New Bar and Grill

[baycrew]

A few friends and I are interested in opening up a Bar and Grill in a City with a population of about 80K. There currently is NO place in this city for 21 - 30 year old people to hang out. They do have a bar/nigh club that attracts a somewhat bad element due to the music they play, it's atmosphere, and location. So here are some initial questions I have:

The place is about 1700 Square Feet and is located in a very nice spot downtown. It has street visibility and storefront windows.

1. Should I make it a Bar AND Grill, or just bar?
2. How much do you think something like this would cost? I am guestimating 120K with everything.
3. What should I look out for?
4. Any suggestions?
5.Any website suggestions for Bar Builders in California?
Keep in mind that a few of us have worked in the restaraunt business for a few years and our "potential" head bartender has been doing it succesfully at Chile's for quite some time. I would like to have a couple of TV's satellite dishes and most of all - music that will attract a more positive crowd.

Any information will be helpful at this point. I've already contacted an architect, spoke with our City's business assistance people, spoek with the leasing company/landlord and found out the cost of a liquor license.

Thanks all of you for your time and advice.

Cheers.... literally.

[David]

You have all of the makings of a great 21-30 demo Bar & Grill.

I think that 1700 sf will be OK. There won't be much room for a bar and seating once you put in your kitchen.

There is a small establishment similar to what you are wanting to do just a block from our club. They do really well in the 4p to 10p time slot. They appeal to a variety of people. The age demo is usually 21 to 60. The building is surrounded by glass on two sides. The interior bar is oblong and built out of concrete. The reason for this type of bar design is so that you can see everyone in the business. They have additional seating for ~50 people around the interior perimeter. They have a small grill in plain view at the back of the building. They do an excellent business on Wednesday's, Friday's and Saturday's. Their average customer expenditure is ~ $30. Thirty is high, but that's what they are telling me they do. The elder demo will usually eat and drink here. Their average ticket is about $75. While the younger demo is ~ $20.

I don't have a number for costs. They can vary too much from location to location and from interior decor to style of the bar.

As for builders, ask the locals and the bar owners. Most of them will use the same people. For new ideas, try someone that builds houses and commercial buildings.

[Tom]

:) Yes there is a website for bar builders in California.
www.whbars.com
I am interested in your project. Can you tell me more. Where? Time line? Vision for the interior?

Best Regards,

Tom Hinz
tomh@whbars.com
800-831-8282