How to Run a Sports Bar
A sports bar is an establishment where sports enthusiasts can enjoy a meal and have a few drinks while watching "the big game" on a big-screen TV. Running a sports bar can be challenge but also a great opportunity for potential entrepreneurs. Here are some things that one must consider if the sports bar is to be profitable and successful.
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Instructions
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Choose a location. Your sports bar's location will be very important to how successful it will be but choosing a great location is in the eye of the beholder. By locating your sports bar in an already booming area, you might not have problems getting customers in the door but you might pay a lot more in rent. By locating the bar in a less-popular area, you will have to spend money on promotion and advertisement and you will have to wait longer to see a return on your investment.
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Obtain a liquor license. Every sports bar that serves liquor must obtain a license. This should be done as soon as possible as getting this license could take a year or more depending on the regulations in your area. The cost of a liquor license can be between a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. Different organizations regulate this process in different states, which is why the cost varies greatly. The size of your sports bar also contributes to how much it will cost for your license.
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Consider what type of atmosphere you want to convey. This refers to how your sports bar will be set up and decorated. Decide upon the lighting of the bar, the bar setup (location of tables, bar stools and the bar itself), the location of TVs throughout the bar and also the location of decorative items such as neon lights, advertisements and sports memorabilia.
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Decide on the menu. Most sports bars offer menu options such as appetizers, Buffalo wings, sandwiches, burgers and pizza.
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Hire employees that fit the image of your sports bar. As a result, try hiring bartenders that know a thing or two about sports. Also, servers should be personable, courteous and prompt.
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Keep an eye out for any upcoming sporting events and big games and have specials on food and drinks. For example, if the Super Bowl is coming up, host a Super Bowl-themed party. When the local team plays, offer specials for customers who support the team by wearing jerseys.
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Be ready to deal with customers who drink too much. If you determine a customer has had too much to drink, stop serving them immediately and offer coffee or food as an alternative. Call a cab or someone to drive them home. Under no circumstances should he or she be allowed to drive. Escort belligerent or angry customers outside and call the police.
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Tips & Warnings
Purchase a high definition sports package from a satellite provider that will broadcast more games in HD.
