Help a new guy!

[teenclub]

Hi guys,

I am new to the board. I want to first thank all of you who take the time to help others, this is great! I have spent the entire weekend soaking up info that you all have poured into these boards. So many great ideas and experiences, I sincerely thank you.

I am in the process of acquiring capital for a teen club in Tampa Bay, Florida.

I can hear the groans already. :rolleyes:

Yes a Teen club!

Many of your posts say you think its to risky, as do many of the club owners in this town.

However I have about 9 years experience working with teenagers in concerts and events.

Many of my staff have experience with concerts, youth groups and community centers as well.

The difference with us is, we truly love kids. YES they try your patience every second, but we still love them.

There are only a few places for kids to go that is positive and safe in this area.

Safety is of utmost concern to me, and I take that very seriously inside and out.

Doors, Gate, Dancefloor, Parking Lot, bathrooms, floaters all will have assigned staff members for security.

I believe, based on my experience if we set the boundaries and have a zero tolerence enforcement, we will have none of the "problems associated" with teen clubs.

no hats, bandanas, white t-shirts, lighters, stripping, smoking or drinking.

(Ok well, all that and two on duty sherrifs with two licensed security guards with metal detecting wands at the door ;) )

Any advice you have (besides dont do it -it being done!) is very helpful.


Particularly:

1) INSURANCE!!! I have yet to find a post about a good insurance underwriter. Do I have to know the secret handshake for this or what?

2) Off duty cops. there are a few security guys here I have seen, very helpful. Training of my guys is gonna be priorty one. But do you go through same channels to get off duty cops as you do for overtime uniform guys?

3) should I specifically request female officers in addition to males for uniformed officers?

4) Anyone do business in Tampa Bay, I think I saw roundup owner on here (country bar). Any insight on clubs in this market is helpful, especially teen owners.

I remember a decade ago there was Off Limits in Brandon and Clearwater, as well as Virgin Territory and one owned (partnered) by "Bubba the Love Sponge" (radio personality)


I have a great location scoped out - over 15k sq feet with dance floor and stage already. Good HVAC -nice and cold.

I will focus on the live entertainment (my background is concert promotion amongst other marketing efforts) to draw the crowds

and a partnership with the major radio station using there jocks.

any comments are appreciated. Thanks.

Maurice
http://www.NeedPromo.com

[Kansas City]

15,000 sq ft for a teen club?
My advice woudl be to get a professtional to negociate lease. If you have no experence in commercial real estate this could be a huge problem that you will be stuck with for the life of the lease. Are you familar with net leases, gross and rentable sq ft, options, ect?

[Cheek]

If it were me, I would do DJ and not live music for two reasons...1.) to control the music content and volume..2.) because it's way cheaper.

To answer question #3, you definitely need some female staff to tend to the ladies room. Whether it's an off-duty or just a Jane Doe, it's a must.

Remember, you're going to have just as many problems (if not more) outside the club in your parking lot as you do inside. Unlike an adult crowd, once you kick them out, they don't have anywhere to go until their Mommy comes to pick them up, so be ready to deal with them in the parking lot for a couple hours after you kick someone out.

It sounds like you have the right idea with the zero-tolerance thing. If kids see other kids getting booted out for doing dumb things, they will fall in line quickly. Also, a one-strike and your out policy has always worked for me in the past. Giving kids a second chance is a recipe for disaster. I guess it all depends on the situation and the kid, but it's a tough call.

Good Luck.

[PartyYards.com]

I am from the Tampa Bay area and I also see a need for a well managed teen club. I have seen many places come and go due to poor management and funding.

I also think that the new ordinance that they *might* be passing for teens in YBOR will be a great benefit for creating traffic for your business, unless you are in the Centro YBOR area.

Quoted from the Tampa Trib.
"TAMPA - The Tampa City Council is poised to pass an ordinance to keep youths out of Ybor City after 11 p.m., but first it wants the ordinance tweaked and to hear more from the public. City Attorney David Smith said the proposed Child Protection Ordinance will protect youths from getting hurt or into trouble in the entertainment district between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights."

Best of Luck!!!

[teenclub]

Originally posted by Kansas City
15,000 sq ft for a teen club?
My advice woudl be to get a professtional to negociate lease. If you have no experence in commercial real estate this could be a huge problem that you will be stuck with for the life of the lease. Are you familar with net leases, gross and rentable sq ft, options, ect?

Yes thank you, I agree. Although for years of running businesses I have rented office and small retail locations, never have I had such a huge place, I definitely dont wanna get raped on it.

I have a few friends who buy/sell/rent real estate to help me with that.

They are asking 12k a month. But the place needs work. I will expect To get a few months free. Can you give me input on net leases etc?

thanks

[teenclub]

Originally posted by Cheek
If it were me, I would do DJ and not live music for two reasons...1.) to control the music content and volume..2.) because it's way cheaper.

To answer question #3, you definitely need some female staff to tend to the ladies room. Whether it's an off-duty or just a Jane Doe, it's a must.

Remember, you're going to have just as many problems (if not more) outside the club in your parking lot as you do inside. Unlike an adult crowd, once you kick them out, they don't have anywhere to go until their Mommy comes to pick them up, so be ready to deal with them in the parking lot for a couple hours after you kick someone out.

It sounds like you have the right idea with the zero-tolerance thing. If kids see other kids getting booted out for doing dumb things, they will fall in line quickly. Also, a one-strike and your out policy has always worked for me in the past. Giving kids a second chance is a recipe for disaster. I guess it all depends on the situation and the kid, but it's a tough call.

Good Luck.

Thanks - the live ent would be national acts, as featured artists, with DJ before and after sorry if that wasnt clear.

I was wondering about a female cop at the door, I will have staff who will rotate in both male and female bathrooms

I hadnt considered what happens to people who get booted. I know of a club that would have officers issue them a trespassing warrant so they had to walk off property or get arrested, I think thats kinda extreme though.

Any suggestions on how to set up a penalty box outside until they can get a ride?

[teenclub]

Originally posted by PartyYards.com
I am from the Tampa Bay area and I also see a need for a well managed teen club. I have seen many places come and go due to poor management and funding.

I also think that the new ordinance that they *might* be passing for teens in YBOR will be a great benefit for creating traffic for your business, unless you are in the Centro YBOR area.

Quoted from the Tampa Trib.
"TAMPA - The Tampa City Council is poised to pass an ordinance to keep youths out of Ybor City after 11 p.m., but first it wants the ordinance tweaked and to hear more from the public. City Attorney David Smith said the proposed Child Protection Ordinance will protect youths from getting hurt or into trouble in the entertainment district between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights."

Best of Luck!!!

Management is definitely not a problem for me, i do enough events I have enough reliable people who are used to working under me and are hyped about the idea.

we have
18 high schools in Pinellas county
28 high schools in Hillsborough (across bridge 30-90 mins away)
average 1800 kids per school

University of south florida has over 20,000 graduates a year.

I feel to get 1000 kids on fri and 1000 on saturday is not gonna be difficult if the music is good and its safe.


I like the idea of a large club because of the concerts we will do. The kids never see them because they always perform at 21 and over clubs.

Also Kids will travel since it will be the only one in central florida.

As far as underfinanced, that may be an issue -i dont want to do this unless i get enough backing on this to float it a few months.

We have a lot of ideas mapped out on how to keep it exciting and how to generate revenues from various streams besides the cover.

I am going to start with a $10 cover, but intend to raise that to $15 as it grows in popularity. The more we have to turn away because of capacity the more we will be able to charge for such a "hot" club.

Funny thing is I have tons of people interested in opening a club that sells liquor, no one wants to be involved with the kids, thats sad to me.


***************************************
Speaking of financing:

is that guy on here advancemellc legit?
**************************************

[Cheek]

Originally posted by teenclub
I hadnt considered what happens to people who get booted. I know of a club that would have officers issue them a trespassing warrant so they had to walk off property or get arrested, I think thats kinda extreme though.

It's not as extreme as you think. Kids don't know any better and will hang out and cause a ruccus, especially if they were kicked out for bad behaviour. Having police officers ticketing them and getting them off the property is not extreme. There WILL be a party in your parking lot if you don't get a strangle hold on it early.
Also, kids that are repeat troublemakers will need to be identified and kept out. I can't imagine the officers are going to be happy at dealing with the same troublemakers week after week.

BTW, 12K seems huge for lease. But then again I am unfimiliar with the area and average lease costs.

[teenclub]

Originally posted by Cheek
It's not as extreme as you think. Kids don't know any better and will hang out and cause a ruccus, especially if they were kicked out for bad behaviour. Having police officers ticketing them and getting them off the property is not extreme. There WILL be a party in your parking lot if you don't get a strangle hold on it early.
Also, kids that are repeat troublemakers will need to be identified and kept out. I can't imagine the officers are going to be happy at dealing with the same troublemakers week after week.

BTW, 12K seems huge for lease. But then again I am unfimiliar with the area and average lease costs.


I'll have to say your points are valid and I agree. I am big on boundaries. I know the bottom line is to make the boundaries then let the kids color in the middle as they please. I definitely dont want tailgate parties in my lot and I dont want PD to be irritated every week either.

Busch Gardens and Adventure Island are both in my area and now use biometrics to identify season pass holders. I am seriously considering using thumbprints (found on a previous post) to ID people who come in. Making sure they are not over 21 or under 14 and making sure if they are banned -they cannot enter.

Any thoughts or experience guys?

12k is a lot -but the lease is only $5 sq/ft -its all the extras that bring it to that - its 16,655 sq ft total. So I should be able to legally get 1000 in. which is important for concert promotions.

I am considering for that amount, buying a building, but it will give me a lot longer lead time to start.

[ca. club owner]

Teen Club..
I will be the 1st to say I am not all for the teen thing due to the fact that it is a real headache. But in the same sentence you are right. Kids do need a safe place to hang out. And from the sounds of it you are pushing in the right direction...

Since you are going to go with the live music as your primary an DJ as back up. You know the cost for the groups all ready now days. An kids want to see the hottest thing out. So thats going to be the draw. If you can get whos hot that fits the image of the club then you will be a hit. Something to consider, But remember you can only charge a kid so much to get in, an for hot dogs an soda pop. So becareful with the live music. It can get very costly..

As for hireing the badge, you might be better going with a security company that has a good rep. An just let the police know your hours an they will have someone drive by who is working that beat. Once an hour to check on the scene. Because it is not cheap to hire them. Its a great idea but it costs. I have a contract right now for 8 off duty officers for 12 days at like 30k a month. An thats a steal. They usually charge depending on the event. Any where from 50 to 65 an hr. So you have to figure out how many you want times how many hours you will be open etc... Something else to think about, an male or female wont make a difference. They all go through the same training. Its all on what you would like. I would go with the male due to its the boys in places who start most of the mess. An just have you a few female sec. to run checks in the bathroom of the girls...

From what you have expressed it seems you have a nice grab on how you want it to work out. An if you keep at it, it will work. I was just trying to give you a lil info on some of the topics you were looking for answers. As for the INS. hmm try " baldingerins.com " Give them a look....

Good Luck!!

[Securitygeek]

You posted to a thread I placed in the employment section, I keep odd hours so I generally communicate via icq or email my icq is 136854127 my email is wmwalden_1@yahoo.com or you can pm on this site. I am interested in your idea, and like I said in my other post I do have 13+ years in this industry. Even if I don't take a security position with you I can at least give some advice. :) Good luck and contact me if your still interested.

[teenclub]

Originally posted by ca. club owner
Teen Club..

Since you are going to go with the live music as your primary an DJ as back up. You know the cost for the groups all ready now days. An kids want to see the hottest thing out. So thats going to be the draw. If you can get whos hot that fits the image of the club then you will be a hit. Something to consider, But remember you can only charge a kid so much to get in, an for hot dogs an soda pop. So becareful with the live music. It can get very costly..

As for hireing the badge, you might be better going with a security company that has a good rep.

As for the INS. hmm try " baldingerins.com " Give them a look....

Good Luck!!

Live ente we will focus on people who put out new singles in R&B & Hip Hop. Since that is the format of the Radio Station we will be partnering with. They will cost between 12-20k. Since these groups come all the time the kids hear about it but cant go because they are 21 and up. The live national celebrities would be once every 4-6 weeks i would do that. 1500 kids at $20-25 for a concert/dance should be no problem. Thats the average for 21+ concerts in town. many forget fire code and squeeze 2-3000 into their club on concert night.

There is local kids who have bands we would allow to open or perform, but not for pay. -They will promote the night.


Pinellas county sherrifs are 31 per hour. I will have 2-6 depending on the night and event. Police are respected in this town by youths -but they test the limits. However, "rent a cops" as the kids call them, would not have any more authority than my security guys. The security agency licensed guards will be used to do the metal detectors at the door. Most clubs dont bother, and usually smart for it later. I know its an extra expense, but its peace of mind for me and parents. From the beginning I want everyone to understand howw serious we are about this and this is for the long term.

Thanks for ins tip -i will check them out.
Our grand opening we will be doing a $10,000 prize for "cracking the code" - by entering a 5 digit code into a vault. If it opens they win. -we are using SCA for that -costs us 1500

[teenclub]

Originally posted by Securitygeek
You posted to a thread I placed in the employment section, I keep odd hours so I generally communicate via icq or email my icq is 136854127 my email is wmwalden_1@yahoo.com or you can pm on this site. I am interested in your idea, and like I said in my other post I do have 13+ years in this industry. Even if I don't take a security position with you I can at least give some advice. :) Good luck and contact me if your still interested.

Definitely still interested, if for nothing else than your advice. I am working on getting all the funding right now, so I will definitely be in touch soon.

[ca. club owner]

Sounds like you are on your way, sounds like you have a good price for the police. An I do understand the piece of mind thing. Stay on track sounds like a winner...

[Cheek]

I must say, it seems you have alot of great promo ideas and you have no illusions about the security end of a teen club. I think your going to do great. Good luck to you.

[teenclub]

Originally posted by Cheek
I must say, it seems you have alot of great promo ideas and you have no illusions about the security end of a teen club. I think your going to do great. Good luck to you.

I haven't even shared HALF of the promos we wish to do. Working with teens doing ice breakers and games for camps and groups has helped a lot.

I do feel i have a good grasp on the market and how to handle them.

I am seeing a small issue now. 12k a month is a big nut for just a lease, especially since they probably want a 3 year minimum.

This just happens to be a dead club. Nothing in it. No S&L or anything -just stage and bars.

But to get an existing club that is being sold and turn it dry - i am looking at 9-15k lease payment plus the 800k to 1.5 mill they want for their sound and lights etc.

Apparently I will not be buying a building that has an existing club. Too valuable this area. So best I could do is get a building and then build it out, but then there are zoning issues.

Any suggestions experiences?