Starting A New Bar

[JuniorsBar]

I have a couple of questions if some of you wouldnt mind helping me out. I am currently starting a new bar. I own a building about 4000 sq/f that was an office building which im turning into a sports bar.

questions.......

Whats the best or most common p.o.s used in this setting?

usual # of beer on tap and which are the most popular?

Starting off on opening day, how many cases of beer per brand would you suggest buying, when do you restock?

Whom do you go through to gets all the promotions available through beer/liquor companys? ( I hear beer companys provide all the neon signs and such )


answers to these questions would be useful, please help a new guy out!

[Bevinco]

You owe it to yourself to use an independent liquor inventory control service. Bevinco helps our clients see a min 10% profit improvement using our unique service. 888-bevinco.

[Estefon]

My gut reaction is that you're in over your head. If you want to learn the business, make your mistakes on someone elses payroll first. If money isn't an option though, hire a GM or a bar consultant to coach you through the startup process.

There are multiple POS systems on the market, but the best system with most bells and whistles will do little good if you won't use it. Do you want the system to record sales, track by product or category, by department? Do you want it to do your perpetuals, allow employees to clock in, view their schedule, request days off? Shop around. The best one out there is the one that best suits your needs.

How much product you want for opening day would be based upon your projections for opening attendance and how much you expect each person to drink. This should be according to your sales predictions that you've already budgeted for the month and your business plan. (do you have a business plan?)

What products to carry would depend upon your overall demographic that you're trying to attract and your pricing. As a bar owner, you choose the clientel through product, promotion and pricing, not the customer. (do you have a business plan?)

Liquor and beer vendors typically deliver once a week. You want enough to make it last, but not too much to suck up available cash. Imagine each bottle of alcohol as a $20 bill sitting on the shelf. Would you rather have it on the shelf or in the bank? (BTW, you can't pay the light bill with a bottle of vodka).

And finally, don't worry about getting pos systems, neons and giveaways from your distributors. They'll contact you.

Sorry, that was a bit harsh wasn't it? Been on my feet for 19 hours straight.

Steve

[wygk]

I've got to agree wiith the previous post. From your questions, it sounds like you don't have the experience to be successful.

But you say you OWN the building? Wow, that's a great start.

Maybe you can find an experienced bar manager who'd be interested in opening in your location. You could work out an arrangement to own part of the business in exchange for reduced rent. That way you get to learn the business, play bar owner, and get some mileage out of your building (with an experienced manager who has some chance of building a successful bar).

Just an off-the-wall thought...

[advancemellc]

POSitouch is a great POS system to use. I have a great connection with them if you like. Also, AdvanceMe,Inc helps a bunch in securing money for your bz. www.advancefundinginc.com is your one stop shop for a lot of things you may need.