasure of working myself to death, often I risk my personal safety and so far I have more or less worked for free. When others are celebrating Christmas, New Years and other popular holidays with their families and friends I am working. I believe many people like yourself appreciate the sacrifices I have made in order to attempt turning this bar around, but am sure some have no clue. I thought I was making more money than I was simply because I forgot to include TAXES.

Covelo could still lose this bar, just one more mistake on my part will send me into defense mode. Three reports within three years means mandatory shutdown, remember I have one strike against me right now. A second strike will mean I have to change this bar over to offsale/day onsale only until the period of time passes making me safe again, or simply sell to the highest bidder. if it gets sold again its likely to mean the end of this bar because the highest bidder will be someone who wants the licences for some location out of town and that will be the end of the Buckhorn.

Everything I have done has been because of the feedback from customers, from high end alcohol to a wide variety of specialty beers to serving big 24 ounce beers at a very affordable price. I try to cater to everyones pocket book and believe there is a market for wine simply because I often get asked to serve wine. The wine drinking crowd is mostly made up of tourists and some local people from here in the valley, ignoring this market does not make sense to me.

Thank you for your kind comments and I will continue doing my best to make this a safe special place for all, I still really enjoy owning this bar,

Allan.

[wintunewoman]

allanjustallan;
i am one of the family members that came into the bar on the 20th to get your version of what happened the night before. i do not believe that i was upset as your story then was very different then. you repeatedly named an individual name that was not a part of my family and insisted that he was the one who started the whole thing. you also stated that the police had arrested the wrong person in the beginning. i came to you for the truth! i wanted to know from someone there besides family or cops who and what really happened. i left the bar on the 20th feeling rather good. however on the 21st when i came back with my sister i was rather surprised to see how much your story had changed after you had recieved a visit from the cops.
am very disapointed as well as confused. all i wanted then and all i want now is the truth. and obviously we will not recieve that from you. :confused: you also speak of our culture and our family and all i have to say about that is you do not have a clue about either.

[allanjustallan]

wintunewoman,

I sincerly apologise for any misinformation regarding names and who started what. My intention was not to misinform but to honestly recount what facts I had at that moment in time. I have learnt another valuble lesson, dont say a word until everything is crystal clear, or perhaps dont say anything at all. The name I initially gave was incorrect simply because when I asked my bouncer that night who attacked him he gave me a name. Perhaps because of the trama of the attack or simple miscommunication between the two of us that night he named someone who was a victim of the first assault, not the person in white pants who was in fact the aggresser. When the police came in to get a copy of the vidio, I was deeply disturbed to find out they had a different name of the first person arrested that night. After thinking about it for a few days and just after our first conversation I made a point of asking them if the first person they detained that night had white pants, they confirmed he did. I also made a point of asking my bouncer when he came in for work the next friday who had assaulted him, he gave me the same name that the police had given me and also confirmed the guy had been wearing white pants. The video confirms that the guy in white pants assaulted my bouncer and that a deputy arrived within seconds thereafter while the fight was still in progress.

Having grown up in Africa I am certainly in no position to ever claim to understand the local culture. I did not intend to offend anyone when I posted about events that night and I hope you can accept my apologies for any offense taken. I will certainly be more careful in the future about what I post because the last thing I want to do is offend anyone in this small valley.

The longer I own this bar the more I respect Wain Cox, who kept the bar going for 19 years. The pressures are something else but its certainly not been boring

Allan.

[aussie]

Hey Allan
Not many South Africans up there in your part of the world. Geluk met alles. Ek is van Port Elizabeth af, en jy.
Graham

[mquillen]

Consider a $10 or $20 minimum purchase(on credit card purchases).

Michael Black[/QUOTE]

Regarding credit cards, I just wanted to point out that, technically, requiring a minimum purchase to use a credit card goes against the contract the credit card companies ask you to sign when you originate your service. Don't get me wrong, many places do say they have minimums, but as a practical matter they are not allowed to.

I understand no one wants to give away 3% or more on a $1.00 beer at happy hour, on the other hand, why tick off a thirsty customer with some arbitrary minumum purchase. After all, wasn't it you who said to Home Depot, don't make it difficult for a customer to give you their money. I loved that remark, by the way.

Max Quillen

[allanjustallan]

TY Aussie,

I grew up in Durban, year in Joburg before heading out to the bay area.

This bar is getting happier and happier in my opinion. People are spending much of their time laughing and joking, the mood is easy going. I don't consider this one of the toughest bars in California anymore. In my opinion its now one of the most mellow bars around.

There is one game that my brother made for me years ago called Jinga. I left it out on the patio and its a big hit, people really enjoy playing it.

Bought three books from amazon about running or managing a bar, preventing internal theft by Robert plotkin very simplistic not all that helpful. Successful beverage management by Robert Plotkin which was somewhat more helpful and The bar and beverage book by Coatoa Katsigris which was most helpful.

They all gloss over pos systems and specific accounting systems that would be most helpful to bars. If anyone has any suggestions on really good books about pos and accounting systems for bars would really appreciate it.

Have however learnt a few helpful hints, for example one has to keep the soda cold plate cold or the soda will be flat when dispensed. Also info about optimal draught beer temp and pressure. Am still reading thru the books but would recommend The bar and beverage book for a bunch of really helpful hints.

This year instead of simply donating money to various different fine volunteer groups like the fire department, library, different churches and assorted charitable orginizations I am going to try to get local band participation in raising money for these different groups.

My proposal to them will be something like this, get a local band to donate their time for an evening, publisize it as benefiting a specific orginization and I will match band receipts up to 500 dollars. My intent is to try to continue making this bar mainstream in this small community while contributing to worthwhile causes.

Allan.

[Estefon]

If anyone has any suggestions on really good books about pos and accounting systems for bars would really appreciate it.



One book for accounting that helped me on general book-keeping and use of QuickBooks was "Restaurant Operators Complete Guide to Quickbooks." The accounting information is simplistic and I'm not sure it's worth the price, but that depends on your current knowledge or if you're even using Quickbooks.

I bought it here (http://rrgconsulting.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=QBGUIDE) when we first bought the place. The Website is a pretty good one too. It doesn't get updated as much as I'd wish, but it's full of useful information (and free).

Let's see, another book about employee theft that might be useful to you is "burning down the house". I'm not sure how inciteful it is, since most issues of employee theft can be found on this forum and knowing about it won't necessarily help you prevent it either.

As far as POS, are you talking about POS systems? I have worked with 5 different systems over the years and am currently with Posittouch. They've all come with a manual on how to use them and none of them are hard. Do you currently have a pos system?


Have however learnt a few helpful hints

I learned one today. We were having a problem with foam on one of our kegs. The temperature and pressure were fine, but it kept foaming. I noticed air bubbles forming where the keg meets the tavern head. The ballbearing in the tavern head or the keg was sticking. I pushed the keg ball just to be sure and gave myself a small bath in the process, then stuck a thin key up the tavern head to wiggle that one loose. VOILA, no more foam. The head will need to be replaced eventually though, but it's hard to get a draft tech out at midnight. It's my new favorite trick next to blowing a CO2 tank with a hose though a clogged drain. :)


This year instead of simply donating money to various different fine volunteer groups

Very quickly, we learned that because we're a business, 2-3 people will be knocking on our door every week wanting a donation from us. We had to streamline the process quickly. We asked for written proposals from every person who wanted a donation (that eliminated at least half of the requests). Those that did had to show or prove in the request what benefit this would bring to us. If it was one of our regulars, it was easier (that's a benefit). But if I never saw you before, then you probably won't get a thing.
We set a budget for charitable contributions and community outreach each month. Gift certificates donations would get more than cash requests.

Finally, we did a huge very successful community outreach program for the Breast cancer foundation last October, much along the lines that you're thinking. We purchesed about 20 pink flamingos to plant on our customers yards for 3 weeks prior to the event. It would cost $10 for someone to put the flamingos in their yard and $10 for the person to have them removed ($15 if they wanted it planted in someone elses yard). We had a band that donated their time for the event, a dunk tank where customers could dunk the owners (or one of our obnoxious customers). 10 of our customers volunteered their time to wait on tables and bartend (all the tips went to the charity) and the house donated 10% of all the sales for the day for the event.

It was a HUGE success! We increased sales on the wednesday that we held the promo almost 100% over a typical wednesday. And we were able to generate over $3,500 for the Breast Cancer Foundation. I hope that gave you some ideas. It was also a TON of work. Getting off of work at 3:00 in the morning and dropping flamingos off in people's yards was not fun. I'm thinking of building a grid for next year and auctioninig off the days we'll be flocking.

Good luck Allen. We both started our own ventures around the same time and it's good to see you're still having fun.

[Michael Black]

mquillen-

You make a good point, even though the $10-$20 minimum for cc's is fairly standard & I have never heard of any enforcement of the suggested policy.If someone does complain that they just want 1-2 drinks on a cc and that's all they have, we take it and they are not charged the difference. However, by having a $10-20 policy and take some stance we get more sales than if we didn't state the policy . I have never had a single customer turned away or walk away because they had cash, debit card, cash station card, or cc to pay or some reasonable collateral even for a single drink, beer or shot! And we often give away non-alcohol beverages away to sober some up or to their sober friends who will take them home safely.

-Mike Black

[allanjustallan]

Am still here, the bar has just been so mellow for so long that there has not been much to talk about.

Its been 14 days since my last smoke, I swear by the patch, it works it really does. Just put one on few minutes ago, but its been three days since I had a patch on. Whenever I get really stressed for any reason I put two on, smiles.

Am getting fat right now, but hey at least I can breath again.

Had my first 911 call last Friday, young guy under 21 who refused to stay out of the bar. I really hate to call for help but due to experience I knew he was going to be major problem if it was not dealt with right away. A female customer with status in the community stopped him from carrying out his threat to beat me up, for some reason I was not really afraid, he has threatened me on a number of occasions in the past but I love this bar and am willing to chance being beaten up to protect the bar. The police arrested him, and I asked them to put a restraining order on him, he is under age and does not belong in or near the bar.

Instead of having a private party a group of people had it here at the bar, last year there was a shooting and stabbing when they had it at their place. Seems some young people got involved in violence and they did not feel comfortable doing it again. My stress level was really high this past friday night, but it all worked out, everyone had a great time and they did not have to deal with any problems. Fortunately no one got hurt and everyone had a great time. But word did get out that they were having a party at the bar and it seemed like the old days, many many minors but I have a tight crew, we did a decent job in my opinion keeping them out.

Had to 86 the guy who did a mural at the bar, he came in tonight and was surprized that he was no longer welcome. I told him that the rules are the rules, if anyone gets violent here they are no longer welcome, simple as that.

His response was hey dont you like me, jeesh, its simple, if I bend the rules one time for anyone then chaos rules supreme. I dont want violence here at the bar, its bad business and good people stay away, simple as that.

We are like one big family here at the Buckhorn, sometimes we have disagreements amongst ourselves but for the most part we stick up for each other whenever there is a problem. Where else can one laugh at least 20 or 30 times a day while having fun, this is a great business.

I think this is one of the most friendly bars I have ever seen and violence is now at an all time low. MY vision is simple, an oasis where people can have fun without the fear of being beaten up, I think we are well on the way to realising this vision.

My business is picking up as the tourists return, but I know full well my bread and butter is my locals who I take care of even when we get really busy.

If anyone has ideas on a bar stool that lasts more than a year I would be eager to hear from them, laughs,

Allan.

[allanjustallan]

We lost Bobby Fetzer to a rafting accident. Its a real shame and I wish his family all the best. Just three days earlier he was in the bar telling me how he was looking forward to rafting the eel, the melting snow made it a death trap however.

Found some really nice bar stools at Costco, real leather and so far they are holding up, cost about 115. My new before nine pricing strategy seems to be working out nicely, people come into the bar for discount cigs and beer, then see a friend and stay for a drink. I also have bud and budlight pounders for 1.5 before six, premium beer is only 2.5 a glass before six.

My bar clock was set 10 minutes fast, my bartender saw it said 4 minutes past 2am and refused to serve the few remaining offsale customers, believing she would get in trouble with the law. I tried to explain to her that we still had 6 more minutes but she would not believe me, quit on the spot then called two deputies next day saying we had served people after 2.

They talked to me and I explained the situation, but next week deputy came in one minute after two, it was a slow night so I had gone home early. My bouncer was busy clearing up the last of the half empty glasses of alcohol and herding out the last of the customers. They could have cited me I am sure, but we have a good relationship and I have always responded promptly to any concerns they may have.

Figuring that they would be paying me a visit I ran the numbers and came up with a positive solution that would work. We now call last call at 1am, stop serving onsale alcohol at 1.30am, switch off lights and music at 1.30 and make sure everyone is out the bar by 1.55am. So far this past week its worked out just great, potential problem solved but at a big cost. I estimate losses of about 50 dollars a night in lost onsale bus, and sure its somewhat offset by the increased offsale but net profit took a hit due to low margins in offsale.

Last year I gave away about 3,000 and was looking forward to increasing this number to 5,000. In the big picture this is not a lot of money but to a community with few business my contrubutions count. Unfortunately due to cause and effect and a spiteful misinformed former employee worthy charities will be receiving less from me this year.

A big guy with an attitude came into the bar, and within five minutes he started a fight with a little guy, the little guy very quickly took him to the ground and together with a friend they were in the process of putting him in the hospital, I hope the big guy learnt a lesson about being polite to everyone because if I had not been there he would have been seriously hurt.

Allan.

[allanjustallan]

Last night about 11.45 a young girl, about 18 came into the bar, asked my female bartender for a drink and when my bartender asked for her id she became irate, threw a bottle at her and then stole 4 more bottles, as she exited the bar the female threw a bottle at our plexiglass window, scared the heck out of my bartender but no damage fortunately.

This young ladies take was about 15 dollars, more or less. This being a small community we already know who she is, the police reviewed the video today, confirmed that the name I gave was indeed correct and I bet she is now sitting in prison as I type this. What a stupid crime, and now she will be 86ed for life from the bar.

This bus is never boring thats for sure. Also had a long talk with coke, they almost never give me what I order so now I am going to use my ph skills to see if I can stir up a hornets nest, am out of cranbury and it sucks because I placed an order a month ago that still have not been filled,

Allan.

[allanjustallan]

Having a legitimate complaint and going up the chain of command got results as I expected, Coke distribution manager in Ukiah called me and now we are on the same page at last, took two years.

I have been cultivating the Spanish market, and it bore great results until some Spanish speaking and Mexican guys shot two Native American guys to death recently. Its just a tradegy, two young guys dead and some Locals wanting to beat up any Spanish speaking people they encounter. I really feel for my locals they are really really angry and I don't blame them one bit.

The Spanish are in hiding, some of them have indeed been beat up according to a conversation with a local deputy and my business has taken a 5% hit more or less as well. The day of the shooting I had to risk my life, a couple of locals wanted to beat up a middle aged Mexican couple, I told them they had to beat me up first because beating up anyone on the basis of their race or nationality or point of origin was simply not acceptable to me.

I just hope some of these young men don't get rash, they are right to be really upset but beating up or killing someone who is not involved is simply not the right way to right a wrong. The point is it gets really personal really fast in this valley. Most people here know the guys who were killed and many were related. I come from Africa, I really would be happy if the guilty party got punished I simply don't agree with punishing a whole community.

Five Spanish speaking guys were arrested the same afternoon, they were tending a 5000 plant operation near where the murders occured and I hope the police get to the truth of who did what soon.

Was kinda funny about six weeks ago, within 15 minutes all 4 of the local deputies were at the bar, two simply having a drink and the other two on duty. Some of my regular customers were surprized, that much I could tell along with the deputy sergent.

With the current heat wave my one airconditioner went out along with my walk in cooler. My handy reliable aircon guy along with Vern who has been a huge help fixed the walkin, I undestand there is no aircon to be bought in Cali right now because of the heat wave.

Anyway seems to me my problems for the most part regarding violence has significantly been reduced, no way to stop it but at least no one is heading to the hospital from the bar,

Allan.

[allanjustallan]

Last night could have gone really bad. Somehow a really easy going local and a newcomer almost got into it outside the bar, fortunately I saw what was happening and put a stop to it. Told the newcomer to leave and also got a bar knife back from him. He told me that I was racist, that I did not like white people and was biased in favour of Indians.

He also said he was a member of the Mexican Mafia and was a cage fighter. I told him that if he was indeed a part of the Mafia he was going to get himself killed and he better leave right now.

He left but came back just as I was getting into my car, along with about 12 or 15 of his friends. Some of my locals were still hanging around so I could not simply abandon them to potential angry outsiders. I walked right into the middle of the group and finally after about half an hour got them to calm down and saw to it that my locals got into their cars safely.

This morning I got a visit from the cage fighter guy and his father, guy apologized said he was on medication from a car crash 4 days ago and the mixture of alcohol was too much and to please apologise to my local when I saw him. Damned if not one hour later my local along with his father came into the bar wanting to know what happened and if it was indeed true that the guy is part of the Mexican Mafia. I told the father about the visit and we both guessed that while he was probably a cage fighter he was not a member of the Mafia because those kind of guys don't usually talk about their affiliations and the guy was clearly white. The easy going locals father is a really tough guy, not someone to mess around with.

Alls well that ends well I guess, just another great day at the Buckhorn.

My Monday night free spagetti feed it really starting to take off, I think I am going to start giving away fried chicken on Tuesdays as well, and I already give away free pizza on Thursdays.

Allan.

[allanjustallan]

Some low budget movie people are busy making a movie at the bar. Its a modern day western featuring many people from our small community.

In my typical manner when they asked to use the bar after closing hours I handed them a key. Seems many people are curious about them, lady at the bank wanted to know when the film was going to be shown at the bar which gave me a great idea. I spoke with the main movie guy, hes tentatively thinking about doing the premier at the bar. If this happens then my act of kindness may very well be rewarded with a large group of people comming into the bar. The movie guys also set up a very nice backlighting system for my bottles which they allowed me to keep.

The local police have stayed away from the bar now for the past two weeks. I have no idea whats going on but would really like to know if only I could get to speak to any of them. They still keep close watch but keep on cruising as they pass on by. I must admit because of their relaxed attitude right now I have extended my serving hours just a few minutes past the 1.30am guideline. I still get everyone out by 1.55 but those few extra dollars most nights means I can continue with my charity giving which I personally feel is very important.

Hey, there was a sighting of a very rare migatory species in Covelo called Mexicans at the bar last night. Yes some of my mexicans have returned, and for the most part my locals greated them warmly. These guys are hard working people who for the most part rarely cause any trouble.

Blackberry festival is comming up soon and I have got both bands who will be playing at the festival to come play at the bar on both Fri and Sat night weekend of the 18th and 19th I believe.

Allan.

[macaws49]

I can't wait to hear about your blackberry festival. I have read all your post. I keep trying to think of the movie it reminds me of but it escapes me. I know they hired a hard ass bouncer. I was a drunk for many years and never seen a bar like you bought. The movie folks should just make a movie about your life since buying the bar.

[allanjustallan]

My life has been very interesting since I bought the bar macaws49.

The blackberry festival weekend was a HUGE success for me. We had bands playing both nights and there were minimal problems. I also finally got to speak to Jason, the deputy. I teasingly said hey dont you guys like me because none of you visit me anymore.

He came in Saturday night as well, about five minutes before 2am. Almost everyone had left and there were no drinks anywhere to be seen. I told him that the extra 15 minutes or so of service was to fund community, like the library and excellent volunteer fire department. He seemed okay with that idea and suggested I divert some of the money to athletics for the kids. I already give money but its a good idea sports keeps kids out of trouble.

Some young guy few weeks ago threw a couple of round house punches at me, I simply blocked them and punched him in the face, hard. After the second attempt he decided to leave. I am always wary of young guys, some of them simply have little respect.

Allan.

[macaws49]

glad your weekend went well. Your bar sure has settled down since you bought it. I am wondering how I will like opening mine. I have been sober 16 years. I have went to a couple of bars to dance in that time. I sure hope mine does ok. All the college kids want me to have contest. wet tshirt, pajamas, best built guy, male strippers etc. I am not sure about that. I grew up in Calif. and we sure enjoyed all that stuff when we were young.

[allanjustallan]

macaws49 I think you might be better off avoiding racy events, its really very easy to get into trouble with the local police when you do events like that.

Seems that this site is now being read by an increasing number of local people here in Covelo. I never dreamed that anyone but a very few people in the bar business would be interested in reading my posts.

I want to make CRYSTAL CLEAR that I never ment to hurt any ones feelings, this was supposed to be a fairly private place where I could post my feelings and thoughts about my bar, getting great feedback from people far more educated in running a bar than myself. Sometimes I posted when I was way tired and under great stress/duress from some event at the bar. This tended to make me more negative about the people who were involved in these events and posting here was a great way to unload some of that tension.

Many of the people who I felt negatively about at some time in the past have mended fences with me, our relationships are back to normal. For example my friend Jeralyn, the previous bar owner apologised to me about calling the police, she told me she was jealous about my success because she had tried so hard to make this bar a going concern. I accepted the apology and was happy to let bygones be bygones. She really is a nice person most of the time, like any of us and many people are unaware that she did everything she could to make sure the bar went to a buyer who was comitted to keeping the bar in town. At the time I was really really hurt by her actions and posted some things that I perhaps should have kept private, for this I apologise. At the time I felt this forum was fairly private because I never dreamed locals would read these posts. There are others as well who might feel offended by what I posted.

In summary I really do apologise once again to everyone who feels this way. Like anyone I also make mistakes but am big enough to apologise when apologies are due. One by one everyone that I have ever mentioned either in a positive or negative light is being told about this website. Hopefully they will read what I have just posted here and understand where I was comming from at that time. Many of the people who I posted negative thoughts about
now come into the bar again, we have mended fences and they are once again welcome.

If anyone knows how I can edit my previous posts I would be most happy to hear from you. I wish I knew why some people take such great delight in spreading bad news, why they take comfort in other peoples discomfort, its a thought process that I simply dont understand,

Allan.

[macaws49]

I am sorry you have had trouble with what you had posted. People can be so petty. Sometimes I wish my life was so dull that I had time to worry about what people say. They must be so bored that they need to gossip and cause trouble for others. I have talked with the police and the DA about having some of these events and they said it would be ok. There big concern is underage drinking and not allowing fights.

[allanjustallan]

Thank you Macaws49, I would still be very careful about sponsoring events that feature or highlight sexuality, we live in Victorian America after all, smiles.

Well I spoke to the mother of the guy who was involved in the night of the near riot, mended that fence. Then Jeralyn called me just a few minutes ago, told me more or less that bygones are bygones. I think she understands more than most just how difficult it can be to run this bar. I was very happy to hear from her, mending fences with an old friend was important to me.

Jeralyn took time to tell me what NOT to do once I owned the bar, she was very very helpful to me in this respect and many others.

I believe all my current bartenders who may have been mentioned are also okay at this point. They are great people I hope they stay as long as they want. I made a point of talking to them, everything I have ever posted about them has been positive but sometimes I dont always get my message across clearly.

Got the names of a few people who are doing this, but heck whats the point of confronting them. I will simply smile sweetly and take their money.

This is such a small town that it is really very easy to find out what people are saying or doing, especially for me because this bar is an information nexas.

Spoke to a Deputy about this matter, told him the names of a few of the females who are taking such great delight in telling everyone who I have ever talked about, he said dont sweat it, it will pass but if anyone messes with me just call, and they will take care of it.

Okay enough about this matter.

The Round Valley Community Rodeo Committe sent me a letter:

Dear Buck Horn Bar,

The Round Valley Community Rodeo would also like to request that you do not have a dance or live band Saturday September the 2nd. We make this request out of respect to you and your business and hope for you understanding. It is a well known tradition that the Rec. center hold a rodeo dance the Saturday night of our rodeo. Last year, because of the events held at your bar and the North Fork Cafe our dance suffered badly. Please understand our concern. This event is planned and accomplished by the hard work of a few local citizens, and brings in a considerable amount of customers for your business labor day weekend. If you plan to have a dance please hold it Friday night.

WIth Respect and Great Consideration, Sincerely. name of person.

These people do a great deal of good for our valley, and I really respect the hard volunteer work they put in, but heck what am I supposed to do? I booked my band last year for this year. I gave them 160 dollars to sponser the ladies buckle but telling the band they cannot play at this last minute would open up a whole big can of worms for me. The second issue I have is they close their dance at 1pm, 15 minutes later the Buckhorn gets flooded with a bunch of drunken people, its been a REAL headache in the past when I did not have a band playing.

Will have to talk to them I guess for next year, many of my customers dont want to go to their dance anymore, they say there are way to many kids for their personal comfort,

Allan.

[David]

Allen:

Continue to hold your event September 2nd. Screw the other guys, your business comes first. As for all of the drunks that show up after their event closes, there are a few ways to handle it.

1. Allow them in and say nothing. Remember, once they arrive at your club, you ASSUME legal responsibility. Normally, since they have already been drinking all night at the other event, they won't spend much at your club. Probably cause more trouble then they are worth.

2. My favorite. Implement a cover charge starting at 12 a.m. Don't allow anyone that is already intoxicated in. You have that right under the law.

3. If they continue to complain, start a bus service that will pick-up their customers up at their place and transport them to yours.

Wow, I really sound mean in this post. Sorry. But, that's life. You need to take care of your business that operates all year verses one that is only held once a year.

[40 Thieves]

Hey Allan,

I just wanted to let you know that I've kept up on your posts since about Feb of this year stumbling on it when I first started visiting the site; I wanted to say thanks for your online journaling of your growth - I just opened my lounge 1 month ago and things are going great!!! and I wanted to let you know that a lot of your posts showed the great mental toughness that is required to run this industry.

In my opinion your Labor Day festivities should not be compromised b/c of another even in town. If its a big deal they should plan around your business - not the other way around. I would courteously write them your reasoning in the previous post and continue biz as usual. Thanks again

[allanjustallan]

Thanks for your input David and 40 Thieves,

This being a small town I am sure I will simply go about my business, but if they approach me early then of course we can figure out something to our mutual benefit.

Thursday, Fri, Sat and Sunday were gangbusters, NO fights and a really happy crowd. Something that really means something to me was the fact that Three Deputies wives came into the bar Friday, without their men, two came in Saturday and both wives and deputies came in Sunday afternoon.

To me the logic is simple, the Deputies MUST consider the bar safe enough to let their wives come into the bar alone. A recently elected supervisor also stayed the night, drinking coke and enjoying himself. A whole lot of people who in the past would not ever consider comming into the bar were here again over this past weekend, along with my locals who come in at least once a week.

Have to be on my guard, because in the past when everything has gone this good bad things happened,

Allan.

[allanjustallan]

I Got to change my burnt out light bulb to the 62inch samsung dlp tv. First thing is never lose your owners manual. It has ph numbers and procedures for repair. I ordered it from Samsung, about 200 dollars. Replacing it was fairly easy to do, however not having confidence in my fix it abilities I left the bulb compartment open, and of course it did not work. After a few days and time spent with samsung I read over the manual again, closed the compartment and everything was like new again.

Some small incidents nothing really worth mentioning,

Allan.

[allanjustallan]

Last weekend was work, seems a lot of people have been eating their wheaties, had to deal with about six possible fights, one minor got arrested outside the bar and one adult wanted to go to jail, we got him outside the bar but then he wanted to fight with anyone, I finally called the police who arrived within one minute.

This weekend is Indian days, in the past its been a really nice big happy party and I am looking forward to more of the same. Still scrambling to get a band but am hopeful its going to happen.

Allan.

[Fleury266]

I just have a question regarding managers. My husband and I are currently researching the purchase of a bar in our small town. We would like to renovate it into a sports bar. Same type situation as Allan with it being a small town and the need for a good safe hangout is a must in a very fast growing town. I am pretty confident I can get it up and running, I just need a manager. We have a large family with small children and I can't devote total time to being at the bar at night. My husband is in law enforcement, so he has a job and the partners we are going in on it with are also in law enforcement with their own jobs. In your opinion is it a possibility to hire a reliable experienced manager that can take over for the evening hours, or do I scrap the dream because I can't be their full time? It is such a tremendous investment opportunity I can't see passing up, but I want to be realistic so we don't fail. If it is a possibility, how do you search for reliable managers when funds may not be 'aplenty' since we are just starting out?

Thanks in advance and I am so happy to have Allan here to hear all the ups and downs of owning a bar. It has given me such an insight to so many things I didn't think of and so much information to help get started if we continue on this adventure!!!

Eileen

[Crazy Mike]

The touchtunes juke has a half a terabite hard drive so its independent of the internet. However it is indeed connected to the internet so that in the early morning hours the latest songs are automatically downloaded. The reason I went brand new on everything was I hope to get many years of relatively trouble free operation, and yes I have a backup music system just in case.

Let me say once more, touchtunes is the very best juke in the world, I have customers who come in just to play it. Its simply beyond belief how good it is, and how simple it is to use. The traditional juke companies are going to have a hard time staying in business unless they come up fast with a similar concept.

The pergo select flooring was one of my better choices brownstreetstat, after almost 9 months of heavy use it still looks brand new, and cleaning it is a pleasure, just water and a touch of pinesol, its truly awesome nothing clings to it and its just about indestructible. It takes about a day or so to install, minimal downtime with zero downside. Even when its wet it keeps some traction so customers dont slip and it upgrades the look of the bar.

I intend to show pics both before and after, , but not ready just yet want to finish everything first, just take my word for it, install pergo select you will be very happy you did so.

Starting work on the patio finally, hopefully it will be finished in the next few weeks. Going to lay concrete down then cover it with flagstones.

More local people who would never have come into the bar before are now doing so, and bringing in their out of town friends. It touches my heart when these people thank me for what I have done to turn this bar around.

Geesh liability insurance is very steep, agent gave me a quote of almost 11,000 for 1 million coverage, then called me back few days later with another quote for 7,000. I will probably have to do it because I currently dont have any insurance.

Allan.

Man how did you sleep at night w/no insurance? My club is small and I have a mill gen. liability and a mill liq. liability.....it's expensive. I thought oil field ins was expensive but liq. liabilty is much more. But ya have to have it.

[allanjustallan]

I believe that owning a bar means active management Fleury266, you need to know how to run the bar because no one will care as much as the owner. Having local police as your partners may be a net positive, but I personally would not have any partners in a cash type business for obvious reasons.

Yes I tried recently to get a quote again on insurance Crazy Mike, now its a firm 11,000 for insurance. These rates are insane how do other small bars do it is the question I ask, I mean I believe I work for less than my bartenders when one counts all the hours of work.

I took a few days off, closed the bar down tuesday and wednesday. Was going to stay closed for another day but got bored watching tv. Nothing special happened simply got tired of the fights and stress and decided to close cause I can. Spent some of the time running numbers, I was making way more money in a regular job with way less responsibility, but I can say for sure I usually love this job most of the time, people can make you mad but they also make me laughs so much as well. I guess because I basically enjoy people and their individual differences I have found the right job for me. If I was smart I would sell right now, its at least a 400,000 dollar business but then what would I do next?

Did get a spike in problems after weeks of nothing, lady got her ear bashed with a beer bottle because of something that happened elsewhere, the guy, her relative got caught on camera and was arrested later. Also two guys took a bottle each from over the bar, right on camera and yes its a small town so we knew right away who it was.

Deputy Jason Cox caught a real live hit man, in Mendocino county, just after the hit man had shot his intended victim, way to go Jason but I hear his house may be for sale so am not happy at the thought he may be leaving.

Allan.

[Crazy Mike]

I believe that owning a bar means active management Fleury266, you need to know how to run the bar because no one will care as much as the owner. Having local police as your partners may be a net positive, but I personally would not have any partners in a cash type business for obvious reasons.

Yes I tried recently to get a quote again on insurance Crazy Mike, now its a firm 11,000 for insurance. These rates are insane how do other small bars do it is the question I ask, I mean I believe I work for less than my bartenders when one counts all the hours of work.

I took a few days off, closed the bar down tuesday and wednesday. Was going to stay closed for another day but got bored watching tv. Nothing special happened simply got tired of the fights and stress and decided to close cause I can. Spent some of the time running numbers, I was making way more money in a regular job with way less responsibility, but I can say for sure I usually love this job most of the time, people can make you mad but they also make me laughs so much as well. I guess because I basically enjoy people and their individual differences I have found the right job for me. If I was smart I would sell right now, its at least a 400,000 dollar business but then what would I do next?

Did get a spike in problems after weeks of nothing, lady got her ear bashed with a beer bottle because of something that happened elsewhere, the guy, her relative got caught on camera and was arrested later. Also two guys took a bottle each from over the bar, right on camera and yes its a small town so we knew right away who it was.

Deputy Jason Cox caught a real live hit man, in Mendocino county, just after the hit man had shot his intended victim, way to go Jason but I hear his house may be for sale so am not happy at the thought he may be leaving.

Allan.

For 1 mill gen liability and 1 mill liq liabilty I pay about 8K/year. This is in TX. 11K for just gen. liabilty seems too high, but you/re in Cal, so I don't know.

I'm glad I have it see my post under "City Officials Bringing in Underage" about what happened last night. I guess this guy could sue me it he wants.

[David]

Check out the advertisers in the back of Nightclub & Bar magazine. There are a few insurance companies advertised that deal exclusively with our business.

If you don't get the mag, go to www.nightclub.com and register, it's free to those that are in the business in the USA.

[REItobe]

wow, all i have seen in my head while reading this is patrick swayze in Roadhouse cleaning up the small town bar, except he had an arch enemy.

it has taken me all day off and on to read this thread. very interesting

Seems like all your hard work has paid off. congrats

But as a business owner (not a club) I will tell you that you need to run the bar not let it run you. You are going to need to find a way to delagate responsibility so you can take some time off. maybe offer a bonus to your head bartender for an eventful free night.


maybe your bar is making good money now and you are focosing on too many upgrades. Maybe you should put that money into bouncers/managers etc

BTW, thats my 2 cents and I know nada about the bar/club business :)

[allanjustallan]

Insurance included fire as well, still a really high price in my opinion.

I really love that Nightclub & Bar magazine David, some really interesting articles a must read in my opinion and I have bought from some of the advertisers.

REItobe its problem solving in the nicest possible manner that gets the job done, because so many people are closely related here any type of aggressive behavior on the part of myself or my bartenders or bouncers would be a huge mistake in my opinion. One problem I have found being nice is that certain people mistake it for weakness, one of my bartenders is getting a huge amount of bs from certain family members because they mistake her nice behavior for weakness. Recently my cars windshield plus 2 others were broken, very grainy image but I personally believe its the same family members we and the community have been having problems with in the past. What really makes me laugh, is that they get very upset when my bartenders refuse to serve them, saying they are too rude.

I spend more money on upgrades than I should but then again its money that really needs to be spent. I have not made much cash but the capital gains are something else in the event I decide to get out.

Talking about spending money I have given the library 500 and next is the fire department for a similar amount, they both do a great job for our community. I really would like to thank the hot shots a local band for donating their time, thanks guys and one lady.

Another investigator called on me, the guy who half heartedly veared towards Eric is in BIG trouble, he is facing life in prison and I will have to appear in court. Jeesh, I am stuck between a rock and a hard place, I really dont believe he deserves life for what he did, I really dont. I dont want the family to be mad at me I dont want the police to be mad at me, I am thinking of simply making a copy of what I posted about the event and reading it in court, let the jury decide keep me out of the loop. My position is clear, I dont believe he deserves such a harsh sentence for a second or two of foolishness which resulted in no injury but I really believe the individual that started the whole mess deserves to get punished.

The investigator told me that a code 33 was called that night, she said it was a very rare code that called for police everywhere to drop everything and respond right away. She told me the last time this code was called was when a policeman was shot to death here in round valley. I am not sure if she was telling me the whole truth, but I suspect I am kinda getting so used to being threatened that I now tend to downplay the situation in my mind.

I was threatened twice that night, and the situation was kinda out of control for over an hour but because for me personally thats not been a rare event in the past at the bar I was not aware it was such a huge deal, its the life I live from time to time, this time the police got to share it with me, smiles. I was joking with shannon, the sergent, told him I have the best job in Covelo, he laughed and said I have the worst job in Covelo and no way would he do my job.

Still hanging in here,

Allan.

[allanjustallan]

Haloween was a HUGE hit,

We did more business than we had ever done before, there were Zero problems while open, just one small problem while closed which I stopped right away.

The difference this year is that I let people know a month in advance, and I gave away cash prizes worth over 400 dollars. Everyone had such a great time it really was a wonderful evening. People are so innovative and fun when you give them the chance.

I learnt some new lessons about the importance of letting people know about an upcoming event in advance, and also that giving away money is a big draw. As a matter of fact I thought that I would make zero dollars that night, last year was slow, I added additional security and an extra bartender but it all worked out very well despite the fact that the band had to cancel at the last minute due to an injury. My trusty touchtunes juke did not let me down.

One female was dressed as a mini skirt cop, along with handcuffs. When a couple of deputies came in she offered to handcuff and take home one of them, was very funny to see the deputies back up while this female acted as a potential preditor, as a matter of fact she WAS interested in taking one of them home, lol.

There is a change of personal taking place here in the deputies ranks, I really am going to miss the guys who have been so helpful to me in my quest to make this bar a nice easy going law abiding place to have fun. They have gotten to know me and vice a versa. I wish them the very best and am truly going to miss them.

The guys who have taken over are nice enough, but even they are not going to be here more than a few months or so.

This past Friday was tough on me, one guy who is usually such a nice guy who I really like took a strong dislike to a group of mexicans at the bar, then took a dislike to my bartender when she told him to quit, and threatened to beat me up as well. Then two guys wanted to take each other on, I stopped them for a minute, then let them do their guy bonding thing outside then stopped it before anyone got hurt, it seemed to work because they finally did calm down.

I saw a really good documentary about bartenders and bar owners who host a party each year in florida, on a sand bank about a mile offshore. Made me smiles as I saw the effect that alcohol and crowds have on people. I guess people are people and no matter who you are or what socio-economic strata you occupy if you combine alcohol and people you are going to get drama.

Allan.

[David]

Well Allen, your thread is closing in on 25,000 viewings. Thanks for the saga.

[macaws49]

Allan, you men are funny. I have had some wanting to kill each other and after I talk to them the are huggging and laughing. We women usually hold a grudge for awhile. They just move to other ends of the bar. Glad you had a great party. My son was real ill so I did not have one. I am hoping to have a big bang next year.
I brought a bunch of games to the bar scrabble, yatzee, triva pursuit and such. They seem to bring strangers together. We play early and have a good time. When we are busy they have to leave a deposit and bring back the whole game. So far it has not cause any arguements. I like to see the kids having fun. I keep the dictionary and am the referee about what are real words.

[allanjustallan]

Thanks for your wonderful site David, its been helpful in the extreme to me.

I am unsure why so many people have been interested in what I post, but I do find myself reading over what has been posted in the past, so many different people have given so much hard earned info for free, its been great and if others in the business find this info helpful so much the better.

I tend to agree with you macaws49, men seem to get over it much faster. I have however come to the conclusion that any group of people who drink have about a 50/50 chance of some kind of conflict or personal indiscretion within that group.

Its one of the reasons people come to a bar, for the price of a drink one can get a whole lot of entertainment. On a more serious matter, some people come to my bar to get away from something serious happening at home, its a very important social release for them. I cant imagine any town without a bar, where would people go when they need to relax for a while.

Another bartender quit today, she never said anything just did not show up for her shift. jeesh it was not a serious incident, some guy friend came to pick her up at closing, and for some reason another guy who was interested in the bartender saw this guy as interfering with his quest. I simply told them both to knock it off, which they did right away. This could not have come at a worse time because another of my bartenders it about to take 2 weeks off.

In addition I will lose another bartender in the spring, she says this place does not have enough big city feel, I understand what she is saying because she is still very young.

Today was my day off, which I spent shopping on things for the bar. Time off is something that does not appear in any small business owners vocabulary in my opinion. I did however have a chance to ponder the beauty of this place, if people knew just how beautiful it is here they would swarm this place. We have 4 seasons and each is special in its own way. We also have one of the most interesting mixes of different cultures that one can imagine, I simply love interacting with them all,

Allan.

[BlackWaterTexas]

Can you tell me more about the mp3 playing bar jukebox software you are using? Sounds cool and since I already have about 35k mp3's might be cool for my place..
..BlackWater

[allanjustallan]

With the new deputies there have been some changes but being flexible I have managed to adapt. For the first six weeks they made it a point to introduce themselves to just about every single person driving a car in this valley, smiles.

At times it seemed that every person driving away from the bar was stopped and introductions made, needless to say my business during that time dropped about 25% I am guessing it cost me over 10,000 during what should be my very busy season before the winter doldrums.

The good news is that they have stopped being so energetic in the past three weeks or so, also the minors stopped hanging around the bar and people have been way more careful about drinking and driving, which is a good thing. I really wondered for a while if they wanted to close me down the level of coverage was so intense.

The bad news is that many people in this community are enraged by this new enforcement focus, and 5 years of community policing and the fairly good relations that it caused are for naught. I really pray that if there is a crowd disturbance it does not happen at or near the bar because you have to hear the anger expressed to believe the depth of mistrust and outright hatred.

I also heard thru a friend who is also friends with a sergent that they heard I was anti police. Jeesh I am not anti anything just a small business person trying to be peacemaker the best way I can and earn a living while having as much fun as I can. I have said this before its all about reducing violence and for that there are times when I truly need the help of law enforcement.

Traditional policing simply will not work in this community, in my opinion. Community policing is the only way to go. Thats my honest opinion rightly or wrongly. How that could be interpreted as anti police I dont know. I am really sad to see how fast and deep the level of distrust has developed and for me as a bar owner there are all kinds of dangers involved in this unfortunate development.

Its really kinda strange for me, with the exception of Lyndon the tribal policeman I now know way more just by looking at someone who they are and how they might tend to act than any of the outside deputies. Its been 2 years and 4 months owning this bar, hard to believe how fast time flies.

I was closed for thanksgiving, I was simply too tired to open that day, heard it was a ghost town that night but also got an earful from many people who were disapointed that we were closed that night.

Couple of weeks ago a deputy walked into the bar, a customer jumped the eight foot fence around the back patio and landed on his head, knocking himself out. I was really happy to see he did not get hurt but he did get the ambulance ride to the hospital.

My relations with the local community have never been better in my opinion, a really net positive. This year for the first time we have had just about every business that had a christmas party come over to the buckhorn after enjoying their meal at the North Fork, a truly positive development.

Dodged the court case, the guy pled to a significantly reduced charge I was happy to hear, so no life sentance for a second of not thinking, less than half a year way better than life no doubt.

New Years is comming up, I am going to have 4 bouncers on duty, if I can bite this bullet and have a trouble free night then its 3 years in a row without any problems, an absolute record and something that has never happened before in my opinion.

http://www.communitypolicing.org/about2.html
http://www.communitypolicing.org/chap1fw.html

I wish everyone a very merry Christmas and happy New Year,

Allan.

[David]

There's a big difference between "Doing Your Job" and "Police Harassment". If the new officers are stopping people at random, there is a change that they are over doing their job. To pull someone over to introduce themselves is asinine. They are playing the law of averages. Out of all of the people that they pull over, depending on the time of day, their chances of catching someone that has been drinking drastically increases.

As for NYE. To reduce your chances of having problems, sell tickets for the night. If someone pays a higher price for admission on any given night, they usually don't cause trouble. (Bar Psychology 101) The trouble makers, normally, won't pay the increased cost and go somewhere else. Remember, your Doormen are your patron’s first impression and that they set the mood for the club. Make sure that they understand this.

[allanjustallan]

I was kinda joking David, about the introductions that is.

It was a full blown fishing expedition, I saw with my own eyes times when just about every single person leaving the bar got pulled over, they were subjected to the full big city treatment, cars searched, closely questioned and of course the tests to see if they were DUI. When there was a shortage of bar customers then anyone passing thru town was a target, this I saw with my own eyes and heard with my own ears first hand from people who had been stopped, so there is simply no doubt in my mind.

In their defence this treatment was color blind and socio-economic blind as well. Getting some propane for my heater I heard from the son of the manager of Keiths, a white middle class hard working 20 year old who just happened to be driving down the road, it was all he could talk about as he filled my tanks. However 85% of my customers and a majority living in this valley are indeed Native American, so targeting people leaving the bar or targeting people in the valley means defacto targeting Indians, anyway being a numbers kind of person thats how I see it and the fact that all the current deputies are white well that does not help one bit.

I simply cant understand why someone gave the order to throw away 5 years of hard work by dedicated police officers in order to show that they were indeed tough. As a matter of fact thats what the first words out of someones lips were when we first met, he said I am tough really tough then he scowled at me, refused my handshake and kept on walking by. Thats all I ever get from this guy, a scowl in passing. The irony is I heard from many people that hes a really nice guy and I get along with every one of his relatives that come into the bar.

He clearly knows what he has been trained to do but community policing obviously has not been part of his training. We should be working together, in my opinion in a joint effort to reduce violence but he gives me no respect so there is little chance I am going to talk to him while he is on duty here.

The reason why I have not posted till now was because of this, I simply did not know what was going on, such a drastic change over such a short period of time can blow anyones mind.

I have personally met some of the people who are in the upper levels of the police department, and their wifes as well some of whom enjoyed our hospitality here at the bar. They struck me as smart, dedicated and community oriented. Good people was what I felt as I bid them fairwell.

I heard from Gino the tribal head that a meeting with the supervisors is planned in the next few weeks with the idea of reinstating community policing so its clear to me that this is going to be a self fixing situation.
The community is aware of whats happening and is going to fix it.

Anyway I am anti politics, being a businessman I will leave that to others but I truly care about this wonderful community and am positive that in the end everything will work out just fine.

Not sure if posting here was the smartest thing to do, but heck I have really grown to love this community,


Allan.

[David]

What is you definition of Community Policing?

[allanjustallan]

Those links I posted are my idea of community policing David.

In my own words it would be what I have had since I bought the bar. Deputies Jason, Bret, Eric and Shannon made it possible for me to change the culture of this bar and without their active help and advice there is no way I would have been able to do it. I was just lucky I bought the bar then and not right now I owe those deputies a whole lot.I came very close to simply selling the bar recently, I cant do this job without a whole lot of help from a whole lot of people and without the help of local deputies there is no way I even want to do this anymore. I think many people dont realise that I like doing this, its not for the money and if I ever dont like it then I am out of here. With my resume do you think I might be able to get a job somewhere else David, :)

I was talking to the medic that helped the guy who knocked himself out, he and his wife were enjoying a drink at the bar, he said they used to take someone to the hospital about once a week before I bought the bar. To me thats a piece of information that made my year. One person a week not going to the hospital because of what I am doing here and a whole bunch of good people having a great time.


http://www.communitypolicing.org/about2.html
http://www.communitypolicing.org/chap1fw.html
http://www.communitypolicing.org/chap2fw.html
http://www.communitypolicing.org/chap3fw.html
http://www.communitypolicing.org/chap4fw.html
http://www.communitypolicing.org/chap5fw.html
http://www.communitypolicing.org/chap6fw.html

Anyway everything is now back to normal. Soon enough we will get a new group of deputies and being an optimist I am sure they will reconstruct what in my opinion worked so well in the past. The sun is shining outside, the high mountains surrounding this green valley are snow covered DAMN we live in parardise here,

Allan.

Almost forgot about BlackWaterTexas question. Its a juke from touchtunes, they supply the music and pay the fees that keep it legal in return for a share.
http://www.touchtunes.com/

[allanjustallan]

Third New years in a row without any violence, boy was I happy as we closed down for the night.

It seemed for a while that I was going to have some kind of trouble, my trusty bartender that is leaving soon begged me to have New Years off because her hubby had other out of town plans, heck I just had to say yes she has been a real gem over the past year.

I thought it was do able because of the planned 4 bouncers. Well with the exception of Dougie, my trusty friend and bouncer they all cancelled however one did turn up at 12pm.

Did not seem to matter however and everyone had a really great time.

The police were really cool as well, they did not even do a walk thru to my surprise and kept a low profile. As we were walking to our cars after closing one of the deputies expresed his pleasure about no problems at the bar. We all wished him a happy New Year. I hope this is the start of working together again to reduce problems at or near the bar.

Only trouble I heard about that night was a group of juveniles fighting few blocks away, which the police very quickly stopped.

I hope everyone else had a great New Years as well,

Allan.

[business]

I would like to personally thank you for this information. It will be very useful to me in my business.
Thank you again, Ed



http://www.thebusinesssuccessgroup.com/Real-Estate-Investment-training.html

[allanjustallan]

This cold spell is driving me nuts, broken or frozen pipes every day now for the past three days. One thing that I was not really cognicent of is the fact that some people without access to heat are using the bar as an emergency shelter at least till 2am, then going home and bundling up.

Last thursday was something else, three potential fights within 45 minutes. Great crowd before and after just a burst of negative energy during.

Had to kick a guy out who looked somewhat clean until he took off his overalls, jeesh I made a deal with this guy three months ago about looking clean when he comes into the bar. My point is simple, I need to set a reasonable dress standard, and my only sticking points in this diverse community is you keep your shirt on, have some type of footware and look clean. I want people to feel good about dressing up a little when they come into the bar, after all looking good tends to make people feel and act better.

Hired a male bartender, many of the ladies enjoy having him behind the bar, he is local and knows a lot of people so once again just when I truly need help it appears.

I just had to include this response from what2be in another post, it really hits it on the head about some of the many challenges one faces owning a bar or nightclub.

Allan.

This is his post:


Let me save you a lifetime of misery...get another business to open besides a nightclub. First off, if it was easy, everybody and their brother would open one. Second, you have no idea what your dealing with as far as insurance's (yes plural) payroll, liquor, state, and federal tax's. Fees..dumpster fees, cleaning service fee's, promotion fees, radio stations fees, print ad fees, flyer design, web design fees, linen fees, sign fees, permits, liquor license (good look getting one) and did I mention all the money required to buy sound equipment? Bar equipment? Lighting, effects, etc? dont forget to find D.J's. Also, sercurity camera system? Figure in theft and dealing with the local police and alcohol board and you will end up with no life and no money, and on the off chance you do make money, it will be a pittance compared to the hell you went through to make it. Got a plan to disperse the crowd when you close? What about nearby business's? How are you going to deal with fights, employee's quitting without notice and other problems? Clubs always look glamourous, but in reality they take a ton of time and money to break even, let alone profitable. You constantly need to reinvent yourself and promote to stay "hip" in the scene. The day of the large nightclub is over. If your that set on the bar business, look into a lounge. Ultra lounge's in particular seem to be the rage right now.
but my advice would be to run the opposite direction from anything club related and having to do with alcohol.
__________________
http://www.indigonightclub.net

[allanjustallan]

Had a superbowl idea that really worked well, is legal as far as I can tell and brought in a whole bunch of people. 100 squares at one square per person, and you have to be there to win. Bring food if you want to. No cost to enter but can win 100 bucks each quarter based on luck. Bought people drinks who brought food and made a really nice chili myself.

Only one problem while the superbowl was on, gave a guy 100 bucks for his win, he was sitting down, I turned around and he jumped up in joy, tripped and knocked himself out cold. Fortunately a volunteer ambulance person was here enjoying herself, and she helped out. Before the ambulance arrived he came around, picked himself up and left.

After the game was over was a whole different feel. A whole lot of people who had been drinking elsewhere came over to the bar, and I had to cope with 4 potential fights. Fortunately no one got punched.

Got to meet a lady who has been reading my story here, and who has just bought a bar about 50 miles from here, was so busy that I really did not get much of a chance to talk to her but I really wish her all the very best.

In summary this superbowl was so much fun compared to last years,

Allan.

[BarBelle]

I really appreciate the time you gave to me on Superbowl Sunday! I enjoyed hearing about your experiences in person and hope to keep in touch as I start my adventures into being a bar owner. I sent an email to you at a yahoo address but maybe you didn't get it......?

I had a walk through with the health dept. last week and got a big list of things that have to be done before they will let me open. The last owner was 'grandfathered in' on a lot of stuff but now that the bar has been closed for a while I have to bring everything up to current code. I know the rules are there for public safety, but it means unexpected expense and more importantly it will add to my opening day timelines. I wish they would let me get open and deal with them over a period of time. Most of it is not critical in my opinion. They want new FRP liner and coved sheet flooring in the walk-in, a handwashing sink and floor sinks behind the bar, a mop sink in the back storage room, and the popcorn ceiling removed from the bar and storage areas.

Oh yeah - the guy I brought on board to manage the place for me has told me that he would rather pursue getting his contractor's license, so now I need to find someone else for that role. Isn't this fun!

[allanjustallan]

I finally sent you an email Barbara.

Yes finding someone good and honest to manage your bar is going to be really hard in my opinion. I have my doubts about your bar working without you managing it in person at least in the early years.

I am flattered that you have reached out to me for advice, but I can assure you that there are way more qualified people here that can move you forward. If I can help you in any way please let me know, good luck and if you do come up here next time I will give you some hours to show you what I did that worked for me here.

Maybe there is someone here who needs a job managing a bar?

Allan.

[allanjustallan]

We are going to miss you deputy Bret White,

Perhaps if you knew just how much so many people liked and respected you your choice to leave this world at this time would have been different. Its a pity so many problems hit you in such a short period of time, I knew you well enough to know that even a small break in between would have been sufficient to enable you to forge ahead. All the resident deputies here crossed the impersonal profesional line and gave me personal advice about taking care of myself, they showed that they cared about me as a person, my only regret is that I could not have known that you needed a little councel yourself, you always appeared so strong who could have known.

I am really sad about this, my brother lives right next door to Bret, his kids play with my brothers kids, I have interacted with all of his family many times.

I wish his family all the very best in this trying time,

Allan.

[allanjustallan]

The out of town police are treating me and my customers very well, it makes my life that much easier running the bar. I have been meeting the sheriff every month at a community meeting that he attends, I dont really know him very well yet but he is saying the right things, as I have very closely followed his every word. Spoke with one of his deputies, he laughed when I asked about resident deputies, just as I suspected right now its not going to happen so I still have a great deal of stress keeping the peace, I still cant believe how fast the old system of resident deputies fell apart and the fact that I know so much more about my locals than the outside police with the exception of Lyndon Duke.

I have just installed 4 more cameras, out in the patio area, one more inside the bar and another one outside the bar, and intend to get at least 4 more outside cameras, I simply dont know how any venue that serves alcohol does without cameras, they simply tell the story without bias, and stop so many problems before they even start. I intend to COVER this block, any acts of violence are going to be documented, My hope is that this will stop outside violence as it has done inside the bar.

I have managed to stop people going to hospital, but still on average put myself in potential harms way at least 4 to 6 times a week, which means it can only be a matter of time before I get seriously hurt, so far my quick reflexes and the fact that my locals for the most part really like and protect me has saved me from serious injury.

Business has increased almost 100 percent from the first year, I simply cannot believe how prosperous a bar can get when you offer very reasonable prices in a safe environment.

Just today two customers from Willits a nearby town asked how we could make money when our prices were so cheap, compared to everyone else.

For me its simple, give people good value and a safe place that looks good and they will come, simple as that.

Still loving this business after almost 3 years, work way too many hours but enjoying every minute of it,

Allan.

[skirtchsnbadguy]

Agreed on the cameras. I have 2900 sq ft pub and a 16 camera server in the back. Every square inch is covered. It has saved my ass several times when my bouncers had to haul someone out and they claimed we 'beat them up'. I tell my security staff that if they are on the "right side" of the law the cameras will clear us. The wrong side, we go to jail.

simple as that. When people get out of line I remind them that they ARE on camera, so lets relax and let cooler heads prevail. This usually prevents violence.

[allanjustallan]

Its a fact skirtchsnbadguy,

If you are trying to run a legal bus then cameras are indeed your best friend.

Last night around 10.30pm I just got back from shopping all day for the bar, someone had just punched someone else due to a beef from somewhere else.

First thing as I got out of the car I heard what happened, had to confront this huge guy and tell him out, violence means no longer welcome. Fortunately he left. Just a question, could I post the video or is it illegal?

My high speed wireless internet is now up and running, I think its going to be a hit with out of town people and will certainly pay for itself.

Tonight its slow, any hint of violence means slow nights for a while, I really pay a heavy price for violence at the bar.

Was reading the post by Stephanie about police harassment, Jeesh my very worst time was way better than what people have been posting. Makes me think that I am very spoiled by the local police.

As a matter of fact I have been treated very fairly by all the regulatory people, I pay my taxes which have grown to a significant dollar amount and try to support worthy community causes.

I really like the way the bar feels these days,

Allan.

[Jimmyc]

I would like to thank you for all of this information. It will be very useful.



Who said bathroom renovation (http://www.myhomeus.com) isn't exciting?

[allanjustallan]

Someone got into the bar last wed morning at 4.25am.

This being a small town I have tracked down an eyewitness, who 100% positively identified the lookout, a local girl who just got out of prison, but they are not 100% sure about the guy who broke in. White guy from Ukiah who may be driving a blue honda is all I can get right now. My eyewitness is scared of police, will not file a report at this time but I believe what they are saying. I have him on camera, so we will see. He walked right to the cash, that tells me someone who hangs here a lot gave him inside info.

At the very same time that I was being violated Keiths foodstore was also being broken into, that means a minimum of 3 people, probably 4 involved.

I lost about 800 in cash plus whole bunch of marlboro cartons, hey that was what I used to smoke so at least this guy has good taste in ciggs. He had gloves on, different colours, that tells me this guy is a real loser had to borrow his gear.

I intend to keep on digging until I get the whole picture, as a matter of fact I was shaking the tree with someone who I kinda suspect may or may not have any involvement in the breakin and they said some things that I took as a threat, talk about the old corner store, how they had people with shotguns and gunfights etc and how they shot back anyway. For some reason I took it as a threat to me, my six sense anyway said threat.

Well the corner store burnt down and was never rebuilt, that was the major point I made with this person who admitted to breaking into the corner store many times in the past, its no longer here because it was abused to the point that it closed for good.

Anyway the good or great news is that I think I am getting along great with everyone at this point in time,

Allan.

[Oxrock]

If they knew where the cash was kept, it had to be someone who closes the bar at night or someone close enough to your closers to be around after last call/time to leave. I have a very strict rule: Last Call 02:30 out the door by 03:00. No one, not even their boyfriend or husband in the bar when you put the cash in the safe (which being a small redneck bar, isn't really a safe, more like a safe place which we change every time we fire a closer).

[allanjustallan]

Thats exactly the conclusion I came to Oxrock, and there is really a very very small group of people who fit that profile. As a matter of fact I was shaking the tree looking for what would fall out with one of the persons who is very close to a bartender, is related to the person who has been positively identified as being the lookout and hangs out with this individual and who is always hanging around till closing. What does that mean? I dont know thats the reason I was verbally interacting with this person seeing what response I would get.

Now I know better these days to accuse or voice my suspicions publicly, but it was kinda interesting that what I got back in response was a thinly veiled threat on my life.

Am I scared? Heck no if I allow fear to take over then I might as well shut this bar down. Right now everything is really going very well, I am getting along well with the police, my customers are really being very good and I still really enjoy doing what I am doing.

I am going to keep on digging till I get the names of everyone who is involved and I hope to put them in prison. May have to settle with simply 86ing them however.

These people are so self centered they have no clue how important this bar is to so many people,

Allan.

[mauimanana]

do not know your situation is alan except from what i read in your last post. i handle things a bit more proactively, which is not always the best course of action. my advice is almost always based on personal experience and that is what i will offer you for consideration.

a. make night deposits if practical and the situation allows.

b. forget about the money since is it most likely already spent. these crack heads will sell $20 k worth of sound equipment for a $100 bucks. probably why i don't sweat the pot heads so much.

c. document all threats/converations regardless of what you think is relavent.

note: i take all threats serious no matter how they are presented and always have several response contingencies planned. better to explain before 12 than be carried by 6 i say.

d. i always get in good with police and become involved with all civilian community based patrol/awarness programs.

e. for every one live camera install 1 dummy. and ounce of prevention is worth a pound of flesh.

f. have clear and defined standard operating procedures for the staff while keeping your fluid.

g. booby traps - these guys will rat on each other left and right and especially to a set of boobies.

h. wire up your bar with a camera feed to your home pc and alarm system. also for a passive mind screw place alarm stickers on the windows and likey breach points. i'd recommend a guard dog ( get one from the pound ). scooping up dog shit is alot better than picking up broken glass and alot cheaper than replaceing stolen merchandise. if you dont like dogs then you deserve to get robbed.


ok as soon as learn the rest of the alphabet i will add some more recommendations.


safety is no accident!


all the best

m

[allanjustallan]

Had to stop to let a HUGE black bear cross my path and continue on its way on my way into the bar tonight. You know there is something to be said about living in the countryside. Mountain lions, Bears, Wild turkeys and all types of assorted creatures along with cows, horses and everything in between constitute part of my 15 minute commute each day.

mauimanana I have been thinking about different ways to make it harder for scumbags to profit at my expense and I thank you for your input.

I have installed security doors, have bought but still have to install extra cameras(cameras are relatively cheap so all of them are going to be the real deal) and have bought and have to install motion detector lights.

Still researching alarm systems any ideas on brands and systems would be appreaciated.

Ironically the guy missed the nights take, he took money that we use to make change so hiding it in different places makes a lot of sense to me as well.

Considering having bartenders take the money home then handing it in to the day shift, but that brings another set of potential problems.

The idea of documenting threats works for me, but heck I have been threatened so many times in the past few years that I would need a forest to create the paper needed, smiles.

I believe my relationship with the local police is really good right now and hope to keep it that way. Of equal importance in my opinion is good relationships with my customers, they have helped me in so many different ways and so many different times its hard to imagine running this bar without their active help.

Allan.

[mauimanana]

ya know brother thats some sad shite when you have the pages or more of your auto biography would take up documenting threats against you. now i highly doubt this is the case, but then again i do not know you.

are you a hard azz? do you fit into the big shot category?

big shots

1. so financially successful that you have a bar for shits & giggles.
2. have a phd from harvard and are mentally superior to all patrons.
3. longevity - been at this since jesus was a carpenter and no one can tell you nada.
4. the big in the mix or connected guy- hey i have friends in high places type.
5. rambo - i can take care of myself type.
6. the do you know who i am guy - the super big shot
7. jovial - gets by on being a nice guy and utilizing his personality to resolve hardships.
8. moral bullies - born agains, muslims, jews, hinduss or any religion that if your not on aboard your going to hell. sorry i left out catholics since my mom would kill me if i used the lords name in vain.

to me you seem like a guy content with life. i figure you have a wife ( or life partner ), maybe kids and even grand kids, good friends and overall is considered a likeable chap by all that know you. yet for your attributes your still enduring this horse shit. see i hate bullies of all makes and models and i have thrown away great opportunites because i would never go along. no hero am i, well at least in civilian life, but i'll be damn if someone disrupts or denies me the ability to pursue my livelihood. i can take a stand and act on it because i am a single entity with no roots other than the one dangling between my landing gear. see you cant alan your fixed in place and commited and these punks know it and exploit this weakness. i.e. you have to commute to the bar ( vulnerability ), your closer has the bank
( vulnerability ), your dependant on third person information and confirmation ( vulnerability ).

i guess i am of the opinion that if it isnt fun it better be worth it in some way or another.

notes:

1. night deposits - all banks have night deposit vaults in even northern mexico ( oops i mean california ).
2. sensor lights are good but much better with auto audible sirens.
3. invest in a timer safe like the ones in 7-11 ( you can rent these ).
i know alot of crack heads but not too many safe crackers.

4. also can contract out a brinks ( or like ) to p/u money. its affordable especially if there are other businesses open late in the area.
5. judgement call - maybe close early and screw the late night business and the riff raff.

we bitch about everything in the land of milk and honey. unfortunately we also take fro granted the things that are the most vital. i.e. 911 and expecting an ems to arrive and save our butts. ems is a luxury and a private enterprise in most places other than large urban cities. funny huh

last point - i bet its a pleasant drive to work and you get to appreciate all the wonders of nature. even amuse yourself imagining a flock of wild turkeys pecking the eyes out of tha bastard that robbed you while his accomplice is being mauled by that bear.

dont let your good journey be spoiled by a bad trip. when we become immune to bad behavior we then lose our ability to benefit from the natural healing power of a smile and an honest word.

sorry just drinking alot tonight and thought i would take a break from looking at puerto rican midget chick porn to respond to your post.

ps if things take a turn for the worse let me know.


all the best

m

[allanjustallan]

Jeesh you are really very funny mauimanana,

Some good points as well.

The person who may be the inside person was seen in the company of the guy who ripped me off, plus the lady alleged to be the lookout, interesting.

So Oxrocks thoughts about who the inside person may be might indeed be right on the money.

Hey I love dogs, cant imagine why anyone would not like dogs. No kids to my knowledge but love my brothers and one sisters kids. They are fine young people sometimes kinda wish I had found time to have some.

This is indeed the land of milk and honey, relatively speaking, people here work way harder than most people on earth, are way more friendly in my opinion and there are way more opportunities than most places on earth.

People who badmouth America should try visiting or living elsewhere, its been beyond belief good to me living here, I love it.

Allan.

[mauimanana]

you do not have to be an fbi profiler to narrow this crimminal activity down as an inside job. that oxrock is an ex-navy so he has that magnum pi ability and knows about crimminal stuff.

as for my assinine comments do not pay any mind. a day without laughter is a lost day they say. i can tell your a good egg and just wanted to provide you with some "kinda" sound advice. it is a difficult task for me to provide sound advice over the voices in my head, but i do try.

time is on your side my friend and i wish i could say the same. i bet your a great brother and run a wonderful bar. i pray for your continued success and that you achieve that for which you strive for.


your pal

m

all men desire peace, but very few desire those things that make for peace...kempis

[allanjustallan]

The reason mauimanana I still enjoy this bar is that I do get to laugh many times a day, people are just so funny when they have been drinking and recreating, and I am really fortunate to have such a diverse interesting customer base. I am so far from perfect that I have a high tolerance for naughty behaviour, which is a big plus I think. Violence of course I dont tolerate at all, its a simple negative.

I am not even angry or upset about the breakin anymore, that lasted all of about 4 hours, then I calmed down and moved forward. I need to catch these people or they may try again, thats the simple reason why they must be caught.

HEY, its taken me 2 years and 9 months but I am once again 100% debt free. Paid the last 25,000 today, The feeling of relief and joy is something else, I love my bank manager and people who work at the local bank, they are so helpful, nice and go out of their way to help me, but darn its great to no longer be a debt serf.

I can finally start to be compensated for my time, and also as I accumulate more money I can continue to improve this bar.

Still stopping about 3 to 8 potential fights a week, but it does seem to have gotten a whole lot easier, if one can stop it before anyones pride gets hurt, thats the key,

Allan.

[allanjustallan]

BMI contacted me,

THey want money for the average 2 to 4 times a year that a band plays here.

As a matter of fact the guy I spoke to was very reasonable, I made it clear that I thought people should be compensated for their original work, but for me its a simple matter of does it pay?

I make an average of about 500 more each time a band plays, so I broke it down.

Extra bouncer 60 bucks, extra bartender 50 dollars, cost of goods sold about 30% so to generate 500 it costs 150. Loss of pool table for the night about 30 dollars, loss of people who leave because of none operation of pool table? Not sure. Loss of juke income for a busy night at least 40 dollars.

Margo plays her own original music, so there is no issue there, but the hot shots do indeed play other peoples music. The guy from bmi was simpathetic to my plight, he listened to what I had to say and offered a reduced rate if I could get the hot shots to indicate when they would play over the next 12 months, in advance, cost to me about 170 a year. The only problem is these guys play for fun, I never call them they just drop in and offer to play. I simply dont know if they could even commit to such a deal so long in advance and running the numbers it seems to me that I really am not going to be making any real money anyway, and my stress level really goes way up whenever there is a big crowd.

Anyway spoke to Lew, we will see but I am leaning towards no more music here at the bar, unless its something 100% original like Margo. I suspect that once one gets contacted by BMI its only a matter of time before the other music associations contact me as well.

Shannon the local sergent here in Covelo contacted me, a guy who lives in Ukiah has been bragging about breaking in to the bar. He even bragged about what he took, real genius thats a fact. And he looks like the guy in the video. Anyway I have located a second person who confirmed that this guy was at the lookouts house day of the breakin, So far we have more or less identified three people who are very likely involved, I believe there are more however.

You know its really vital to jail these people, this is a very depressed area, every business here needs the total help of local officials in order to stay open. Our cost of doing business is high and customer base is small, it cost me in excess of 4000 once upgrades to security is factored in. Shannon has assured me that this case will recieve high priority, I really hope he catches every person involved.

Jeesh people have been eating their beans this past week, Past thursday was bad, and I really dont want to call the police when the response time is going to be one hour after 11 and it means getting someone up out of bed.

This young guy, only 19 repeatedly came into the bar, He was drunk from a bottle of jaeger and the irony is that while he was busy threatening me I had to stop at least 8 other guys from beating him up.

The last time he snuck into the bar, stole a full beer walked out and started drinking it, I ran outside, tried to grab the beer and failed, he pushed me with his elbow and suddenly I was off balance, with a drunk young guy who had threatened me at least 20 or 30 times that night. I reacted instinctively, I took him down to the ground, and held him in an arm lock until other customers grabbed him.

Unfortunatley the bottle broke and he cut his hand, however he continued to threaten me until I walked across the road to him and told him bad things would happen to him if he continued this bs. The good news was he lost his inclination to get close to me, because I really believe that he was building himself up to a violent attack on me.

Then this same guy got into his car, and rear ended another vehicle and then drove off, to me that is simple hit and run. Fortunately the other car had 5 mile an hour bumpers so no real damage. If the police had been around this guy would be facing some serious charges. Spoke to his brothers, they are going to attempt to keep him in check. The bad thing is that at least 5 other near fights broke out that night as a direct result of this one guy, as a result business was once again slow as I always get punished whenever anything negative happens at the bar.

Allan.

[mauimanana]

seems to me that unless you can guesstimate the profit from the impromptu gigs ( not promoted or scheduled = no record ) and it exceeds the bmi fee by a reasonable margin then just to avoid the hassle pay them the pro-rated sum. these outfits really get to a be a pain in the keister for small bars and it becomes a damned if you do and damned if you dont deal for the owner.

facts:

1. margo ( she sounds nice ) plays her own music so thats not an issue.

2. loss of pool table and juke box revenue.

3. more stress for allan when hot shots play.

4. increased staff and staff payout.

you will get alot of advice on this from both sides of the house i imagine.
what are the other bars that feature live music in the area doing? personally i would not pay out anything at the moment and put 100% support behind margos career ( did i mention she sounds nice ).

well hell congrats on paying the bar off and enjoying the business. btw whats the status on the caper " who took the cookie from the cookie jar".
sorry could not be of more assistance.

all the best

m

[allanjustallan]

Damn you are good mauimana,

By mistake I hit enter and posted just a little bit and of course while I was completing my thoughts you just about hit the nail on everything I had to cover.

Margo is really good, with the right people promoting her she could indeed go places, my guess is she is in the wrong geographic location.

The hot shots are also good, they play for fun have no interest in anything other than fun. Am tending to just say forget it because half the time I have a band here there is no real pickup in revenue.

Anyway still undecided,

Allan.

[Oxrock]

Looks like you've been "touched" by BMI. ASCAP can't be far behind. They both caught up to me last year and I tossed their letter in the circular file until they started coming wih the threatened law suite. Well, don't get too excited with the "reduced" "advanced payment" rate. I figure that standard practice. Talked to other bar owners down here and then I promptly paid up the "reduced" early payment offer. Going through the same again this year.

Do you have high speed internet at the bar itself? If so, get at leas one network capable camera. I use it to occasionally "pop" in on the bar even when I was out of town last month. Keeps the bartenders a little bit on the paranoid side knowing that I may be watching even though I'm not there. They also know that they can call me anytime on my cell and know that if a problem is happening that I can call up the "tape" and verify who's telling the truth even if I'm on the other side of the state or country. Again, you are correct in that cameras over all are not that expensive.

As far as Magnum PI, I always felt being stationed in Guam qualified me as living in a little Hawaii, eh Maui?

[mauimanana]

well the best thing alan is that you have options and plenty of time to make a sound and wise decision for whats best for you and the business.

as my father use to tell me when i was a small lad, " you have brains in your head. you have feet in your shoes. you can steer yourself in any direction you choose. youre on your own. and you know what you know. and you are the one who'll deicde where to go.." actually dr. seuss said that and my dad refered to me as a mildly gifted idoit savaant. he would say son, sometimes you really amaze me with some extraordinary display of genius, but like an idiot savaant at the end of the day your still a f@@king retart.

i guess what im trying to say is that ya have to put things into perspective. the daily day to day ins and outs of running the business and the problems that arise seem to be at times a real kiljoy for you alan.

do you have a gm? i think you need to seek out a really motivated, honest, intelligent and reliable go-getter to serve as gm and bring him on board with some incentive that you feel comfortable with but that is more than just a paycheck. now keep in mind i know nothing about your place or even where it is located so for me to offer any solid advice would be futile. just a shame about having to get lured into the street and get into a wrasslin match. you were lucky! those minor incidents usually blindside you and turn into real " how the hell did this happen" type deals. i prefer to be a behind scenes dude myself and let some another chap be the face ( im too pretty for that ).

gm reputation for punks should be "let them hate so long as they fear"...cicero

well hope they nab the hooligans that pinched your joint and thats the end of that. again i wish you continued success and joy with your place.


all the best

m

[allanjustallan]

Oxrock I think I understand what you are saying,

I talked to the guy at bmi, he really was very reasonable and he denied that they talked to anyone else, well that may very well be the case but for me righht now these guys, bmi are really reaching into the bottom of the barrel, we are such a small bar and bands play here only about 2 to 4 times a year these days so even a small fee ends up to be a big cost.

Its like all those lawsuits against towns because they had playgrounds, ended up with kids having no place to have fun because some lawyer was gong to sue, seems I and many other really small rural communities are in the same situation, we simply dont generate enough revenue to make certain options viable, and for those small business owners who dont run the numbers its a good way to go out of business.

[mauimanana]

i truly look foward to your posts alan. thanks! soon i will be moving on and i wanted to thankyou and if by chance maybe you can post a couple more than usual in the next 2 weeks i'd appreciate it as i think everyone would. great real world happenings and ya cant get that from the boob tube.

again i wish you all the best



m

[allanjustallan]

I spoke to John Pinches about this very idea,

Rules that are made for urban areas more or less make it impossible for small business to operate at a profit in rural areas, why govt cant see this simple logic is beyond me. Fortunately for me they seem to understand in some way because they have really treated me very well so far.

We dont have the numbers of customers to make it work, simple as that. Its a matter of math.

mauimanana you seem to have a really good read on me, I really excell in the concept phase, and I really get bored very fast when it comes time to execute the concept. Give me a problem and I will very quickly find a workable solution, I just get bored with the day to day. kiljoy seems about right my online friend, give me a puzzle and I get animated, getting someone here in Covelo to be a gm is a laugh, anyone with half a brain is making far more from green gold than anything I could ever offer,

Allan.

[seandell]

Allan, Wow this thread goes back.... I couldnt read it all but was wondering what town in NOR-Cal are you in?

I'm in Sacramento and travel quite often.

[what2be]

Allan, Wow this thread goes back.... I couldnt read it all but was wondering what town in NOR-Cal are you in?

I'm in Sacramento and travel quite often.

Hes in Covelo, which is slang for BFG. And I mean the real bfg. If I remember right, that road hasnt been paved for that many years. Its off highway 101 and I believe its also accessible from I-5, via dirt backroads, although youd be crazy to make it that way.
Mostly indian reservation and BLM land. When I say out in the middle of nowhere, I really mean it. Maybe allen can explain it better.

[seandell]

Hes in Covelo, which is slang for BFG. And I mean the real bfg. If I remember right, that road hasnt been paved for that many years. Its off highway 101 and I believe its also accessible from I-5, via dirt backroads, although youd be crazy to make it that way.
Mostly indian reservation and BLM land. When I say out in the middle of nowhere, I really mean it. Maybe allen can explain it better.
Isn't it BFE as in Bum F#$K Egypt! Whats BFG

[Mose]

I really appreciate the interesting and informative reading. I've learned so much. Not sure I'm in a postion to take the plunge yet(investing/ownership). A great deal of homework needs to be done ahead of time but reading this stuff has been a tremendous eye-opener/education.

[allanjustallan]

mauimanana I sincerly hope that by moving on you mean going on to other endeavours, I really hope your health is good because you are one entertaining and informative person and I enjoy interacting with you online.

I simply love living and interacting with so many different people from so many different backgrounds and cultures here in Covelo.

No disrespect ment but what2be should come on out here sometime and meet some of the very fine people that live here. BFE is the central valley in my opinion, its so ugly there, this place is paradise, no comparison.

Covelo is a complex place, filled with many interesting people from all over the world. Its somewhat different thats very true, many people from other parts of the county are somewhat dismayed by the honesty of people here, if you insult someone you are liable to get punished, thats very different from most parts of America, is that wrong??? Of course its my job to stop any violence at the bar, and I really believe this county is saving a whole lot of money right now due to a huge reduction of violence at the bar, certainly the hospital and jail, my opinion anyway.

Another 2 bodies found murdered few months ago next to a large crop of green gold, I am starting to believe that really large out of town growers are not good for business. Why cant people simply grow five to ten plants and enjoy it with friends, people are starting to get really greedy, its going to lead to who knows what.

Allan.

[what2be]

Isn't it BFE as in Bum F#$K Egypt! Whats BFG


Yeah, sorry, posted late at night. Got bfg (from video games I play) mixed with BFE, which is what I meant.

And Allen, I agree that its paradise out there. Ive lived in Humboldt most of my 38 years and appreciate what the area has to offer. If I remember right, you came from the city and im sure its a nice change of pace to you.

What I meant was that while some people have suggestions for you, they arent practical in your area. (such as calling the police and expecting them to be there in a timely manner, or using a ATM drop at the bank) No disrespect meant.

all the best..

[kime34]

Congrats Allan!

I happened on to this site searching for bar photos. My husband, two daughters and myself are in the early stages of building a bar in a small town. I have really enjoyed reading your post, most interesting I must say and better than whats on tv now days. ;)

When are you planning on posting the pics? Would love to see the bar since I can only imagine what it has turned into. The patio sounds wonderful and we are also thinking of having this at our bar, does it attract more business?

Insurance here in Oklahoma that I have checked on will only be $600 annually, no way we could afford the thousands they are asking there. Right now all we have is the land. We will be constructing the building from the bottom up, lots of ideas in our heads but still a lot of hard work to go and hopefully not too many mistakes along the way. I have hundreds of questions that I'm sure a lot of people will be able to help with.

I believe the reason your bar has done so well is because of your gift with people. I think the number one key to a successful business is customer service and apparently you have it. That and also the determination to succeed.

We are planning on installing the flat screen tv above the bar ~ kind of a local pub, sports bar, place to chat with friends, play a game of pool and have a beer. We will only be able to sale 3.2 beer and draught, nothing else in our county. I was wondering how do you keep the tv going while the jukebox is running, does one interfere with the other? Do people prefer the tv over the music and how many sq ft is your bar?

Our town currently has no bar, club or anything of a sorts for people to go. We have several crews in town drilling rigs, pipeline, survey crews, etc that will be here for at least a few years to come and also new money popping up every day. There's so many of these guys in town there isn't enough housing for all of them to stay. Two new hotels are being built and there are more R.V. parks than you can count, more going up every day. Lots of people realize we need a local bar and lots of people would like to patronize such a place but nobody wants to be the bad guy and open a bar because of the bad image some folks have of a bar.

We haven't decided on a name yet. We have a couple of favorites but if anyone has any unusual names we would love to hear them. The bar will be located 2 1/2 miles from town, out of city limits right off of a two lane highway.

Keep the post coming Allan and thanks for sharing.

Kim

[allanjustallan]

Thanks for your kind thoughts Kim, I have really grown to like even love my locals, simple as that. I think they have grown to like me more or less as well, at least they tend to protect me whenever someone gets out of hand.

TV is always zero volume, so no competition with music from toughtunes juke.

Patio is key, just do it. Bar is so small its really just a hole in the wall, but it does more bus than most bars, strange but true. People here are not fussy, they simply want a safe place to have fun, took me about 8 months to get to that point. Safety is key, its the most important aspect of owning a bar in my opinion, law enforcement will always work with you if the violence keeps dropping. As soon as you identify someone who is known violent 86 them for good, it will enhance your bar.

Allan.

[jtarn]

ok i started reading all of this thread but im getting tired yet still wanted to add to this...i went with zonal for my pos and still looking into merchant services...remember...not all are compatible with all pos systems (you might have to use quickbook's merchant servces with their software...being stuck to their rates...zonal for instance runs on pc charge restaurant mode)..and dont even get me started on the back and forths im going through with getting the "best" rate on credit card sales...but anyway now with my pos (which is very inventory based) i can export a file that can be imported into my quickbooks (i also got the customer add on and will let you know how that works once i open...i can suggest getting a business card scanner if you can afford it...that thing is fantastic..exports to outlook) i hired a company to do my payroll to begin with...if one day i do it myself...their numbers import into my quicken as well...so least itll have that set up for me...ok one day ill have to sit down here and write my own journal as im in the middle of renovating a bar/longue.... plus attached retail spirits and wine boutique (liquor store) plus the restaurant part (has a full kitchen but doing smoking so there is a 10%/90% law in fl with consumed on premise food sales to liquor sales )as well as starting a promotion company (i dont like how things are currently done around here) here in fl....well time for me to get my 4 hours of sleep...there is little rest for the wicked

[allanjustallan]

This is not bar related but its people related, I helped to save a little 2 year old indian girls life. She was in an inner tube in the river and it turned over, a young 24 year old female grabbed her as she dropped at least 2 feet under the water, but then got into trouble herself.

I am thankful that being at the bar has taught me to scan at all times, I saw what was happening and dived in, just in time to grab the baby as she was going down a second time.

Spoke to the young lady later, she thanked me told me she used everything she had to save the baby but was panicking when I grabbed the baby and felt that I had saved the child.

Without her help it could have turned out differently. Took both of us to make it happen. Thats what I love about Covelo, its a village in my opinion most of us care about what happens and try to help out.

Jason Cox was back on duty for a few shifts, I really like it when he is around but unfortunately his house is still on the market, which means he is not going to be around for very much longer.

Still waiting for resolution about my breakin, the shortage of local deputies means that none violent crimes are being pushed to the back burner, as far as I can tell. Jeesh, I pay a whole lot of money in taxes, almost 100,000 now, it should count for something but I do kinda understand they are shortstaffed but if criminals think they can get away with it then Covelo business are going to be in for a whole lot more crime in my opinion,

Allan.

[jayfly]

If you are paying almost $100000 in taxes that would mean you are doing roughly $1 million dollars a year. How are you doing that with so few people in your area.

[Largo Robert]

If you are paying almost $100000 in taxes that would mean you are doing roughly $1 million dollars a year. How are you doing that with so few people in your area.He may mean total taxation, personal, corporate, sales, property, etc.

You don't have to gross a mil to hit that number.

[allanjustallan]

You got that right Robert, it includes all taxes, fees, sales taxes etc.

I bet you own a bus as well so you understand how many different ways one must pay. Filed a tax extension but estimate last years total taxes at around 70,000, including tax on my other investments. Its only an estimate at this point but I think accurate enough.

I estimate this years taxes are going to be higher simply because this bus continues to do so much better each year. My gross was 289,356 last year, I think it will do better this year, well thats what I hope to accomplish anyway by keeping my prices stable for the third year in a row and growing volume by providing good value.

Hey Jayfly, I would LOVE To pay only 10% of my gross sales in taxes. I had little idea just how much small business contribute to the common good via taxes until I became a small business owner. Big business has the money to hire first rate people who figure out how to minimize their taxes, its the small guys who pay and pay and pay. I am not complaining, I bought this bus with the understanding that the gross was 60,000 a year, and losing money,

Allan.

[kime34]

Hey Allan, Glad the kid is ok. I bet that mother was scared to death and maybe you were put there for a reason that day.

Have they tried to find the thief yet? Can't believe they would just let it go. Our local law would be all over that.

Didn't you say you quit smoking awhile back? If so was it cold turkey, some kind of wonder drug or another trick and how the heck did you survive without killing someone?

Kim

[allanjustallan]

Hi Kim,

I found out the little girls name is the same as the colour as my eyes, Hazel.

It was fate, and I am really glad I was there to help. Being the oldest its my obligation to look out, this is the second young child I have saved, but a certain incident many years ago when I was only a very young teen still stays with me. My younger brother and I had gotten a beating with massive waves, about 15 feet plus, he and I ended up near the beach but were in a rip current, I had a board that would enable me to escape the rip tide, but he did not. I saw the panic in his face and voice, and told him to change boards, then when a swell came along I pushed him enabling him to get to shore. I did not relish what I knew was about to happen to me, but took my beating and made it back to shore.

The point I am making is simple, panic in the water kills, dont fight the current and always keep within your ability to make it safely out of the water.
As a matter of fact staying calm usually works out best in most life situations.

They know who the thiefs are, at least two of them anyway. Not a single witness or the thiefs have been contacted yet by anyone. I really dont blame anyone as a matter of fact, they are so short staffed here right now its just the way it is. My real concern is the acute shortage of local deputies is going to lead to more commercial and residential breakins, perhaps more crime of all types as the criminal elements rapidly realise that law enforcement is stretched to the limit.

Anyway I have faith that this situation will right itself it time. I agree with the Sheriff, getting the wrong deputies here would be a bad thing, just have to be patient and realise that sooner or later these thiefs are going to get caught, if not for this crime then some other.

The patch worked for me, if it was not enough I put two patches on,

Allan.

[allanjustallan]

So last night was not that good.

A 20 year old continued to try to get in, jumped right on top of a customers car, kicked my car a few times, tried to get me engaged in a confrontation with him, tried to get people to fight him, riled up the crowd outside the bar to the point that finally there was a fight which I finally managed to stop.

Unfortunately the police were not in town last night, I actually called half an hour before the fight started, requesting a drive by, but the nearest deputy was about an hour or so away.

Just after I opened the bar an individual conned a guy away from the bar, and nearly kicked this guy to death before we stopped it. Ironically the very same guy is the one who sucker punched my next door neighbour, starting a mini riot again. The good news is the police did finally arrive, and two of the three names were given to the police. I just visited the neighbour, and gave them the name of the third individual who was jumping on cars and trying to fight with anyone and who may have been involved in the assault.

Its the same old darn story, none of these individuals are old enough to be at or nearby the bar, they come here to start fights, there has to be some way that they get the message that comming to the bar to spoil good peoples fun is going to be costly to them.

Am considering getting restraining orders on violent minors who hang around outside the bar, wondering if anyone has any thoughts on this ongoing problem that although reduced continues to be a thorn in my and my customers side,

Allan.

[kime34]

Isn't there a law or some kind of ordinance that they can't be within so many ft from the bar, if so they will be fined?

There must be a way to get rid of these little ****roaches. I would get a restraining order for sure.

You should invest in a cattle prod, the next time they waltz in the bar give them a good jolt all the way back out the front door. :p

[seandell]

So last night was not that good.

A 20 year old continued to try to get in, jumped right on top of a customers car, kicked my car a few times, tried to get me engaged in a confrontation with him, tried to get people to fight him, riled up the crowd outside the bar to the point that finally there was a fight which I finally managed to stop.

Unfortunately the police were not in town last night, I actually called half an hour before the fight started, requesting a drive by, but the nearest deputy was about an hour or so away.

Just after I opened the bar an individual conned a guy away from the bar, and nearly kicked this guy to death before we stopped it. Ironically the very same guy is the one who sucker punched my next door neighbour, starting a mini riot again. The good news is the police did finally arrive, and two of the three names were given to the police. I just visited the neighbour, and gave them the name of the third individual who was jumping on cars and trying to fight with anyone and who may have been involved in the assault.

Its the same old darn story, none of these individuals are old enough to be at or nearby the bar, they come here to start fights, there has to be some way that they get the message that comming to the bar to spoil good peoples fun is going to be costly to them.

Am considering getting restraining orders on violent minors who hang around outside the bar, wondering if anyone has any thoughts on this ongoing problem that although reduced continues to be a thorn in my and my customers side,

Allan.
What about some personal lawsuit? Not that you might get any money but hey might get the word out. Then there is the old fashioned mace or stun gun to the balls .

[brady]

I started shopping around a long time ago for bar and sound equipment. I bought a lot of equipment from bars that closed down. I gave $250.00 each for my 8 Yorkville E 1000w continuous 5000w peak (4mains, 4 bases), $10 each for tables and barstools, all my amps and cables and drive racks I bought new. The lighting system (22 par 64 cans with trusses dimmer packs, light boards and gels) for $1000. The only bad investment was the Allen and Heath 32ch studio board, good board, just not what I needed.
I made out good on my ice machines $300 for two under the counter. They worked out fine with about $90 in parts.
I have fought with the keg set up for a while. The bar was setup for a walk-in style but the previous owner took the system with them when they left. The bud man said that system had more problems and I would be better off with a self contain box under the bar, so I bought a box. I would love to have another version of the walk-in style because the keg box takes up to much room. Who is a good contact for a walk-in type?
I was going to put my 500Gb touch screen wall mount jukebox system in with a coin op add on but then after I purchased my coin operators licenses and the music rights(so I would not get hit for playing unlicensed music) I opt for the internet jukebox.
Behind the bar I went with a standup beer cooler instead of a top load flat box because on the space restrictions. We are serving all our shots in shot glass made of ice, so we need to have a small freezer behind there also. If I could change out the keg box for another walk-in type, that would really free up some space.
The point is I saved a lot of money taking my time and doing a lot of research and not jumping at the first thing that comes along, but if I had deeper pockets, I would have just bought everything new and been done with it. I would not recommend EBay because you can’t check out the product. Everything I bought used, I took along an expert to see if the equipment was worth investing in. The sound man I took to check out the speakers almost had a heart attack when the owner of the building asked if $250 each was too much (they run about $1200 each).

[allanjustallan]

Personal lawsuit may work for working people seandell.

Mace, stun guns etc sounds good in theory, just like communism in theory sounds great, in practice it would only escalate problems which of course would be counter productive.

We have a strict rule, we dont assault people, period. We do block them, wrap them, try to reason with them and of course call the police when needed. As a matter of fact few nights ago I blocked the main guy who was causing problems as he attemted to re engage with my neighbours, who were already battling with other people.

Its my belief that everyone knows we dont assault people unless in strict self defense and that means they dont feel threatened when we move to defuse a situation.

Last night rocked, was a huge happy crowd and that made me really very happy,

Allan.

[kime34]

These kids are a menace to society, they have been let go with no parental guidance, no morals and apparently nothing else to do other than to cause trouble. The parents probably do nothing but scrape up what they can for the next bottle and don't really give a crap what the kids doing.

Have you tried talking with them one on one, offering them some kind of little job like cleaning up on the outside of the bar during the day. Maybe then you could get to know them and give them some advice or make them feel like someone cares what becomes of them and let them know where they are going if they don't change their ways? I assuming these are Indian kids. Maybe the tribe would spend the money for these kids a Boys and Girls club. If the ones causing trouble are too old for this at least it would give the ones growing up something to do and maybe keep them from going down the same road.

If that doesn't work, I'd go back to the cattle prod. :p ~just kiddin~

Kim

[allanjustallan]

I finally got to post a few pics, more to come.

http://home.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user&MyToken=e359e83e-06c3-4deb-9da8-034ab2ba7c62

As I have said before, just a small place but boy I really love being here and interacting with so many different people,

Allan.

[kime34]

Hey Allan,
The link takes you to myspace where you sign in but not to your site. :(

[allanjustallan]

http://home.myspace.com/Modules/HomeDisplay/Pages/Home.aspx??fuseaction=user&MyToken=e359e83e-06c3-4deb-9da8-034ab2ba7c62&setrsi=1

[Oxrock]

http://home.myspace.com/Modules/HomeDisplay/Pages/Home.aspx??fuseaction=user&MyToken=e359e83e-06c3-4deb-9da8-034ab2ba7c62&setrsi=1

Still just takes you to the log in page.

[allanjustallan]

I know, that site is sneaky, smiles. Will just have to think of something else I guess.

My 86 list is now about 25 people long. I have learnt something very important, the majority of people who are involved with habitual violence simply will not change, allowing them into my bar means chasing away way more mellow customers.

I came really close to having my jaw broken few nights ago, this big black guy gave one guy a black eye, another guy he knocked out and broke a third guys jaw in two places. I told him I would testify against him and he came at me, fortunately two other guys jumped in front of him or I would be really hurting right now. I visited the police, told them ever since this guys wife left him he has been beating up on people fairly often, they intend to stop his bs. He also was carrying a loaded pistol that night, which he discharged about an hour before the assault.

I must admit that I have almost given up on the idea that I will be able to stop violence at or nearby the bar. Violent people arrive regularly as they get out of prison or grow older, the most I can do it what I have been doing, adding new names to my 86 list and recognising trouble before it explodes into violence.

Am starting to get to know the deputies that come in from out of town, I must admit that for the most part they are really very easy going and I have seen them be very lenient with people as long as they pass the attitude test.

I told them last night that I was glad to see them and I really ment it, whenever they are here the trouble makers that enjoy hanging nearby the bar leave.

My accountant sent me my profit and loss, we are on track to gross 400,000 this year. I still cant believe it, I mean I bought a failed business that was grossing 60,000 a year almost three years ago. I am convinced my very very reasonable prices are driving volume. I guess thats a hint to other barowners that price does indeed matter,

Smiles,

Allan.

[Oxrock]

...My 86 list is now about 25 people long....

Found out where that term came from:
86'd (http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/180827/the_origin_and_usage_of_the_term_86.html)

Volume is great and I'm jealous to here that you reaching 400k! :D
I took over my bar around the same time as you and ony tripled the gross :rolleyes: not by 6x's!

Ahh, back to 86ing. Hate to do that, but a necessarry evil eh?

[allanjustallan]

Just saw some program on tv that said it was Chumley's Oxrock, they had some police on the inside that warned them when a raid was about to happen, they yelled 86 to their local customers, and left a few out of towners to be arrested to make the police look good.

The Mendocino police got some of the guys who helped themselves to my stuff:

2 suspects in business burglaries arrested
Ukiah Daily Journal Staff
Article Last Updated: 09/01/2007 09:35:36 AM PDT


The Daily Journal
The Mendocino County Sheriff's Office has arrested two men on suspicion of burglary in connection with thefts from several businesses in the county over the last five months.

Since April, sheriff's deputies have been investigating a series of burglaries from businesses in Mendocino County. Targets include the Subway restaurant and the Superette in Hopland, Lemons Market in Philo, Storage Sheds in Ukiah, the Buckhorn bar in Covelo and the Quick and Easy Service Station in Lake County.

Items taken include cash, liquor, cigarettes, safes and an ATM machine, according to sheriff's reports.

On Friday morning, sheriff's deputies arrested Ben Brooks, 25, of Redwood Valley, and Brent Harding, 32, of Ukiah, on suspicion of burglary.

Brooks was already in custody on unrelated charges and was booked into jail on the new burglary charges.

Harding was booked into jail on the burglary charges as well as a probation violation and is being held without bail.


All I can say is way to go Mendo PD, but being human I would love them to get the 2? locals who helped these out of town guys.

After three years without a vac I shut down the bar for a week, and only got back today myself. I would have stayed shut for up to a month but my bartenders need to feed their families, I indeed do have responsibilities towards others. Am happy to be back and glad to be able to walk away if I need to.

While the bar was closed this happened:

One arrested, two injured in Covelo knife fight Sunday
By BEN BROWN The Daily Journal
Article Last Updated: 09/05/2007 08:38:14 AM PDT


Two Covelo men suffered stab-wounds in a fight early Sunday morning at an outdoor dance in Covelo when one of the participants attacked the others with a knife.

According to reports from the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office, the victims and their alleged assailant, Andrew T. Card, 20, of Covelo got into a fight at a dance at the Covelo Rodeo Grounds at around 12:45 a.m. Sunday.

It is not clear what the motive was, but Mendocino County Sheriff's Capt. Kurt Smallcomb said alcohol may have been a factor.

At some point during the fight Card allegedly drew a large fixed-blade hunting knife and attacked the other men.

One of the victims, a 20-year-old Covelo man, suffered minor injuries and refused treatment at scene.

The other victim, a 20-year-old Covelo man, suffered stab-wounds to his chest, stomach and back. He was treated at scene by members of the Covelo Volunteer Fire Department and transported by air ambulance to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital.

The victim has since undergone surgery and was listed in fair condition on Tuesday.

Smallcomb said the sheriff's office is not releasing the names of the victims because one of them is still in the hospital.

Sheriff's deputies interviewed witnesses and collected the weapon used in the assault that was left at the scene, according to sheriff's reports.

According to sheriff's reports, witnesses interviewed at the scene identified Card as the alleged assailant and deputies arrested him a short time later at
his home.

Deputies interviewed card and eventually arrested him on suspicion of attempted murder. Card is being held at the Mendocino County Jail on a $250,000 bond.

Ben Brown can be reached at udjbb@pacific.net

Some people in Covelo think that the bar is the reason crime happens here, take away the bar and crime will go away is their thinking.. Wishfull thinking is my take on this line of thought. I have interacted with Andrew in the past, on a number of occasions, without anyone being stabbed while I knew he was known to carry a large knife. Calming people down before the situation gets out of control is the name of the game.

Its my opinion that serious crime will go UP without the bar, at least here we are usually able to stop fights before they happen or at least before anyone gets seriously injured. This is a structured environment.

Am trying a new strategy, when someone is a real problem and assaults others and threatens me I am going to place a restraining order on them. I have just done two, fortunately we have really great judges here in Mendocino, I think they will work with me once I explain exactly what I am up to.

Past few months I have encouraged bartenders and customers to call 911, mistake in my opinion. If I was a deputy and suddenly had my workload increased I would not like it, anyway thats what I think Mendo is thinking with the sudden increase in calls. In the past we simply handled most of the problems outselves. Its just my way of trying this and that to reduce violence by keeping violent people away from this bar.

Allan.

[Oxrock]

I have a rule that if no one is in immediate danger do not call 911. If a patron is still ornery and refuses to depart the premises (including parking lot), then call the non-emergency number for the sheriffs office. They will still send someone, but it won't tie up the 911 numbers, and *Bonus* no added phone charge...

Violence however, call 911.

[owneroper]

what is your myspace address, would love to see the pics we heard so much about

[Securitygeek]

Personally I get to know the cops that patrol my area, I now have phone numbers for 6 of the local pd that patrol my area on 3rd shift. If I have a problem I call them on their cells. That way no record of it going through dispatch and nothing to report to Alcohol Control Board. If an arrest is made, they just happened to be driving by. :) Most of the time police presence is enough to dissuade all except the overly stupid. :)

[bruce]

After reading Allen's post this morning again about Mendocino county happenings, I was surprised when I was getting up from breakfast in my restaurant to see a customer come in with a sweat shirt on that said Mendocino fire depertment on it. It was from northern California as was he. Small world out there.

[allanjustallan]

Used to enjoy having all the local deputies cells Securitygeek, and till we get replacements its going to be the good old days for me, just the way Wayne used to have to handle it, which often means more or less on my own till help arrives about hour plus later.

One of the guys who I am seeking restraining orders on came into the bar, along with two other people who are also 86ed. They took advantage of my new out of town male bartender who does not yet know who everyone is.

What really hurts is that my bouncer recovering from a broken elbow played pool with these people and I know he just has to know that they are not allowed here. After too much drama my bartender sent all three out the door, and about 25 minutes later the lady came back into the bar with a broken, really badly broken wrist.

I arrived from my weekly visit to the river just in time to be confronted by a very irate sergeant and deputy, they believed that we had not reported a serious crime. My bartenders had changed shifts and when I contacted my bartender via ph he told me he had zero idea of what had happened after these people had left, but no violence happened inside the bar. I checked the video and it confirmed his story.

Then I spotted the guy just outside the bar door, with no shirt on, which means he was there to fight and the way he looked at me it was fairly clear who he preferred.

I called dispatch, but when the two deputies arrived few minutes later he was gone, finally they caught him pulling into my driveway next to the bar, he got away however as they were arresting his friend.

I overheard someone saying that shots were fired by this guy at the next door hotel, so I got out my flashlight and found a shell, with the help of the deputies we found 8 22 shells, which I am sure will match the 22 rifle found in this guys car.

Then to cap it off my former bouncer, my current bouncer and few other people hung around outside the bar till 3.21 when someone who I thought was a really nice guy vandalized two of my outside cameras and my snowman to the tune of about 600 dollars in damage.

Q? Whats the chance that either bouncer will ever be placed on the schedule again as long as I own this bar? If you guessed Zero chance you too have the potential to be a small business owner. Am not mad just disapointed, they are locals, they know just how important this bar is to so many people, and really showed they have little regard for this bar or myself.

Anyway its been really quite since then, preparing for a very busy halloween,

Allan.

[seandell]

Alan, When ever I have a bad night at the bar with some idiots, all I have to do is come read a new post from you and I can sleep better knowing I don't have it that bad. It's always a few bad idiots that ruin it for those trying to have a good time.

[allanjustallan]

I know what you are saying seandell, as a young 23 year old stockbroker in San Francisco sometimes I would be so tired, after my 12 hour work day trying to satisfy old clients and get new ones that I felt a little down, would take a walk and after seeing so many people down and out on market street I would feel better, life was not so bad after all it could be so much worse.

Anyway its a much brighter picture than I paint, everything is so much better now than when I first took over, its been over 2.5 years since anything really bad happened at the bar. I am in the perfect position to weather the arriving economic storm due to the collapsing worldwide housing bubble because I have zero debt. As a matter of fact I won a dollar bet with a customer when I said in 06 that housing had peaked, but lost the dollar to the same client when I bet a dollar about who would win the superbowl, smiles.

I really love where I live and I really enjoy my diverse client base, boring does not really enter into the picture here, thats a fact.

Our Sheriff Tom Allman said today at the monthly meeting that we have some people who may be interested in living and working here in Covelo as deputies, so things may be looking up.

Allan.

[allanjustallan]

Finally got popped, knew it had to happen sometime.

18 year old that I have had problems with in the past plus his 23 year old 200 plus pound cousin who is recently back from prison and on my 86 list for sucker punching a guy, knocking the guy out and then stomping him.

I chased them out a few times, then they attacked me at the same time, hit me in the mouth and neck landing me flat on my back then they ran away as I leapt up ready to fight.

Reported it, the police have informed me they are really tired of this same family grouping causing so much trouble in our community, Mendo PD intends to stop this reign of violence and I intend to do everything I can to help.

Unfortunately these guys really hurt me, but am finally feeling somewhat better, went to the Dr and he said no sign of swelling of the brain or blood in the eyes, ears or nose but had a huge amount of pain for the past 10 days.

My business has really increased once again, harvest has come in and people once again have a lot of disposable income.

One negative of my strategy of getting restraining orders is that it’s a real time killer, I am really struggling to find the time to get everything done cause one or two days a week is lost traveling to court.

A real positive is that my relationship with my customers remains very strong, and my relationship with Mendo PD is also just where it needs to be,

Allan.

[seandell]

Sorry to hear that, every once in awhile I get close to getting smacked but just when its about to happen a Regular is there to save the day.. lol. My crowd these days is really tame.. knock,knock. Good for you the cops are on your side.
Might want to think about setting some toys for tots party up with the police as well to add to the friendliness. We do one every year and all toys get dropped off at the local pd station and they take care of the rest, ie: giving them out to the kids in the community. Works out good, and I feel good as well.

take it easy,

[kime34]

Allan, How is your floor holding up? Do you still recommend this type, did you install it yourself or have someone do it for you?

thanks,
Kim

[allanjustallan]

Pergo select was one of my smarter choices, Kime34, it still looks great after three years and just about anyone, with the exception of me can install it.

Halloween was our highest grossing day ever, I still can’t believe that my decision to have a really good party night without any thought to profit has grown so big with the ever helpful North Fork café, Denny is a big help because he hosts the Hot Shots band, meaning that I have more space for fun loving people, without having to give up the juke box or pool table.

I tried to have best male, female, and group/couple, finally settled for giving away 500 dollars in 20$ increments to anyone that looked good in costume.

Fun and so many happy people really made my night, and to top it off Zero Violence once again, heck it does not get any better than this. The official Halloween night was also really busy, so next year I am going to promote TWO Halloween nights it’s going to work I just know it.

Allan.

[jck2003]

Your story is very interesting and honest. Good work mate, inspiring stuff! I wish you luck for the future.

[Longshot1]

Hello mod and everyone else who's posted. I'm still reading through the postings to glean as much information as I can so I don't yet know if this subject has been addressed completely yet. I know it was asked about refrigeration and that you, allanjustallan opted for new equipment which is great. What I have to add to this discussion will be helpful to you and everyone else with older equipment or are thinking of buying a bar with older equipment.
My bonifidies are 20+ years in the refrigeration field along with once being the warrantee rep for such names as Hoshozaki, Cold Draft, Ice-omatic, Beverage-aire and more than a dozen other well known names at points in my career. I've worked on everything from walk-in freezers so large that when they are started for the first time they actually have a rain storm in them to cryogenics systems that shrink metal. I'm semi-retired in the field right now but still do work from time to time. I'm also searching for a bar/restaurant business of my own hence my researching and interest in this thread.
Baudtender is correct about how to maintain refrigeration equipment but I have a few extra comments on this subject.
1. All fans used with refrigeration must be oiled regularly when the coils are cleaned. Notice, I said 'coils". Both condenser and evaporator coils must be kept clean for the system to work properly. The evaporator coil should be inspected regularly for dirt and although it doesn't need it as much as the condenser, it must be cleaned.
2. Door seals are the most common places for heat infiltration on all coolers and freezers. If they are worn, torn broken or non-existent, replace them. You don't lose cold, you gain heat. Heat causes your cooler to run, not the lack of cold.
3. Drains in coolers and freezers plug up. Usually, this is caused by not keeping the inside of the unit clean and dirt making its way to the drain either from spillage or because the person cleaning the unit is careless. Never force crud down a cooler drain. Pick it out of the cooler and toss it in the garbage. The best thing to do is to clean the cabinet regularly (with the power off).
4. You are correct Baudtender, condensers *NEVER* get used to being dirty. Most all are designed to operate up to 90 deg. F. before the cabinet temperature begins to rise one deg. with every deg. above 90. Dirt acts like an insulator and will not allow heat transfer so the more dirt on the coil, the higher the ambient temperature the compressor thinks there is. Once the coil is plugged enough, oil in the compressor begins to break down and eats the insulation from the compressor motor windings. Soon, it shorts out. You're looking at $500.00 minimum for a replacement, and that's if you're *good* friends with the tech.
5. Any cooler is better than no cooler. If you have one and are not using it, store it somewhere. You never know when you'll need it.
6. Old equipment. Yes, it can be retrofitted successfully and I've done it but it was well maintained equipment from the time it was new. It actually ran better and quieter! Thing is, if the system was brutalized all it's life and you attempt a retrofit, you may end up wasting your money. Progressive failure is seldom ever caught in refrigeration systems because they are a closed environment. Once a new refrigerant and oil are introduced, all the worn out parts will break down. Essentially, if the cabinet is nice enough but the condenser is in need of repair and using R-12 or R-502, just buy a new condensing unit, the rest of the system will readily accept it and it'll cost close to the same in the end.
7. Find a refrigeration specialist in your area and make good friends of him. Not an A/C- heating guy. They're great for a/c's and furnaces but you need someone who can troubleshoot and repair specialized systems. Today's bar taps systems are different that yesterdays. Kegs are remotely placed, chase ways for the beer lines are cooled and even display coolers are built differently. If you can find a guy who knows what I do you'll be in dutch! Some guys out there like me have built custom refrigeration systems for clients right down to the evaporator. Have him pencil your place in for scheduled maintenance twice a year. The money spent will be well worth it.
8. Don't try to repair anything yourself! Unless you're trained in the field, messing with refrigeration systems is not only illegal without a license but it can also be deadly! Cleaning is one thing, repairing is another. The pressures inside a refrigeration system can go well over 100 PSI. One poked hole could mean the loss of not only an eye but can inject you with sub freezing refrigerant or superheated refrigerant and oil. If that refrigerant gets near an open flame it will create phosgene gas which is nerve gas and deadly! Electrocution is also possible. Never clean a cooler or freezer with the power on. The light ballasts in a freezer can produce 540V AC, enough to easily kill you or at the very least, you'll lose a finger. While working on a reach in freezer's light circuit once, a store employee turned the power back on to the case without telling me and I caught all 540v across the chest. I was counted out by my Doc. I hated to disappoint him and the Lord but I wasn't ready to go yet. Pure Celtic tenacity and a lot of luck helped me to survive but it took 4 years of mending to do so and a lot of money. It's also the reason why I'm semi-retired in the field. SHUT THE POWER OFF BEFORE CLEANING THE DAMN THING!!!
Anyway, all of Baudtender's refrigeration recommendations are great and I appreciate his input because him and Allan are answering just about every question I have concerning getting into the bar business. This is my little way of saying 'thank you" and maybe I've even helped you both a little. At the very least I've backed up what you've said. :)

[Muaz]

Hi, This post of mine is very knowledgable and may enhance the information of the viewers , however I would like some specific information for myself. If someone can help me then please send me a private message. Best Regards,

[David]

Muaz

I don't understand what are you looking for?