Advice re opening a bar in Florida

[Safari]

I'm thinking about emigrating to the US from South Africa and opening a bar (probably in Florida coz my brother lives there). I owned a bar/restaurant a few years ago and would really like to get back into the business.

I have no idea what's involved in opening a bar in the US and was hoping someone with first-hand experience could offer some advice.

I'm particularly interested in advice on whether it's better to buy an existing business or to start from scratch. Also, how difficult is it to obtain liquor licences over there and how strict are your laws regarding smoking in bars?

Any other advice would be greatly appreciated.

[teenclub]

look around at previous threads on what to do to open a bar

as far as specifics..which state you move to will vary...and some counties will have various laws also

settle on a city your going to move to and we can help you a little better..quite a few people from the state of florida frequent this forum.

there are pros and cons to both starting from scratch and buying an existing club....depends a lot on your goals, your financing, your experience and the location.

[ministry]

ya, what he said !

[Safari]

Okay thanks Teenclub. Will take a look around again and see if I can find the info I need.

[tonyvictors]

Jambo Safari:

Let me know what area in FL.

[Safari]

My brother lives in Boynton Beach, so it might be somewhere around there.

[Oxrock]

Tampa Turnkey Bar - Night Club w / Land and License
Location: Florida > Tampa
Industry: Food and Beverage > Bars and Taverns
Financials
Asking Price: $1,175,000
Gross Revenue: $270,000
Gross Revenue Comments: increasing
Cash Flow Comments: increasing
Inventory: $15,000 (Included in Asking Price)
FF&E: $15,000 (Included in Asking Price)
Real Estate: $825,000 (Included in Asking Price)
Seller Financing: Ask if any is needed. Will Consider.
Business Summary
Turnkey Nightclub / Bar Business, 4COP Liquor License, Land with wet zoning, and Building with everything you need to walk into a going concern. This free standing Nightclub/ bar in North Tampa has a long history and growing clientele with good employees and operating procedures. It is close to other nationwide, high traffic box businesses on a major thoroughfare. It has Great Parking. Sale includes land, a one story building with approximately 5,000 SF indoor/outdoor bar area, 2 additional buildings at 3,000+ SF total, bar business with full license, all equipment and general and liquor inventory. Bar recently renovated. Approximately $270,000 a year in gross income and growing. Plus Room for Expansion of Bar and Business. Confidentiality Agreement must be signed by Real Estate Agent and potential buyer before any information is disclosed to protect business for current and future owners. There is not much turnover in bars in Tampa, especially ones that include the land. Protect your business by owning your land!
About the Business
Year Established: 1996
Facilities: over half an acre, L shaped corner parcel with footage on 3 roads. 3 buildings. Including an indoor / outdoor Bar, and 2 rental buildings. All buildings Block. Good Parking. All buildings in good condition. Bar just renovated.
Market Outlook and Competition: Good outlook. Turnkey Bar with land means you can't be kicked out and won't have your lease raised. 4 COP Liquor License is the best you can get. North Tampa location is hot, with a busy street, large box stores close by.
About the Sale
Management Training and Support: We will work with you as needed
Reason For Selling: personal.

[Oxrock]

Located here: Tampa Turnkey Bar - Night Club w / Land and License (http://florida.bizquest.com/841165.html?z=1&x=11&p=50&l=S11&tp=96&tl=4755&ln=41)

Florida liquor licenses are sold on a quota bases accoring to each counties population. Once sold they are subject to whatever the market will bear. My 4COP in Escambia County (northwest fl) cost $80k back in 2004. I could probably sell for $100k now since Escambia County's population has not increase, therfore no more license have become available in the past 7 or 8 years.

That said, the cost of the license in the above example looks to be around $320,000?

Someone down that way will let me know if I'm wrong.

[jtarn]

in saint lucie county a 4cop asking price is around 245-255k..i got lucky and got a grandfathered dual 4cop (i can sell packages)..good luck in your search

[Oxrock]

in saint lucie county a 4cop asking price is around 245-255k..i got lucky and got a grandfathered dual 4cop (i can sell packages)..good luck in your search
Yeh, mine's a dual 4COP (on premise and off) + Tobacco

[teenclub]

Located here: Tampa Turnkey Bar - Night Club w / Land and License (http://florida.bizquest.com/841165.html?z=1&x=11&p=50&l=S11&tp=96&tl=4755&ln=41)

Florida liquor licenses are sold on a quota bases accoring to each counties population. Once sold they are subject to whatever the market will bear. My 4COP in Escambia County (northwest fl) cost $80k back in 2004. I could probably sell for $100k now since Escambia County's population has not increase, therfore no more license have become available in the past 7 or 8 years.

That said, the cost of the license in the above example looks to be around $320,000?

Someone down that way will let me know if I'm wrong.

tampa bays area is still increasing, both hillsborough and pinellas county had quota lotteries held. Will be more again...i think they are always won by brokers though...lol

pinellas county licenses go for 200k+, hills licenses go for 100k+ (tampa is hillsborough county..."tampa bay area" is both counties and sometimes up to 4 others added)

if you tell me the name of the club, i can get you details about its history

as far as turnover..tampa bay has high turnover for CLUB ownership...however land is usually held by same people...so its tricky sometimes knowing who the "real owner is"

somehow most of the owners have licenses, and sell the club and license (holding paper...and end up taking it back) over and over again

greater tampa bay has a pop of 3 million

lots of competition...

if your a niche type person, i know two very underserved niches in tampa bay...anyone who deals with either one can corner the market.

anyone serious about tampa bay can meet me to discuss 727-417-6838