Need Help

[stadros316]

I am currently working on a night club in Niagara Falls, NY. I wanted to have an all you can drink night club (see previous post). I am also considering adding a food area. However, I wanted to do it as a walkup counter. People would walk up, place an order and in a couple of minutes have their food. Similar to a fast food place. This way they pay on the spot and get their order. Does anyone suggest this method, or should I go with a waitress service in the lounge area. I just don't want people to be walking out without paying.

I already have all the restaurant equipment that is needed with the exception of the hood above the ovens and fryers.

I would like to hear about some of your suggestions.

Thanks

Sam

[happybaboon]

'All you can drink'?

Hmmm... Check your liqour licencing laws...

They'll probably outlaw promotions that encourage excessive consumption of alcohol.... And an "All you can drink" club would be just that...

If there isn't such a law... Then why isn't there?

You don't wanna encourage excessive drinking like that anyway - it'll be HELL on your staff, because intoxicated people suck ass - they get agressive and pick fights, they pass out and vomit on your floors... That kinda thing.

[Andrew]

Pardon me for saying this stadros316 (Sam), but you make it sound like a fast food joint within a club. That's ok, as long as it is in keeping with the general theme of your venue and if that is what you want.

As the perennial patron, I would feel better about going to a designated food eating area well away from loud music and dancing.

Paying upfront would not pose a problem for me, as long as the food was tasty and fresh.

Is it going to be an "all you can eat" thing, as well?!;)

[David]

I have been to numerous clubs that have food available. My opinion is to have people place their order and pay for it at the same time at a cashier area. This way, no one can "Hog and Jog" on you.

At On Broadway in San Diego, they have a Sushi Bar in the club on the main floor. The area is separate from the dance area. You can only set at the tables if you are eating and using the restaurants services.

At the Excalibur in Chicago, there is an eatery in the basement. They take your order and serve like any other eatery. You pay when you are done.

So, I guess it is a toss up. If you think that you will be so busy and not be able to watch everything closely, make them pay first.

If I was going to do it, I would have a very limited menu and staff. Food service in most clubs is cost prohibitive. Not to mention the clean up and mess that it makes.

You should try and attend one the Nightclub and Bar Magazines trade shows. There are a lot of vendors there that have quick foods and fry less foods. In fact, check out their web site and look under the yellow pages. www.nightclub.com