How to Find Investors for a Theme Bar

Theme bars have been extremely popular over the last few years and the trend does not seem to be slowing. Theme bars are not only popular with the public; they are also popular with investors because there is a greater chance of expansion and franchising. Use these steps to learn more about theme bars and how to find an investor for yours.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Clarify your idea. It is important to know what you want in your theme bar before approaching any investors or even builders. You need to write out the complete plan, menu, decor, staff and all the other details you can think of.
2. Put together a great business plan. Having a business plan is a requirement and when approaching investors will be absolutely necessary. This will also be used to get your business licenses, building permits, plans with contractors, and projecting your future progress. There are many business plan software applications that make the job easier and have templates for most any kind of business you can imagine. One great one is available at the Business Plans website. They offer advice, great articles and software.
3. Have a strong presentation ready to go at a moment's notice. It is vital to always be ready for anything, as you never know where you are going to meet that next great investor. If you carry a laptop, have a Power Point presentation ready to go at all times that includes how the design of the bar looks. You want to take the investor "inside" the bar with you to really make an impression. Have two versions: a longer detailed presentation and a short "elevator" presentation.
4. Network. Talk to people in the hospitality industry and find out who the investors are. Find out who is interested in theme bars and specifically themes like the one you have chosen. Get as much information as possible about a few key people and then research them as much as possible.
5. Contact the key players you have researched. Knowing about them will give you the advantage of tailoring your presentation to their personality and making sure you don't waste either one of your time. Give a great presentation and be ready to answer tough questions.