Buying a Bar/Pub questions.

[smolze32]

I am close to buying a Pub/Bar in Northern NJ. It is located on a major highway, one of the busiest int he state, and at the end of a chain hotel. The current ownership has kind of neglected it of recent and it needs new owners with new ideas and fresh brains. The place is big, the main room can hold 300+, it has an outdoor patio that can hold another100+ maybe. Big bar inside dj booth tiny dance floor and several tables and booths. They currently offer food but its more a traditional pub/bar type food. Chicken fingers, burgers, nachos etc, etc. I have a couple questions regarding my situation and any help with be greatly appreciated.
1. I dont want to get to far away from the Bar theme, because I want to be able to appeal to all cliente ( lunch hour, happy hour, sports bar theme, and on tuesday thursday fri and sat nights more of a club theme with live dj's and dancing.) So what renovations would be good to do inside? There is also a pool table inside.
2. What kinds of food could I implement into the menu to make it not just a simple bar menu.
3. and maybe what kind of promotions/ theme nights/ and decoration ideas does everyone else have?

[Kodiak570]

1.) There is a great place in Houston that has flipped concepts til the right guy got a hold of it. He was a GM of another bar not 3 minutes drive from here, and decided to do his own thing. Not trying to advertise it, but check out their site:

http://www.vitosdeckhouse.com/

It's the only one I have found there or in my new city, Denver. I think it's a great concept, and in NJ you could have it going with the same kind of concept too.

2.) For your menu, I would appeal to as broad of a customer base as possible. Maybe throw a couple of vegetarian items in there, and run specials on days when deemed necessary (like now with lent - have a grilled fish / fish and chips special on Friday - just an idea)

Good luck too you!!

[smolze32]

I like the grilled fish idea and the fish and chips...I was thinking about putting in a sushi bar because that is getting increasingly big, and maybe ceviche dish for an app. I want to make it a little more of an elegant feel then just the typical pub/bar without over doing it. Thank you for your advice and I will check out that link.

[grpubboss]

Go see Park east in Hazlet,he has turned it into a restaurant sportsbar and nightlife and is the hot bar in that area!!

[smolze32]

Thank you, I might end up taking a trip there. Thanks for the info.

[Sports Bar Guru]

If you get a chance, check out Miami Mikes Sports Zone on Rt 10 East Hanover. I t is at the end of a 250 hotel and is the nimber one sports bar in nj.

[smolze32]

Ill check that spot out as well. Thank you