I'm curious

[NewBar]

Wondering how many bar owners have opened a bar that wasn't a bar prior

[Daryl]

I am in the (long) process of opening a bar in a location that was not previously a bar. It has been a year this past week since I got my license. And I have had my building permit since July.

The building had no plumbing at all, complete rewire, new kitchen, etc.

When I do it again (if), I will try for a location that was already been used.

I am within a few weeks from getting finished up.

[ministry]

i've done 3. what's up ?

[Rainee]

I just did one. Used to be a mortgage broker.

[ministry]

and looking at a 4th this week.

[NewBar]

i've done 3. what's up ?

I'm hearing from other seasoned bar owners that buying a turn key operation would have been even better as opposed to creating a bar in a place that has never been a bar prior (as I've done). I've got lots of bar owners coming in to my place.

[Rainee]

I'm hearing from other seasoned bar owners that buying a turn key operation would have been even better as opposed to creating a bar in a place that has never been a bar prior (as I've done). I've got lots of bar owners coming in to my place.

It depends . . . buying a "turn key" operation means someone else has already done the work of renovating and building out the space to be a bar, and depending on your locality it may also mean you can transfer the existing liquor license instead of having to apply for a new one. That can save you a lot of time and headache.

On the other hand, anyone selling such an operation will probably know the value of the work they have put in, and will charge you accordingly, so it can require more money upfront.

When you build your own place, you get to build it to your specifications so it is exactly how you want. You also don't inherit the previous owner's staff, customers, or reputation. That can be good or bad.

[seandell]

If you are new to the business I would suggest buying a bar over building one. You will learn a lot without having all the build out costs. It is not for everyone and it's a good way to see if you can make it.

[walawdog]

I turned an old school into a bar. Check it out:

www.theramseyschool.com

[NewBar]

I turned an old school into a bar. Check it out:

www.theramseyschool.com

You did a great job! I'm tempted to post my photos too but given some telling/specific posts I will remain anonymous.

[ministry]

i prefer to build it out. for me it's cheaper than buying someone else's problems. i can put stuff where i want it and know that it would fall off in 6 months. yes some stuff is a pain in the arzzz but i enjoy using a nail gun !

[casabar]

Do you own the property or renting? 1000 question arise.

What is budget and what are your financial expectations? Is this a marathon or sprint business? 1001 questions arise.

How much to make the building operational ( being very simple and this is not so simple or cheap )and how much to achieve your vision? Again remember to keep in mind having 6 - 8 months minimum operating cost stashed away. 1002 questions arise.

What is your background? OK OK you have great " Idears", but do you ( not your friend or a family member who will most likely call out Uncle and bail ) have hands on experience doing a build-out from ground up? Again a 1003 questions arise.

My advice though it would be ideal IMO to take something that was nothing and create something spectacular. That is not realistic for a small operation and only for guys with last names that start with INC. or III. Meaning deep pockets and not a care in the world.. Bars are more complicated than night clubs and cost less in big cash, but more in sacrifice, time and life. Nightclubs are not called "Rich mans toys ( or sons/daughters of rich kids )" for nothing.

I say unless it is a Turn-key or where I am at a Ready bar ( meaning it was a bar w/ all the bells and whistles needed to move the train once you climb on board ) then forget it.

If you can buy the property and then get it coded for a commercial bar then you have options. The landlord wins in the end.

Good luck!

FYI - Response to one poster

Previous staff means nothing unless they are in the rental lease i guess. Start fresh always!
Location is everything as they say. Past history of the business this all depends on what that is. If it was a Speakeasy that is cool yet if it was Jeffrey Dalmers favorite pub and he still holds high score on the antiquated Space Invaders video machines then that might not be so good. Again look at the advantages as well as the disadvantages. In the end they are dollar signs and not astrological ones.

Ideally owning the property or at least having some incredible lease agreement as in paying next to nothing then I would consider it.

[NewBar]

Do you own the property or renting? 1000 question arise.

What is budget and what are your financial expectations? Is this a marathon or sprint business? 1001 questions arise.

How much to make the building operational ( being very simple and this is not so simple or cheap )and how much to achieve your vision? Again remember to keep in mind having 6 - 8 months minimum operating cost stashed away. 1002 questions arise.

What is your background? OK OK you have great " Idears", but do you ( not your friend or a family member who will most likely call out Uncle and bail ) have hands on experience doing a build-out from ground up? Again a 1003 questions arise.

My advice though it would be ideal IMO to take something that was nothing and create something spectacular. That is not realistic for a small operation and only for guys with last names that start with INC. or III. Meaning deep pockets and not a care in the world.. Bars are more complicated than night clubs and cost less in big cash, but more in sacrifice, time and life. Nightclubs are not called "Rich mans toys ( or sons/daughters of rich kids )" for nothing.

I say unless it is a Turn-key or where I am at a Ready bar ( meaning it was a bar w/ all the bells and whistles needed to move the train once you climb on board ) then forget it.

If you can buy the property and then get it coded for a commercial bar then you have options. The landlord wins in the end.

Good luck!

FYI - Response to one poster

Previous staff means nothing unless they are in the rental lease i guess. Start fresh always!
Location is everything as they say. Past history of the business this all depends on what that is. If it was a Speakeasy that is cool yet if it was Jeffrey Dalmers favorite pub and he still holds high score on the antiquated Space Invaders video machines then that might not be so good. Again look at the advantages as well as the disadvantages. In the end they are dollar signs and not astrological ones.

Ideally owning the property or at least having some incredible lease agreement as in paying next to nothing then I would consider it.

I already did it. But it's an interesting conversation (started by another bar owner in my bar). I've been a small biz owner for over ten years (but no bar biz experience in any capacity). I planned for a marathon as opposed to a sprint. I bought the property, revitalized the property and went through the zoning process locking up stand alone bar status for 750' in all directions. I bought the 4COP liquor license (no restrictions). I did create something out of the ordinary (can't be specific cause then I'd identify myself). All told, $1 mil total. I'm curious and surprised that you think bars are more complicated than nightclubs. Why?

I've got 'rich guys' & 'big boys' (-read betwn the lines) nosing around.