Running a Bar for Dummies

by Ray Foley

Get insider details on how to operate a successful bar Running a Bar for Dummies, 2nd Edition shows established and future bar owners how to establish and maintain a successful business. Using clear, concise language, this For Dummies guide contains all the information you need to start your bar off on the right foot. From grand opening to last call, you'll discover the insider tricks that keep the business end running smoothly and the customers happily engaged. With updated information on marketing and social media, the book walks you step by step through the entire process, revealing the nitty-gritty details most new bar owners only discover after starting.

The bar business continues to grow; however, securing running capital and having knowledge about the business are cited as the two biggest reasons new bars fail. Running a Bar for Dummies, 2nd Edition shines a light on these issues to help bar owners prepare properly. The book helps you find your way through the maze of licensing and permits, developing a business plan, and preparing for your grand opening, plus offers clear, no-nonsense guidance on dealing with tough customers. Every step of the way, Running a Bar for Dummies, 2nd Edition is a reference you can count on.

Genres: How To, Business, Reference

Audible Audio

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.