Is a theme required?

[rootsreality]

I am in the process of opening my bar. It is a moderate sized (2000 sq ft) in a small community. When I tell folks I am opening a bar the first question is always "What is the theme?"

What's up with that.....? I just want to have a fun comfortable place for folks to hang out. I haven't geared the decor to anything in particular although I did upgrade the furnishings and cozy up the place.

I don't want to be perceived as catering to a particular group. Is this a mistake?

[crizco]

You don't need what some would call a strict theme like you would find in some entertainment districts or las vegas. They might even be asking for generalities like is it a pub, sports bar, family restaurant, modern, sushi bar, etc. Start with the basics like how people see the place when they enter, and how it looks from the outside. Many successful bars around my area have all started the patio trend due to new smoking laws. The ones that succeed the best are the ones with nice patios in the front where people driving or walking can see people having a good time. People attract more people as long as they know they are there.

Sometimes going with something that appears too themed can hurt a bar. What area of the country are you in and what types of bars and clubs are in your area? What is lacking and are there enough people make money off of? This may sound really simple but just going bar hopping in your area and asking bartenders and patrons what they think the area needs will often lead to some good discoveries as well.

Another simple thing is that once you have fully come up with your direction in design and your plan for marketing, any time someone asks what you are doing you have a solid answer. Word of mouth gets around alot faster than one might think especially in a small town so it would definately help to have a solid confident and excited answer explaining what your bar is going to do.

Hope some of this helps,
Chris