Recommened books/resources to help start?

[Jhart2838]

Hey Guys,

I am new here. My name is Joel. I am a senior over at Umass Amherst. I am getting my Degree in Hospitality Tourism and Management within the next year. I was the type of man who could never decide what I wanted to do with my life. I finally decided I was not the type of person to sit 9-5 at a desk everyday, even if it meant 10 more thousand dollars a year. So I decided to get into the Hospitality Venue.

Anyway, I was wondering if any of you guys and gals had suggestions for well written books, or any excellent resources that would help me become familiar with what it takes to be succesful in this industry. I understand everyone wants to "Own a bar" because they think it would be awesome. I am very aware of the constant headaches and dedication into the late hours of the night, but since I can never get myself to go to sleep before 2:00 am anyway, I figure thats a good start, haha! Not to mention I am looking to buy property with my father in a couple of years. So I wanted to start doing my homework NOW!

I am currently a barback, busser, bartender down in New Haven that is just doing its grand opening so I was lucky to get in the place before it opened to see what it takes. Experence is the #1 resource no doubt, but my question is, what other resources can I use to help myself grasp the hospitality venue to the best of my ability.

Thanks Guys!!

[teenclub]

MUST READS for any business owner

The "E" Myth
By Michael Gerber

Guerrilla Marketing Handbook
Jay Conrad Levinson

[ministry]

let me know when your back and we can sit down.

[Jhart2838]

let me know when your back and we can sit down.

Im back..if you were referring to me. Ive been looking on Amazon.com..im really looking for something specifically about a c0cktail lounge if anyone has read a good one. I like the concept of a wine, c0cktail and small plate lounge. Ive been putting together a nice drink menu and a few ideas for food just because I want to.

[bargirl23]

my favorites are the upstart guide to bars and taverns, running a restaurant for dummies, and the 12 month start-up guide to restaurants. i have opened a couple bars, restaurants, etc, and i always turn back to these just to make sure i haven't forgotten anything. good luck.

[excellentbars]

Hey Jhart2838

I have a book I just wrote and would like to send you a frre e-book copy if you are interested?


Chris

www.excellentbars.com

[rootsreality]

These are the books I referred to most often:

Pouring for Profit - A Guide to Bar and Beverage Management
by Costas Katsigris and Mary Porter

Running a Bar for Dummies
by Ray Foley and Heather Dismore

How to Setup and Operate A Successful Nightclub
by Robert Smith

Preventing Internal Theft - A Bar Owners Guide
by Robert Plotkin

[Oxrock]

And when you tire of those, don't forget to read this thread: Buying a bar By Alan...Just...Alan (http://www.nightclub-business.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1180)

[rootsreality]

I agree on that.....when I first saw Alan's postings on the adventure of a novice opening a bar I had to go back to the start and read every single entry. And I have reread a few of them as I have hit the same issues in my own adventures. I even went to visit Alan in person. He's a great guy and has been very helpful in answering my questions and let me in on some of the trials and tribulations. His 'journal' is a great resource.

My sage advice right now involves health and building departments more than the ins and outs of the bar business. If you decide to open a place on your own, first figure out where you will locate, then contact the local authorities (city, county, state) to be sure you understand everything needed to satisfy them. Each jurisdiction is different and sometimes their instructions conflict. I am spending thousands more than budgeted and having to redo some items I thought were complete, all because I didn't know the full requirements at the start. I'll have a better place when its all done, but the process has been painful.