Any madjackers bar/tavern owners? I'm seriously considering opening my own sportsbar and needed some direction. Equipment, Licensing, financial plans, etc....anything would be appreciated!
Advice on SportsBar startup?
- Thread starter Got5onIt
- Start date
do you like work?
do you like work?
Owning a bar is hard work...there is employee theft, competition & most importantly longgggg hrsssss. Most restaurant/bars require a manager or owner to be their from lets say 12 (noon) to closing time if you do not want to get robbed blind by employees. Usually closing time is at least 1am or 2am depending where you live and then the bartenders need to restock and get ready for the next day...and you get home by 3am if your lucky. Try explaining to your wife or girlfriend that you can't go out on weekends because "we are going to be busy" or there is a big game on or some other reason for people to party. It is a very taxing job and people think you are rich because you are busy and the place is full. They don't realize that your bartender just gave his friends a round on "him" or the cook didn't show up, so now your stuck in the kitchen. If you are running a top notch business, you are lucky to bring home 15-20 cents on the dollar that you bring in after bills, payroll & inventory. Trust me, I think there are 1 in every 5 restaurants that open each yr, close within 2yrs of opening.
If you want to talk more about running a biz, let me know. we can talk over the phone. There is too much to write about it. Just ask "Dirty Birds" he works for me.
do you like work?
Owning a bar is hard work...there is employee theft, competition & most importantly longgggg hrsssss. Most restaurant/bars require a manager or owner to be their from lets say 12 (noon) to closing time if you do not want to get robbed blind by employees. Usually closing time is at least 1am or 2am depending where you live and then the bartenders need to restock and get ready for the next day...and you get home by 3am if your lucky. Try explaining to your wife or girlfriend that you can't go out on weekends because "we are going to be busy" or there is a big game on or some other reason for people to party. It is a very taxing job and people think you are rich because you are busy and the place is full. They don't realize that your bartender just gave his friends a round on "him" or the cook didn't show up, so now your stuck in the kitchen. If you are running a top notch business, you are lucky to bring home 15-20 cents on the dollar that you bring in after bills, payroll & inventory. Trust me, I think there are 1 in every 5 restaurants that open each yr, close within 2yrs of opening.
If you want to talk more about running a biz, let me know. we can talk over the phone. There is too much to write about it. Just ask "Dirty Birds" he works for me.
I think Gmarco makes many good points, on the surface owning a sports bar sounds like a great idea since you get to watch sports and make cash at the same time, but the hours are a killer. Just wondering if anyone else here at MJ's owns their own business or has any ideas of a good start up business.
- Feb 12, 2000
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Running your own business is tough. If I were to start my own again today, I would probably go the franchise route and start one of four operations:
1. California Burrito-type restaurant -- these things are hot right now. I would recommend doing a Moe's or Willy's. Stay away from the likes of Chipotle and Qdoba (probably the ones you have heard of). The quality is much lower. you could probably build this business up and sell it for profit if you're research is done properly.
2. Waffle House -- I inquired about franchising Waffle Houses several years ago, but could not get the capital to start ($1M liquid). I still would like to do this later in life when I can finance it myself.
3. Krispy Kreme -- It's amazing how well these stores do and how quickly your startup capital is recouped during this health revolution.
4. Mellow Mushroom Pizza -- If this is not in your area, you would certainly be successful.
Like Gmarco said--unless you want to make it your life, don't even consider doing anything like this.
1. California Burrito-type restaurant -- these things are hot right now. I would recommend doing a Moe's or Willy's. Stay away from the likes of Chipotle and Qdoba (probably the ones you have heard of). The quality is much lower. you could probably build this business up and sell it for profit if you're research is done properly.
2. Waffle House -- I inquired about franchising Waffle Houses several years ago, but could not get the capital to start ($1M liquid). I still would like to do this later in life when I can finance it myself.
3. Krispy Kreme -- It's amazing how well these stores do and how quickly your startup capital is recouped during this health revolution.
4. Mellow Mushroom Pizza -- If this is not in your area, you would certainly be successful.
Like Gmarco said--unless you want to make it your life, don't even consider doing anything like this.
I know a number of bar owners myself. More than once, they have sat next to me throwing back booze and telling me how hard it is to run the biz. One guy I know told me the best move is to open a "shot and a beer" type joint. He has owned larger restaurant style places and neighborhood joints. As the others have posted, the bigger the place, the more help, the more problems, and net income is a question. Not only are you responsible for your patrons, but the actions of anyone working for you. To add possible income, keep in mind possible catering tie-in. You could run your bar/restaurant and have a catering aspect to add to your drawer. I know another friend that has a business that involves this.
I personally would have to think long about ever going a franchise route. There are many positives, but also many negatives. If you have a good month, they get their cut (and possibly more). If you have a bad month, they get their cut. Also, unless you have some sort of territorial exclusivity in your contract, if you do well with a franchise, there is always the chance they will open another shop near your strong location. Also, they probably have some sort of option to buy you out when they want. This could happen if you suck as an owner, or it could happen if you have created a thriving business. I've seen these things happen many times as well.
GL
Nice to see a post from someone with some drive, willing to take a risk to improve their life.
Maybe Nick Douglas could learn a thing or two from this thread
I personally would have to think long about ever going a franchise route. There are many positives, but also many negatives. If you have a good month, they get their cut (and possibly more). If you have a bad month, they get their cut. Also, unless you have some sort of territorial exclusivity in your contract, if you do well with a franchise, there is always the chance they will open another shop near your strong location. Also, they probably have some sort of option to buy you out when they want. This could happen if you suck as an owner, or it could happen if you have created a thriving business. I've seen these things happen many times as well.
GL
Nice to see a post from someone with some drive, willing to take a risk to improve their life.
Maybe Nick Douglas could learn a thing or two from this thread
Were sort of slow here in Ohio, hell we just started getting IHOP"s this year but no Waffle Houses yet, but what the hell is MellowMushroom Pizza?
- Feb 12, 2000
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MC--if you are ever down in Lexington, KY for a game a friend of mine owns a Mellow Mushroom pizza right behind Two Keys. You can ask anyone in Lexington how to get to Two Keys.
Best pizza you'll find anywhere. And you don't have to go to NY or Chicago!
Best pizza you'll find anywhere. And you don't have to go to NY or Chicago!
I would stand clear of the bar business. It seems like a tready choice with the allure of the chicks etc, but it's nothing but a headache. High insurance, spoilage w/the food, theft etc.
Subway seems like the way to go!! I looked into it in ma and still may purue it. Need about 180 to 250K for in total to get it off the ground, downside no terrioty protection and that sucks!!! Alot of franchises give you a certain radious that another franchisee can build or at the very least, give you first crack at it.
Forget about Krispie Kreme, the whole US is already taken I loved to get a Dunkin Donut franchise, but up here you can't touch them and most franchisees owned several amd 1 guy owns 9
Dawgball- you might want to check DD out, it's easier down your way to acquire a franchise. I'm going to check out that pizza franchise, maybe I can get a special deal if I start them up here:shrug:
The land of opportunity
Subway seems like the way to go!! I looked into it in ma and still may purue it. Need about 180 to 250K for in total to get it off the ground, downside no terrioty protection and that sucks!!! Alot of franchises give you a certain radious that another franchisee can build or at the very least, give you first crack at it.
Forget about Krispie Kreme, the whole US is already taken
I loved to get a Dunkin Donut franchise, but up here you can't touch them and most franchisees owned several amd 1 guy owns 9 Dawgball- you might want to check DD out, it's easier down your way to acquire a franchise. I'm going to check out that pizza franchise, maybe I can get a special deal if I start them up here:shrug:
The land of opportunity
I would recommend selling beer and wings.
Ed
and I would recommend sponsoring a womans softball team.
T
Ed
and I would recommend sponsoring a womans softball team.
T
Thanks guys for the advice. I'm definitely going to reconsider. Waffle House requires $1mil Liquid capital??!!!!! WOW!
I was thinking of a Donut Shop or maybe a Cleaners. I know of a Quiznos for sale as well.
I'm just ready to jump into my own thing and be my own boss. I have a good paying job in corporate America but just so tired of all the office politics.........
I was thinking of a Donut Shop or maybe a Cleaners. I know of a Quiznos for sale as well.
I'm just ready to jump into my own thing and be my own boss. I have a good paying job in corporate America but just so tired of all the office politics.........
I've had a few businesses in my time, hair salon, taxi, ice cream, apartmentents ect..... best thing to do is get them up and running then sell the thing while its hot (except for the ice cream )
I always wanted to try and open a strip joint, but too many ugly women in Maine ya know (interview process would be a hoot though) for some reason the wife hasnt been sold on this one................go figure!
Real Esate Developement is usually a safe choice if the maket is right in your area (banks love financing, and reselling the mortgages).
GL,
Sports
)I always wanted to try and open a strip joint, but too many ugly women in Maine ya know (interview process would be a hoot though) for some reason the wife hasnt been sold on this one................go figure!
Real Esate Developement is usually a safe choice if the maket is right in your area (banks love financing, and reselling the mortgages).
GL,
Sports
still don't know why our Krispy Kreme didn't make it. Sure was a shocker when it closed. Never heard of Mello Mushroom, but it sure sounds good. Quiznos was mentioned, and they are good, but way more expensive than a Subway.
Got5onit, I've never owned my own business and don't think I have the drive or desire to do so. Seems like you know it will be hard so I wish the best. Maybe you can find a rich backer to lighten some of the startup burden.
Got5onit, I've never owned my own business and don't think I have the drive or desire to do so. Seems like you know it will be hard so I wish the best. Maybe you can find a rich backer to lighten some of the startup burden.
Sixfive was it location. We just got one few months back. Bang for a start but now dragging. It's in a mall area but way up at on end. And the traffic there has always been slower. For me they tast good but I wont drive 4 miles to get them. I go by two other good bakeries. There more then good enouh to stop at. So location can be a killer.
Same with Sports Bar. In a college town and close to camus. Is one thing. Or samller town and it's the only game in town. Both help.
Same with Sports Bar. In a college town and close to camus. Is one thing. Or samller town and it's the only game in town. Both help.
i don't know much about a sports/ bar business, but did check out a few franchises when i first moved to the phoenix area.
i'm not a fan of franchises. i don't like to pay kickbacks to the franchise for using their name.
the old creed of, "location, location, location" is more important, imo than a famous name. if somebody wants to get into the pancake house business & is in the right location, then they won't need a "famous" name to draw the customers in.
got5onit,
good luck with whatever you decide.
i'm not a fan of franchises. i don't like to pay kickbacks to the franchise for using their name.
the old creed of, "location, location, location" is more important, imo than a famous name. if somebody wants to get into the pancake house business & is in the right location, then they won't need a "famous" name to draw the customers in.
got5onit,
good luck with whatever you decide.
Good luck with whatever you try.
To you and the other guys chiming in, I commend you -big time-. I don't have the cajones or wherewithal to try to start my own business (though I'd love too).
[Along the lines of a restaurant, bakery, etc. - something the family has some talent in]
... but no way. Not enough motivation (oh yeah, finances is another thing). But a big "I'm not worthy" to you guys.
I love the enterpreneuraial spirit, I just wish I had some.
To you and the other guys chiming in, I commend you -big time-. I don't have the cajones or wherewithal to try to start my own business (though I'd love too).
[Along the lines of a restaurant, bakery, etc. - something the family has some talent in]
... but no way. Not enough motivation (oh yeah, finances is another thing). But a big "I'm not worthy" to you guys.
I love the enterpreneuraial spirit, I just wish I had some.
