Running a Bar For Dummies

by Ray Foley

Have you ever thought of owning your own bar? Did you ever stumble into an overpriced watering hole and think how much better it could be if you ran the place? Or maybe you walked into your dream bar and realized that running one was the dream job you’ve always wanted?

With Running a Bar for Dummies, you can live your dream of operating your own establishment. This hands-on guide shows you how to maintain a successful bar, manage the business aspect of it, and stake your place in your town’s nightlife. It provides informative tips on:

Understanding the business and laws of owning a bar Developing a business plan Creating a menu, choosing décor, and establishing a theme Stocking up on equipment Choosing and dealing with employees Handling tough customers Controlling expenses, managing inventory, and controlling cash flow Getting the word out about your place Preparing for your grand opening, step-by-step

This guide cues you in on how to keep your bar safe and clean, making sure everyone is having fun. It warns you about the pitfalls and no-nos that every owner should avoid. There are also helpful resources, such as contact information for State Alcohol Control Boards and Web sites with valuable information.

Genres: How To, Business, Reference

360 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2007

Reviews

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be an excellent overview/introduction to the world of bars/pubs/taverns. Note, I did not list restaurants, that is an entirely different animal.

What this book provides for the reader, in it's 300+ pages, is the 100,000-foot view at running a service-based enterprise. The authors cover everything from selecting a name, writing your business plan, financing, obtaining equipment, hiring and training your staff, and making sure you reap the benefits of repeat business.

I have a few other starting a business books that are focused on starting one's own brewery or brewpub, and this book (albeit more generalized) would fit nicely on the same shelf; however, for the person who says to themselves "hey, I am yet another who wants to open a bar and quit my real job", this book would serve them well, to ensure they have the wherewithal to open a pub. After all, running anything in the customer service-industry is a real job, if not the king of real jobs.

[Teneshia Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good read. I like the fact that you are able to skip around the book and not have to go page for page. It gave me a lot of insight on what I can be adding to my business right now. It helped me to understand some of the rules and laws that are applied. While reading, I was able to develop a concept for my spot that really gave me the look that I am going for. I recommend this book to anyone looking to go into or already in the bar business. This is a must read!

[Renee Lord · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overview of the skills and tasks necessary to open and run a bar. However, not enough depth for someone with little business experience. If you read this book and think it was full of good ideas, you’re probably over your head and should spend more time working in a bar.

[Brett Valkenburg · Rating 4 out of 5]

just kicking around that old pipe-dream. book was pretty good-- probably would prepare you to open your own bar more than anything, next to apprenticing under a bar manager anyway.