cojomo
07-04-2005, 01:56 PM
Hello everyone!
I plan to open a new bar on sept 1st, so I've been reading pretty much everything on this forum so I should know what to expect. Obviously in Japan a lot of things are different, but the basics should be the same I guess.
I have lots of questions but I'll start by telling you the current plan. It's a small city of about 100,000 people and has a central bar area with around 150 small bars and clubs PACKED into a tiny area. Competitors are everywhere!
The space I've chosen is larger than average, but still tiny by western standards, with space for about 30 seated customers. It's on the ground floor so has a door onto the main drinking street. Monthly rent is about $1500.It'll be run as a live music/sports/ karaoke(of course) bar. There will be a small stage with house drumkit,amps,guitars and mics always set up for anyone who wants to play a song or 2. LCD projector with screen above the drums showing sports or karaoke or sound visualizations with background music. Decor wise- very simple with a definite British theme.
Target customers- foreigners(not many here but they drink a lot and there are no other foreign bars in the city), musicians, live music lovers(no other regular live music joints around), japanese who want to practice their english skills, japanese hoping for romance with foreigners etc
Initially I don't plan on hiring any staff...there really is no need for security or bouncers here...and I know I can handle 30 or so customers. My brother might come over to help for the first month or 2 though. Bar opening times will be 8pm to 6am everyday.(Nice licensing laws :cool: )
So, to the questions:-
First, are there any obvious flaws in the plan?
I'll have to build the actual bar/counter myself....so if the bar holds 30 people, how many should I plan to have seated at the bar?
On opening night, I'm thinking of putting on 3 local bands I know and giving free drinks to everyone before midnight. I know it sounds crazy but I want EVERYONE to know I've opened.
My total projected bills and loan repayments come to about $3000 a month.
Does your gut feeling tell you this could be profitable in a 30 seat venue?
And please, ANY advice you could give would be most welcome.
Thanks for your time,
Colin
I plan to open a new bar on sept 1st, so I've been reading pretty much everything on this forum so I should know what to expect. Obviously in Japan a lot of things are different, but the basics should be the same I guess.
I have lots of questions but I'll start by telling you the current plan. It's a small city of about 100,000 people and has a central bar area with around 150 small bars and clubs PACKED into a tiny area. Competitors are everywhere!
The space I've chosen is larger than average, but still tiny by western standards, with space for about 30 seated customers. It's on the ground floor so has a door onto the main drinking street. Monthly rent is about $1500.It'll be run as a live music/sports/ karaoke(of course) bar. There will be a small stage with house drumkit,amps,guitars and mics always set up for anyone who wants to play a song or 2. LCD projector with screen above the drums showing sports or karaoke or sound visualizations with background music. Decor wise- very simple with a definite British theme.
Target customers- foreigners(not many here but they drink a lot and there are no other foreign bars in the city), musicians, live music lovers(no other regular live music joints around), japanese who want to practice their english skills, japanese hoping for romance with foreigners etc
Initially I don't plan on hiring any staff...there really is no need for security or bouncers here...and I know I can handle 30 or so customers. My brother might come over to help for the first month or 2 though. Bar opening times will be 8pm to 6am everyday.(Nice licensing laws :cool: )
So, to the questions:-
First, are there any obvious flaws in the plan?
I'll have to build the actual bar/counter myself....so if the bar holds 30 people, how many should I plan to have seated at the bar?
On opening night, I'm thinking of putting on 3 local bands I know and giving free drinks to everyone before midnight. I know it sounds crazy but I want EVERYONE to know I've opened.
My total projected bills and loan repayments come to about $3000 a month.
Does your gut feeling tell you this could be profitable in a 30 seat venue?
And please, ANY advice you could give would be most welcome.
Thanks for your time,
Colin