Checklist for Setting Up a Successful Commercial Bar

Setting up a bar successfully starts from creating a sturdy business plan. There is a multitude of things that need to be considered- whether that be choosing a location or getting the necessary licenses for food and servicing.

Design your commercial bar for your workflow and stock it with essentials and quality products and hire the best trained staff to provide great service. Implement strong marketing to attract and retain customers.

Read the full guide to unleash your bar’s potential for more.

Summary

• Define your bar’s concept and business plan, including market research and financials.
• Choose a location that complies with zoning laws, is near public transport or has parking.
• Get the necessary licenses and permits, including an alcohol license, food service permit and music license.
• Design the bar space for workflow and customer experience that aligns with your concept and has the essentials.
• Implement a strong marketing strategy, engage with customers on social media and events and gather feedback to refine services.

Business Planning and Structure

To open a commercial bar, you need to define your concept. This is the foundation of your business and will guide all other decisions.

Next, you will write a business plan to outline your strategy, financials and operations.

Finally, you will set up a business structure and trademark your name and logo to protect your brand and organise your legal framework.

Define Your Concept

Defining your concept is the first step to opening a commercial bar.

You need to decide what type of bar you want to open and who your target market is. This initial step will influence everything from the design to your bar supplies.

Is your bar for high end clients, sports fans or the after work crowd? Each choice will affect the atmosphere you will create and your bar business strategies.

A clear concept will help you tailor your offerings and marketing to your ideal customer and set the stage for a successful bar.

Write a Business Plan

After defining your bar’s concept, the next step is to write a business plan.

You need to do a market research to understand your target market and the competition. This research will help you refine your competitive strategy and make sure you stand out in a crowded market.

Include a clear budget with your start up costs, operational expenses and revenue streams. Your financial projections should detail how you expect your bar to perform financially over the next few years.

This part of your business plan is key to attracting investors or getting a loan. It’s your roadmap to success so make sure it’s comprehensive and convincing.

Don’t underestimate the power of a well-written business plan.

Set Up Business Structure

Once you have your business plan sorted, it’s time to set up the legal framework for your bar.

Choosing the right business structure is important as it affects your liability, taxes and ability to get a liquor license.

Consider these points:

• Sole Proprietorship: Simplest form but you’re personally liable for debts and legal actions.
• Partnership: Shares control and responsibilities, which is useful if you’re teaming up.
• Corporation: Reduces personal liability but more regulations and costs.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC): Offers personal liability protection and tax flexibility, ideal for many bar owners.

Selecting the right structure will protect you as a business owner and make bar ownership and operations smoother.

Trademark Name and Logo

Having chosen the right business structure for your bar, the next step is to protect your brand identity by trademarking your name and logo.

As a bar owner, trademarking your name and logo isn’t just a formal step; it’s essential to establish your presence in the competitive hospitality industry.

This will safeguard your brand on all business premises so no other bars can copy your identity.

A unique trademark will greatly boost your bar’s performance by building a loyal customer base and increasing marketability.

Don’t overlook this process; it solidifies your market position and protects your hard-earned reputation in the nightlife and entertainment world.

Location and Zoning

Choosing the right location for your bar is crucial; you want a spot with high foot traffic to maximise visibility and customer flow.

You also need to check if the area is zoned for commercial use to avoid legal issues down the line.

And consider the cost of rent and utilities as these will impact your budget and overall profitability.

Choose a High-Traffic Location

Choosing the right location is one of your first big decisions in setting up a commercial bar.

You want to make sure your bar is accessible and visible to attract a steady stream of customers.

Here’s a quick guide:

• High-Traffic Location: Go for areas with lots of foot or vehicular traffic.
• Visibility: Choose a spot that passers by can see to get spontaneous visits.
• Accessibility: Check if the location is accessible by public transport or has parking.
• Customer Base: Consider demographics and nearby businesses that complement your bar.

Check Zoning Regulations

Before you finalise your bar’s location, check local zoning regulations. Each area has specific requirements that may affect your bar’s operation.

Consult your local council to understand the zoning laws applicable to your venue type.

This early step will save you headaches and ensure a smooth bar opening.

Here’s a quick guide to get you started:

As bar managers, you need to know these things to navigate the legal landscape.

Rent and Utilities

When evaluating potential locations for your bar, make sure to consider rent and utilities to see if they fit within your budget.

Verifying these costs are within your budget is crucial to keeping your business running smoothly without financial strain.

Here are some tips to consider:

• Check average rent prices in your desired area to see if they’re feasible.
• Calculate estimated utilities, including water, electricity and internet.
• Compare costs across different areas to find the best value.
• Negotiate terms with landlords to possibly reduce expenses.

Licenses and Permits

Next on your list are the essential licenses and permits you need to operate your bar legally.

You’ll need an alcohol license, food service permit, music license and various health and safety certificates.

Each plays a big role in ensuring your bar runs smoothly and complies with local regulations.

Alcohol License

Getting the necessary permits to serve alcohol is a big step in setting up your commercial bar.

You’ll need an alcohol license to sell alcohol, which is crucial for your bar’s operation.

Here’s what else to consider:

• Bar Equipment: Make sure you have the right tools for serving drinks.
• Serve Food: While this requires different permits, serving food can complement your drink sales.
• Inventory Management: Track what you sell to manage costs and stock effectively.
• Marketing Strategy: Attract customers with promotions and events highlighting your unique offerings.

Don’t underestimate these elements in creating a great atmosphere where customers can enjoy themselves.

Food Service Permit

If you plan to serve food at your bar, you’ll also need a food service permit, which is just as important as your alcohol license.

As a restaurant owner, this permit covers various aspects of food safety and handling so your menu items are prepared and served safely to your customers.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Getting this permit means you’re upholding high standards, which is key to your bar’s success and reputation.

Music License

When setting up your bar, remember playing music isn’t as simple as hitting ‘play’ on your favourite playlist.

You need a music license, which is essential to legally use music to attract and retain customers.

Here’s why a music license is important:

• Legal compliance: Avoids fines and legal issues.
• Customer attraction: Improves atmosphere and helps attract customers.
• Customer retention: Good music keeps customers longer.
• Brand identity: Tailored playlists that resonate with your brand help reach customers.

Getting a music license is as important as any other equipment in your bar.

It keeps you legally safe and plays a big role in the overall customer experience.

Health and Safety Certificates

Getting health and safety certificates is essential before you open to the public. This ensures you operate within the law and customer safety.

You need to ensure your bar staff is trained to comply with local health codes. This isn’t just about finding the perfect location; it’s about creating a safe environment.

Every part of your bar, from the kitchen to the front of the house, must meet strict health standards. Regular inspections will check you’re meeting these standards.

Design and Equipment

As you plan your commercial bar, design and equipment are key.

You need to consider how to design the bar space to optimise workflow and customer experience, choose essential bar equipment for efficient operation, and select the right furniture and POS system for your bar’s needs and style.

Each of these components plays a big part in the functionality and atmosphere of your business.

Design the Bar Space

If you’re setting up a commercial bar, designing the bar space is key to creating the right atmosphere for your concept. Here are some things to consider:

• Layout: Ensure a smooth flow for staff and customers. Leave space for movement and interaction.
• Style and Decor: Choose a theme that matches your cocktail bar’s identity. This sets the mood and appeals to your target market.
• Lighting: Opt for lighting that fits your theme and ambience, whether bright and lively or subdued and intimate.
• Furniture: Select pieces that match your decor and are functional and comfortable, considering your equipment placement needs.

Essential Bar Equipment

While designing your bar space is important, equipping it with the right tools is equally important for operational efficiency.

You’ll need a range of bartending tools to ensure you can make drinks quickly.

Start with high-quality cocktail shakers, an essential part of your bar equipment. These allow for fast mixing and cocktail chilling, so your drinks are served at the right temperature and consistency.

Remember glass washers, which are vital for keeping your glassware sparkling and ready for the next round. Investing in reliable glass washers saves time and maintains hygiene standards.

Finally, ice machines and blenders are essential for making a variety of drinks, from smoothies to frozen cocktails.

Equip your bar wisely to keep the drinks flowing and customers happy.

Bar Furniture

Choosing the right bar furniture is important, not only because it defines the comfort and style of your business but also because it affects functionality.

You’ll want pieces that match your theme and improve the customer experience. Here are a few tips:

• Comfortable Seating: Opt for durable yet comfortable chairs and bar stools that encourage longer stays and more table service.
• Functional Tables: Select tables that fit your menu sizes and the number of glasses per customer.
• Aesthetic Style: Match your decor to attract customers from other businesses.
• Strategic Layout: Arrange furniture to facilitate easy movement for staff and customers and optimise the flow and service.

POS System

Installing a reliable point-of-sale (POS) system is crucial when setting up your commercial bar.

A good POS system streamlines transactions, manages inventory and improves customer service so you can attract more customers.

Plan ahead to avoid surprise expenses and ensure your sales system integrates with other technology.

Invest in a robust POS system, and you’ll optimise your operations and get valuable insights into your sales trends and customer preferences. Plan ahead.

Inventory and Supplies

Now that you’ve designed and equipped your bar, let’s talk inventory and supplies.

You’ll need a range of spirits and mixers to suit all tastes, along with garnishes and condiments to enhance your drinks.

Remember the essential glassware and utensils, which are just as important for serving perfect cocktails.

Stock Spirits and Mixers

You’ll need a wide range of spirits and mixers to cater to every customer’s preference. This is crucial not only for making a variety of cocktails but also for your wine bar and repeat customers.

Here are the essentials:

• Vodka, Rum, Gin and Whiskey: The foundation of most mixed drinks.
• Tequila and Bourbon: For signature and speciality cocktails.
• Liqueurs and Vermouths: To add complexity and flavour.
• Basic Mixers: Soda, tonic and juice.

Stock these and you’ll have a well-rounded inventory that appeals to a broad customer base, setting you up for a successful bar that keeps customers coming back.

Garnishes and Condiments

You must stock your bar with a variety of garnishes and condiments so every cocktail looks as good as it tastes.

Fresh fruit garnishes like lemons, limes and oranges should always be available. For an aromatic touch, add herbs like mint or basil.

Olives, onions and cherries are must-haves for classics like martinis and Manhattans. Keep these fresh and you’ll get the best flavour and presentation.

Organise them so your staff can access them easily during busy shifts. This will improve the drink’s appearance and overall drinking experience.

Glassware and Utensils

Every commercial bar needs a range of glassware and utensils to cater to different drinks and cocktails.

You must ensure your inventory is thorough and specific to the drinks you’ll be serving.

• Wine glasses: Essential for serving a variety of wines to enhance the drinking experience.
• Martini glasses: A must-have for making classic and modern cocktails.
• Bottle openers: Essential tools for opening multiple types of bottled drinks.
• Assorted utensils: Include stirrers, shakers and strainers for mixing and serving cocktails.

Stock these, and you’ll improve service efficiency and your bar’s appearance and functionality.

Staffing and Training

As you set up your commercial bar, you need to focus on staffing and training.

You’ll need to hire staff to deliver great service and represent your brand.

Ensure your team gets thorough training to meet your establishment’s high standards.

Hire Staff

Hiring staff is key to your commercial bar’s success. You’ll need experienced bartenders and servers who are able to handle long hours and busy shifts.

You need to offer competitive pay to attract and retain top talent.

Here are the key points to consider when you hire staff:

• Experience and Skill: Look for people with a proven track record in the hospitality industry.
• Work Ethic: Choose staff willing to work long hours and adapt to busy environments.
• Personality: Friendly and engaging staff improve customer experience.
• Compensation: Offer good pay to get the best candidates.

Investing in the right team members sets you up for success.

Staff Training

Once you have a team of skilled professionals, investing in their ongoing development through thorough staff training is crucial.

You should focus on three main areas: drinks, service standards and safety procedures. Here’s how you can structure your training sessions:

Ongoing training ensures your team meets and exceeds your customer’s expectations.

Regular refreshers and updates in these areas keep your staff sharp, competent and ready for any situation with professionalism and flair.

Marketing and Launch

Now you have your staff trained, it’s time to focus on your marketing strategy and soft launch.

You need to create a buzz that attracts your target market and sets you apart from the competition.

Consider a soft launch to work out any operational bugs and get initial feedback before your grand opening.

Marketing Plan

Although your bar setup and menu will draw the initial crowd, a solid marketing plan will ensure you continue to get customers.

For your new bar, especially if it’s a sports bar, consider these tactics:

• Social Media Campaigns: Use Instagram and Facebook to showcase your bar’s atmosphere, menu and promotions.
• Themed Events: Host themed nights or special events that align with major sports games or local events to draw in crowds.
• Regular Promotions: Offer happy hour discounts, weekend specials or loyalty programs to get customers coming back.
• Engaging Content: Post relevant content that resonates with your target market, such as behind-the-scenes videos or customer shout-outs.

These will create buzz and build a loyal customer base.

Soft Opening

Before you open to the public, a soft opening can be a smart move to work out operational kinks and kickstart your marketing.

You’ll invite a limited audience to test your operations during this phase. This is your chance to fine tune workflows, train staff in a real world environment and ensure every aspect of your commercial bar runs smoothly.

Not only will a soft opening help you refine service delivery, but it will also generate buzz.

Promote through social media, email invites and local influencers. When you’re ready for the grand opening, you’ll have an operational strategy and a keen customer base waiting.

Daily Operations Checklist

As you run your bar’s daily operations, you need to maintain cleanliness and sanitation to ensure a safe environment for staff and customers.

You’ll also need to do regular stock and equipment checks to avoid disruptions during service.

And don’t forget to do a staff briefing daily to align your team and address any issues.

Cleanliness and Sanitation

Keeping all surfaces and equipment in your bar clean isn’t just about looks; it’s part of daily operations that guarantee safety and customer satisfaction.

High standards of cleanliness and sanitation are key.

Here’s a quick checklist to keep your bar in shape:

• Sanitise all surfaces regularly to prevent the spread of germs.
• Clean and inspect equipment daily to ensure everything is working correctly and safely.
• Empty and wash rubbish bins regularly to prevent odours and pest infestations.
• Create a routine for staff to follow so daily cleanliness is consistent.

Stock Check

Once you’ve got your bar clean and sanitised it’s equally important to keep an eye on your stock.

A daily stock check ensures you have everything you need. Many bars find they need to buy alcohol and other supplies daily to meet customer demand. Having a long list and checking each item off is crucial.

This not only helps you manage your budget but also prevents disruptions during service. Consider doing a more in-depth inventory review yearly to look at broader consumption patterns or needs.

This proactive approach keeps your operations smooth and customer satisfaction high.

Equipment Check

Before you start your day at the bar, do a thorough equipment check to make sure everything is working.

• Refrigeration Units: Check all coolers and freezers are at the correct temperature and working.
• Ice Machines: Check for buildups and verify functionality to meet daily demand.
• POS Systems: Test all terminals to make sure they’re working and can handle transactions.
• Draft Systems: Check for leaks, blockages and gas levels to ensure premium beverage service.

Doing these checks daily will prevent operational disruptions and maintain high standards for a successful commercial bar.

Staff Briefing

Start each day with a staff briefing to make sure everyone is on the same page with daily promotions and operational procedures. This meeting will ensure your team is informed and prepared and your bar will be more successful.

Discuss any new promotions that need to be highlighted or special events for the day.

Review important procedures, especially those related to customer service and safety protocols.

Doing this will maintain consistency in service and operations, which is key to customer satisfaction and repeat business.

Encourage questions and feedback from your staff to create a collaborative environment.

Last Orders

You’re now set up with a checklist to launch your commercial bar. From finding the right location to hiring the right team, each step is crucial.

As you go forward, be adaptable and responsive to your market. Remember, your bar is more than just a business; it’s a community hub.

With planning and a bit of creativity, you’ll be well on your way to creating a popular spot that reflects your vision and delights your customers. Cheers!

Related Articles

• Best Cocktail Shaker for Beginners: Boston, Cobbler, or French?