Business At A Glance
Startup Costs: $100,000 +
Franchises Available? Yes
Online Operation? No
Business Overview
Studies have shown that although consumers are drinking less alcohol,their tastes are becoming more discriminating. As a result, microbrewsare becoming more and more popular. In a brew pub, you can brew yourown beer right on the premises. In a beer bar, you can offer a largeselection of different types of beer, including microbrews producedelsewhere.
It’s often easier to get a liquor license for a brewpub orbeer bar than a full-scale liquor license, since you don’t need a fullystocked liquor bar. Another benefit to owning a beer bar or brewpub ismen drink beer more often than any other alcoholic beverage, which cantranslate into a profitable business for you. Most brewpubs only selltheir own beer options on tap (draft beer), with a few selections ofbottled beer options, too. Since you are creating you own product inthe brewpub, you also have the ability to control what you make andsell–from quality to quantity. Beer bars tend to have lower startupcosts, which can often mean obtaining a less expensive, fixed-pricelicense from your state government. Keep in mind most states don’t putany limits on the number of beer and wine licenses they issue. However,most restrict liquor licenses based on the population of yourparticular county.
The Market
When creating your sports bar concept, keep in mind the people you’dlike as customers. Contact the local chamber of commerce or SBA to getinformation on age, gender, income level, marital status, and politicaland religious affiliations of your target market. Once you’veestablished your bar, how can you get the neighborhood to come?Generate word-of-mouth buzz through direct-mail campaigns, developing aWeb site or getting involved in community events and charity functions.
Needed Equipment
Once you have your location selected and have gotten the necessarylicenses, you will need to decide how to layout your bar and whatequipment you’ll need, including: glassware, compartment sinks, glassracks, taps and dispending systems for beer and soft drinks, cooler forbeer kegs, freezer, ice bins, ice machine, ice pick, ice scoops,dishwasher, storage cabinets and display shelves. You will also needkitchen equipment for the snacks and sandwiches you’re offering, andmachines for making coffee drinks. If you are running a brewpub, youwill need the necessary brewing equipment.