Chapter 1: Dreaming of a Bar
Ah, the dream of opening a bar! It all begins with a flicker of inspiration, a desire to create a space where people can come together, unwind, and indulge in their favorite libations. This chapter is all about embracing that initial spark, nurturing your passion, and laying the foundation for your bar venture.
Picture it: the laughter, the clinking of glasses, the vibrant energy in the air. The dream of a bar is often fueled by a love for socializing and a deep appreciation for the art of mixology. You imagine a place where friends, old and new, gather to share stories, celebrate milestones, or simply enjoy a momentary escape from the everyday grind.
But dreams alone aren't enough. This chapter reminds you that turning your vision into reality requires careful planning and research. It's about recognizing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, and taking the necessary steps to bring your dream to life.
You'll start by exploring your motivations and goals for opening a bar. Is it about creating a cozy neighborhood pub or an upscale cocktail lounge? Are you driven by a passion for craft beer or a love for inventive cocktails? Clarifying your vision will serve as a guiding light throughout the entire process.
Next, you'll delve into market research. Understanding your target audience, local competition, and industry trends will help you carve out a unique space in the market. You'll assess the demand for your concept and identify potential gaps to fill.
Of course, financial considerations come into play as well. This chapter prompts you to conduct a preliminary assessment of costs involved in opening a bar, from securing a location to purchasing equipment and obtaining licenses. It's essential to develop a realistic budget and explore potential funding options early on.
Lastly, this chapter encourages you to surround yourself with a network of support. Seek advice from experienced bar owners, connect with industry professionals, and consider partnering with individuals who share your passion and complement your skill set.
In the end, this chapter reminds you that dreaming of a bar is just the beginning. It's about embracing that initial spark and channeling it into action. So, put pen to paper, visualize your dream, and let the adventure unfold as you embark on the path towards opening your own bar. Cheers to your dreams becoming a reality!
Topics: Bar inventory, Bar trends, NightClub Management, Lineup control, Bar Management, Nightclub Consulting, Control
Becoming a Bartender
We all have one point seen ourselves behind the bar slinging drinks like Tom did in his famous movie role. But before we do, there are few things we must consider:
- Are we ready to give up our weekends?
- Is working late hours something we are comfortable with?
- Are we what we call a “people person”?
- Can we take orders and remain calm under pressure?
- Do we deal with patrons that could become rude and rowdy?
Bartending can be a very lucrative and reward career. For others, it can be a simple sideline job while in school. Whatever it may be, bartending does require certain skills that can be taught in bartending schools and experienced in the line of fire.
A professional bartender understands both the needs of the clients and what is required to become effective during service. A bartender’s quick check list:
- Is my liquor inventory up to par?
- Is my beer inventory properly stocked?
- Are my fruits and condiments prepared?
- Do I have enough ice?
- Does my till have enough change?
A bartender knows what can be called the “golden hours” at which point all they do is take orders and serve drinks. To maximize the full potential, preparation is key.
Topics: Bar inventory, Bar staff, bartending schools, Bar Management, Liquor cost, hospitality jobs, Control
Hotel inventory software
The hospitality industry is a vast one with many segments; country clubs, nightclubs, restaurants, bar...and of course hotels. We normally associate hotels with rooms and room service. But the hotel industry offers much more. Banquets play a major force in a hotel success, be it conventions, wedding, private parties...and in these functions, there is a common thread: the sale of liquor, beer, wine and food.
With the exception of pre paid parties, there still is what we call "cash" bars. Basically what happens here is a customer asks for consumption and pays the bartender, normally cash.
- Question is how many beers were sold?
- How many ounces of liquor were poured?
- Did we sell wine by the glass or by the bottle?
Luckily, technology of today has introduced hotel inventory software that will allow not only for proper receiving, fulfillment of requisitions, but also the ability to count what the bars begin and end with.
The hotel inventory software of today is designed to manage an unlimited number of fix, portable and banquet bars and not only update your perpetual liquor, beer and wine inventory, but also give you the important data you will need to properly invoice your customer, analyze the profitability of a function and increase the accountability of the bar staff by eliminating the opportunity for shrinkage and waste.
A complete hotel inventory software package should be designed to help hoteliers be in line with the liquor, beer and wine pour cost targets set forth at budget and address any areas that prevent us from reaching these cost control goals.
Topics: Hotel Inventory, Software, Control, Hospitality
