Lounges

[Twism]

I just joined this forum today and I must say that I am very impressed with the quality of information being shared in this forum.

I am looking to open a loung next Spring. My lounge will appeal to the working crowd that does not want to deal with a rowdy club or bar setting. I will have music and a dance floor in the lounge but that will not be my primary focus. The atmosphere will be my focus. I want to provide a cosy, comfortable, and laid back setting where people can go to drink and socialize.

Does anyone have any expriences they can share in opening a lounge? What are the pros and cons? I am will be funding the project with the help of the SBA. What other financing options are out there? How much do you think it would cost to open a lounge? If you have any examples of what it cost to start your business that would be great.

Any information will be great?

Thanks

T

[keithd]

Well, right off the bat a couple of things jump out at me. First, before you begin a project like this, you should have a very clear vision of what you want. For instance you said you wanted to a cosy and comfortable laid back setting, yet you also wanted to have a dance floor? This makes no sense, dance floor = hip hop, techno, and pounding base, laid back and cosy is nothing like this. Don't try and mix two different feels, you'll end up with something where everyone feels uncomfortable.

Second, don't bank on an SBA loan for financing unless you personally know someone at the SBA. They rarely loan money to our industry, and almost never loan money to a first time club owner.

As for your other questions, it depends on what area you're looking at. I would, however, strongly recommend you try to keep your costs down until you get on your feet as a small lounge with large overhead is a recipe for disaster.

[advancemellc]

you can rely on www.advancefundinginc.com with funding once your OPEN. not intended for start up capital. But, has a lot of uses once you do open. I know you have to sign up through their credit card processor also to get funded so that may be a good start.