How to Open a Sports Bar

To open a sports bar, you need to create a detailed business plan and have the funds to execute your plan. Every facet of a sports bar venture, from leasing a property to securing a liquor license, must be considered when you seek to open a sports bar.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

1. Create a business plan before you open a sports bar. Your business plan should provide an overview of your business goals, details about the property, equipment and the hiring of employees.

2. Plan your budget. Factor in a monthly lease (which varies in price depending on location and the size of the property) and the cost of equipment and accessories (kegs of beer, taps, bar stools, glasses and food supplies). Also consider liquor license fees (which range from $100 to $10,000 depending on the types of liquor served) and salaries for employees.

3. Apply for a liquor license. Contact your state's government office that controls liquor to find out the regulations and fees associated with a liquor license for a sports bar. Be prepared to inform the agency of the type of liquor you wish to serve, the kind of establishment you own and when you want to serve the alcohol.

4. Find a property for your sports bar. The property should offer good traffic and be easily accessible. Choose an area of a city where you can attract the most customers (close to a sports venue, movie house or busy urban area).

5. Purchase the necessities for a sports bar. You need a bar and plenty of bar stools, booths, tables and chair plus glassware, plates and utensils. If you plan to sell food, you need to contact vendors and food distributors and negotiate a contract. Form a relationship with a beer distributor and schedule beer drop off times. Plenty of state-of-the-art televisions and a satellite are necessary to open a successful sports bar. You need to supply the most sports coverage to cater to the public.

6. Hire experienced employees. Good bartenders are key to successful business when you open a sports bar. Customers who are satisfied with the way a bartender makes drinks to order and quick, friendly service can make a customer return to the sports bar. Servers and cooks should be experienced and personable.

7. Advertise when you prepare to open your sports bar. Use local newspapers or specialty publications to market your sports bar. Tout the offerings of your sports bar and anything unique your sports bar offers the community.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure the area where you plan to open your sports bar is not a "dry" area. Some towns ban the sale of alcohol.