Intro, feedback, log

[leroyjenkins]

Hello all,

I want to introduce myself, i've been lurking for a few months while I critique my business plans but figured I would go ahead and take the plunge and register so I can get some feedback from some established managers and owners. This site has such a wealth of information and i'm grateful that we have so much education "on tap," :p (pun intended).

Im 27 and have been patronizing bars all over the state of Texas. I've been in every style of bar, from can't afford to turn on the air condition kind of bars to can't afford the drinks kind of bars. Currently, I am putting together my start up plans for a small 2-3k sq ft neighborhood bar that I will be personally financing 100%. I also own my own contracting company which is established across 3 cities in TX and runs by itself for the most part, only intricate details need my attention through the business day. The bar is going to serve as a secondary income vehicle, I have more than enough resources from my primary income to float it for a substantial amount of time if things dont necessarily go as planned. I am also extremely liquid and can adjust for major purchases or "hiccups" :p (pun number 2) if need be.

With all that out of the way, I am doing my research as to where I start. Im almost certain of the name, going to register dba here within the next week so that I can get working on the license and legal docs. I plan to LLC the business so that I dont have any shortfalls leaving my assets from both sides (other side is already LLC'd) unprotected.

I have created a list of everything that I could possibly need from a 100% scratch build project. Im leaving plenty of capital aside for build out, structural mods to the property, upgrades etc etc. With my current list, I am looking at roughly 40k in capital to be applied to everything from tumblers to Golden Tee boxes and cable bills. Ive also set aside monies to cover roughly 4 mos in operating expenses for rent and utilities.

My idea for this bar is typical community watering hole with a different theme throughout the week to cater to several different clientele bases. Nothing too drastic, not like going from country to rap music being played, but something that could cater to all at any given time. Like most bars, this one will be somewhat anchored to sporting events and the like. I do intend to have karaoke on select nights, a wii available, and your typical pub games of the like as well.

The layout of the bar is going to be diverse enough to be able to efficiently change the particular theme without spending alot in resources. A costume night one night, perhaps a girls nite, promotions have always been my strong point. I am well networked and I feel that I won't have a problem getting people in the place, i'm more focused on content within the bar and making sure that it fits the target audience.

So far, I have not selected a particular location but I know what generalized area I want to put it in. I do plan on putting it in a strip center (I am aware of the restrictions within strip malls and zoning) that is openly viewable from the main road. There are no other established bars in a 2 mile radius and is in a densly populated area.

My questions are, after I get my legal docs prepared, and choose my location, what is my next step?

Does anyone have any idea how long a liquor license takes to be generated in the state of Texas? I figure, i'm looking at a start date of 10-1-9 so as of today, I have 5 months to select a location, execute my buildout and floorplan, get everything inspected and get the ok from the city and state, and them proceed to purchase all of my equipment. Does it seem that i'm leaving anything untouched? Anything that i'm missing?

I do intend to keep this post revolving so that I can log my experiences for future reference.

Thanks in advance guys! :)

[Michael Black]

What's the nearest big city? Houston, Dallas, Austin,? Mixpro has been working in Texas, Maybe he can chime in and help you out. What's the typical time for licenses in Texas William?

[Crazy Mike]

Mine took almost 5 months, BUT, I'm a PRIVATE CLUB. The App for an open saloon is 2 pages. My file was 3 inches! I still would plan on 2.5 months. Keep in mind that as of this year you are required to purchase a 2 YEAR lic. An original is 7K plus another 700 or so in "fees". You will also need several bonds that run 400 or so each.

Where are you located?

I think you can do this by 10/1.

Let me know if you have any questions but it sounds to me like you are already ahead of the game.

I basically did the same thing. I'm in the oil biz but thankfully I opened the bar for a second income since the oil field went busto!

EDIT: Actully I'm looking at my renual app and that 7K figure is wrong. Not sure what it will be for open saloon lic. Mix will know!

[nebtans]

If you know how to do it you can get a LL in a couple of days in TX!

For a new TX LL, you can count on a minimum of 30 days. We got ours in 2 days! Yes it is said that it cannot be done, but it can.

If you are not familiar with TX TABC, you may want to contact one of the licensing companies here in TX. Google TABC licensing and you can find them.

To get a LL you will need to have several things in order. You must have your lease, the city inspections, health dept and many other civil entities on your side. This is a VERY political thing in TX and you canot just simply hope it happens. The forms are long and detailed. Also anyone involved in the ownership of the license or establishment must be qualified. Financial Statements, Credit history and criminal background checks are required by TABC.

This is not a simple thing nor easy to do.

You may want to consider operating under the existing license if you are purchasing an existing business.

THERE IS A LOOPHOLE to get a license in 2 DAYS with little to no qualifying!

An existing TX LL can be MOVED one-time. All is required is a simple page document and a small fee.

Thus, you can purchase an existing business with a LL and MOVE that lic to a new location. You then simply file to change the ownership of the licensees holders over the next time frame.

If you want additional help with this loophole, send me an email or call me at 409-466-3962. I likely will not answer my phone so be sure to leave a message or send a text message.

There are several business in any given area that have existing LL's that one can purchase rather inexpensively.

I am not in the LL biz nor am I affiliated with any company. I am simply offering some free information. So this is not a sales gimmick.

[nebtans]

You can get a LL lic in TX in as little as 2 days through a "loophole" in the TABC codes.

This "loophole" is fully legal and simple to execute. I can prove it works as the club I was last with got their lic the next day! This is a full Mixed Beverage with late hours permit for a multi-million $ facility.

Otherwise it can take months and dozens of inspections, qualifications, and political meetings.

[Crazy Mike]

For a regular open saloon LL I would NOT hire an agent. It's not that hard. Yes there are some forms but not ANYTHING like a Private Club LL. I hired an agent and after it was all said and done I made a mistake. He did a fair job but there where still a lot of little things he missed causing delays. Once I talked to my local TABC office I learned if I would have just called THEM they could have pointed me to an attorney for half the price who new exactly what to do.