How to Open a Night Club in Chicago
The 1940s supper club scene was glamorous and romantic---a far cry from the light-infused floors and mirrored balls distinguishing disco clubs of the 1970s. These days, clubs attract a contemporary crowd---folks who want to meet, greet, see and be seen. You'd be hard-pressed to pick a city as receptive to a new nightclub as Chicago, a town with lots of rules and regulations associated with businesses requiring liquor licenses.
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Instructions
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Study popular Chicago nightclubs to assess your competition. Chicago is a city of neighborhoods and you'll find large concentrations of nightclubs in some and just a smattering in others. Both have benefits. Decide whether it makes more sense to opt for a neighborhood that's already home to competitors---which means instant access to patrons---or pick an area in which you'll literally be the only show in town, just as long as it's zoned for a nightclub.
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Borrow money. Whether you'll assume a venue that's already set up for a nightclub or you'll start from scratch in an empty space, you'll need a dynamic business plan to sell your idea and a decent personal financial history. A great business plan explains your concept and theme to Chicago lenders and includes a competitive analysis and innovative marketing plans. Prove your nightclub can show a profit fast and you'll speak the language bankers want to hear.
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Design the interior of your nightclub and set up accounts with food and beverage purveyors. Chicago is home to creative restaurant interior designers and it won't be hard to find one if you ask club owners for recommendations. You should also have an easy time finding suppliers in Chicago as well---whether all you need are relationships with liquor and food distributors or your nightclub requires commercial furnishings, too.
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Contact the State of Illinois Licensing Commission and the City of Chicago to obtain liquor and food licenses. Illinois processes about 2,000 new liquor license applications and renewals every month, so be patient. You can download an application from the Liquor Commission's website and then check with the City of Chicago. Be forewarned: if you've had run-ins with the law, there's a good chance you'll be turned down by the LCC.
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Undertake cosmetic changes. Even if you're occupying former nightclub space, some of the following are likely to appear on your "to-do" list: lighting upgrades, plumbing improvements, soundproofing, food menu, décor, refinished flooring, kitchen upgrades, commercial appliance purchases or the acquisition of refrigeration equipment. You'll need a terrific DJ and a top-of-the-line sound system. Chicago is a heavy union town, so contractors will be top-dollar, but considered high quality as well.
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Market, advertise and otherwise make your soon-to-open Chicago nightclub the talk of Chi-town. While finishing touches are being put into place, conceive a variety of promotional plans. Invite a Chicago radio show host to broadcast from your club on opening night, print flyers with free drink coupons, hire a celeb to show up and "borrow" other ideas from fellow Chicago club owners. It's your call whether you need a rope line and bouncer to put the icing on the cake.
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Tips & Warnings
The closer you get to Chicago's Loop, the higher the rent. Keep this in mind when you choose a venue for your club.
References
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