How to Start a Sports Bar

Starting a sports bar can be lucrative and fun, for the right person.

The alcohol business is generally regarded as an excellent business opportunity. It is often said that when times are bad, alcohol sales are up, and when times are good, alcohol sales are up. "Successful new bars can be in the black within the first six months, and they can go on to recover their initial investment within three to five years," says Entrepreneur magazine. If you have a passion for sports, starting a sports bar may be a worthwhile opportunity for you.

Things You'll Need

• Commercial property
• Liquor license
• Restaurant and bar supplies
• Entertainment equipment

Instructions

1. Find an appropriate location for your sports bar. While it is important for the location to be convenient, you must also be mindful of local regulations. Some areas have strict guidelines for bar locations, particularly when in the vicinity of a school or church. Properties inside city limits may also be more heavily regulated when it comes to operating hours. The size of the property will dictate the number of customers you are able to serve. Be mindful of fire codes and maximum occupancy; have a property you are looking at inspected to determine its maximum occupancy and any safety modifications that must be made before purchasing or leasing.

2. Apply for your license to serve alcohol. Regulations vary from state to state, but usually there are several licenses available, depending on the type of alcohol you plan to serve. Selling or serving alcohol in an establishment without a license is a serious crime.

3. Set up the basics of your sports bar. You will need a bar counter, stools, tables, chairs, and equipment for storing and serving alcohol. Offer a small selection of food items, such as appetizers and snacks, to set yourself apart. If you plan on offering food, you will need cooking appliances and a dishwasher.

4. Set up the "sports" part of your bar. The highest-quality televisions and sports programming are recommended for successful sports bars. Plan on having enough television screens to accommodate a wide variety of sports fans. Programming options such as Direct TV's NFL Sunday Ticket are recommended; having this service will help you attract fans of a particular football team whose game doesn't broadcast on local TV. Similar programming options are available for the NCAA, NBA and the MLB. Consider adding a few sports-related video games and decorate your sports bar with memorabilia; try to stick with local favorites with choosing memorabilia.

5. Consider hiring employees, unless you plan on working in the bar from open to close. You can always add employees later as your business grows. Advertise your grand opening with a special promotion and open for business.

Tips & Warnings

• Offer wireless headphones for each game you are showing to separate yourself from the competition. Many sports bars turn the sound down and display closed captioning to avoid audio from multiple games mixing together in a room.

• Specific regulations vary with each area. Check all local guidelines and requirements for bars before you start your business.

References

• How to Start a Bar/Club
• Example of Liquor License Requirements