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Bar Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Bar Business Plan Outline

  • Bar Business Plan Home
  • 1. Executive Summary
  • 2. Company Overview
  • 3. Industry Analysis
  • 4. Customer Analysis
  • 5. Competitive Analysis
  • 6. Marketing Plan
  • 7. Operations Plan
  • 8. Management Team
  • 9. Financial Plan

Start Your Bar Business Plan Here

Bar Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create a business plan for your bar or pub.

We have helped over 10,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their bars and pubs.

To write a successful bar business plan, you will first need to decide what type of bar you want to open. Do you plan to open a sports bar, a wine bar, a cocktail bar, or a nightclub? What kind of alcoholic beverages will you serve? Will you have live music?

You will then need to gather information about your business and the bar industry. This type of information includes data about your potential customers, marketing strategies to reach your target market, and 5-year pro-forma financial statements (income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statement).

Sample Bar Business Plan

The following bar business plan example gives you the key elements to include in a winning business plan:

  • Executive Summary – The Executive Summary is the most important part of your business plan. It is a brief overview of your bar business concepts, its products and services, potential market opportunity, and competitive advantage.
  • Company Overview – Also called the Company Analysis, here, you will provide a detailed description of your bar, its products and other services, and legal structure.
  • Industry Analysis – In the Industry Analysis, you will provide an in-depth analysis of the industry in which your bar operates including major players in the local market, market size and growth, and profitability.
  • Customer Analysis – In the Customer Analysis, you will identify your potential customers and provide insights into their purchasing habits. You will also create customer segments and discuss your marketing strategy for reaching them.
  • Competitive Analysis – In the Competitive Analysis, you will identify your direct competition (other local bars and local businesses that serve alcohol) and provide insights into their strengths and weaknesses. You will also discuss your unique selling point and how you plan to stay ahead of the competition.
  • Marketing Plan – The Marketing Plan includes a discussion of your marketing strategy to drive more foot traffic to your bar along with your pricing strategies. You will also provide a sales forecast and budget for your marketing efforts.
  • Operations Plan – In the Operations Plan, you will discuss your bar’s day-to-day operations including inventory management, providing exceptional customer service, and creating loyal customers. You will also provide your business goals that you plan to achieve and a budget for your operating expenses.
  • Management Team – In this section, you will provide a brief overview of your bar management team, including the bar owner, and their experience in the industry.
  • Financial Plan – In this section, you will provide a three-year financial statement for your bar. This will include your income statement, projected balance sheet, and cash flow analysis.

Next Section: Executive Summary >

Bar Business Plan FAQs

What is a bar business plan.

A business plan is a planning tool used to start a new bar and/or grow your thriving bar business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can  easily complete your bar business plan using our Bar Business Plan Template here .

What Are the Main Types of Bars?

There are many types of bars . Most bars are local bars and are known as dive bars or a neighborhood bar.  Sports bars are also a very popular business option. There are also posh and luxurious bars that craft cocktails and offer high-end alcoholic drinks. There are trendy bars that offer the latest industry trends in cocktail and wine offerings. Other bars are location-focused and are unique to the area of town or location that it is in. Many bars also serve food as an option to accompany the alcoholic drink choices.

What Are the Main Sources of Revenue and Expenses for a Bar?

The primary source of revenue for a bar are the alcoholic drink items and food sold at the establishment.

The key expenses for a bar are the costs to purchase the alcohol (beer, wine, liquor) inventory, bar equipment and supplies, overhead expenses for the staff and rent, and any marketing costs the bar chooses to partake in.

How Do You Secure Funding for Your Bar?

Bar businesses are most likely to receive funding from banks. To attract potential investors, you should have an effective bar business plan with a solid business strategy and financial plan. Another option for a bar is to obtain a small business loan to help cover startup costs. SBA loans are a popular option as they offer longer loan terms with lower interest rates. Outside investors, crowdfunding, and/or friends or family are other typical funding options.

What are the Steps To Start a Bar?

Starting a bar business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

  • Write A Bar Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed bar business plan for a bar that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include market research on the local market and potential target market size, information about the services or products you will offer, the bar's concept, marketing efforts, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast.  
  • Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your bar . This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your bar business is in compliance with local laws.
  • Register Your Bar Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your bar with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining business licenses and permits (i.e., food service license and/or liquor license) as required by federal, state, and local laws. 
  • Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your bar or pub , so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms. 
  • Choose a Bar Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your business operations. 
  • Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events. 
  • Acquire Necessary Bar Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your bar business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation. 
  • Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your bar . Your marketing strategy should include creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising. 

Learn more about how to start a thriving bar business:

  • How to Start a Bar Business
  • How to Open a Bar Business

Where Can I Get a Bar Business Plan PDF?

You can download our free bar business plan template PDF here . This is a sample business plan template you can use in PDF format.

example business plan bar lounge

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Table of Contents

For many with a passion for the nightlife and hospitality, the dream to open a bar remains persistent. If you’re one of them but are unsure about navigating the complexities of the bar industry, don’t have to worry. Writing a business plan is the first step in transforming this aspiration into a tangible reality. A detailed bar business plan will help streamline your vision, ensuring you’re well-prepared to venture into the bustling world of bar businesses with clarity and confidence.

What is A Bar Business Plan?

A bar business plan is a strategic roadmap that outlines your vision and the steps required to bring it to fruition. It encompasses every aspect of your business, from the fundamental business concept down to the intricate details of daily operations. In essence, it’s the blueprint to grow your business and ensure its longevity in a competitive market.

A great business plan doesn’t merely serve as an internal guide; it’s a persuasive tool to attract stakeholders, investors, and partners. It demonstrates how your bar will attract customers, generate profits, and stand out in the crowded nightlife landscape.

One might ask, “What makes a bar business plan unique?” It’s the blend of the universal principles of business, combined with the niche requirements of the bar industry. This includes, but is not limited to, licensing, menu crafting, entertainment provisions, and safety measures.

Given the dynamic nature of the bar industry, it’s important to include not only your immediate goals but also long-term objectives and strategies for adapting to market shifts. With a clear and comprehensive bar business plan, you’re laying a solid foundation for a successful enterprise.

Why A Business Plan Is Important For A Successful Bar Business? 

Owning a bar is a dream for many, but transforming this dream into a profitable reality requires meticulous planning and foresight. This is where a business plan plays a pivotal role.

Clear Vision and Objectives: A business plan helps establish a clear vision and set measurable objectives for your bar. Whether you aim to create a niche cocktail lounge, a bustling sports bar, or any other type of establishment, your business plan outlines the specific steps you’ll take to make your bar the go-to destination for potential customers. It provides direction and keeps all stakeholders aligned with the business’s overarching goals.

Financial Planning: One of the main reasons business owners create business plans is for robust financial planning. A bar has various financial intricacies, from sourcing ingredients to staffing and marketing expenses. A business plan ensures you’re well-equipped to manage cash flows, investments, and potential financial pitfalls. Moreover, potential investors often request a detailed business plan before committing funds, making this a crucial component for securing necessary capital.

Operational Efficiency: Every bar operates uniquely, depending on its target audience and theme. However, operational efficiency remains a consistent requirement for all bar owners. A business plan is a plan, after all, and it dives deep into the day-to-day operations, ensuring that every aspect, from supplier agreements to employee shifts, runs smoothly and cost-effectively.

Step-by-step Guide To Write A Bar Business Plan.

Navigating the world of the bar industry can be intricate, and the type of bar you want to open plays a pivotal role in shaping your business plan. Whether it’s a neighborhood bar, a high-end cocktail bar, or a wine bar with live music, each requires a distinct approach. This guide is tailored to help entrepreneurs and business owners create a comprehensive plan, ensuring the grand opening of the bar you dream of is a success.

1. Executive Summary

The executive summary is a concise overview of your entire business plan, acting as a snapshot that encapsulates the essence of your vision and strategy. Typically, it’s about one to two pages long and is placed at the beginning of your business plan, but it’s often written last.

What should you cover in an Executive Summary?

  • Introduce your bar business, highlighting what makes your bar unique.
  • State your mission and vision, giving clarity to the type of bar you aim to establish.
  • Outline the main objectives, from your grand opening to long-term goals.
  • Provide a financial overview, offering potential investors a glimpse into projected profits and growth.

2. Bar Description

This section delves into the specifics of your bar, painting a vivid picture of what patrons can expect and how you plan to operate.

What should you cover in the bar description section?

  • Talk about your bar concept, whether it’s a wine bar, cocktail bar, or a bar with live music.
  • Explain your unique selling proposition – what makes your bar stand out from the competition.
  • Detail the operations, from opening hours to the ambiance you intend to create.

3. Market Analysis

This segment identifies and studies your potential customers, the location for your bar, and your competitors, helping you strategize accordingly.

Factors to cover:

  • Target market: Define the demographics and preferences of those you plan to cater to.
  • Location: An existing bar might already have an established clientele, but a new location needs careful consideration for accessibility, safety, and potential customer traffic.
  • Competition: Analyze trends in the bar industry and see how competitors operate, ensuring your offerings are both competitive and unique.

4. Organization and Management

This is the operational backbone of your bar, detailing the structure of your business and the team that will run it.

What should you cover in the organization and management plan?

  • Bar ownership information: Are you a sole proprietor, or is this part of a larger partnership or corporation?
  • Profiles of your Bar management team: Include bios of key team members, showcasing their expertise and how they’ll contribute to running a successful bar.

5. Sample Menu

This section teases what your bar will offer in terms of food and beverages, acting as a tantalizing preview for potential patrons and investors.

What should you consider when creating a sample menu?

  • Menu items: Detail the drinks and possibly accompanying food items.
  • Unique Selling Proposition: Highlight specials or unique mixes. For instance, a cocktail bar might focus on signature mixes, while a wine bar could emphasize rare finds.
  • Menu Pricing : Don’t forget to address pricing, taking into account costs and desired profit margins.

6. Marketing Strategy

This section delineates how you plan to attract customers to your bar and keep them coming back.

What should you cover in a marketing strategy for your bar business?

  • Define your brand: From logo to interior decor, consistency is key.
  • This could range from social media campaigns ,loyalty programs, SEO for website, or partnership with local businesses. 
  • Considering using an  online food ordering system  in your bar
  • Create a  digital menu with QR code  to make your menu easy for your customers to access online
  • Sales Strategies: Special promotions, events, or partnerships that drive sales.

7. Business Operations

This segment breaks down the day-to-day functioning of your bar, ensuring nothing is overlooked.

BWhat operational issues should you address in your business plan?

  • Supply chain: Detail your suppliers for everything from alcohol to garnish.
  • Operating hours: Will you have a late-night license? Open only on weekends?
  • Staffing: Consider the roles you need to hire for, from bartenders to security.
  • Equipment: Everything from the bar counters to the sound system.

8. Financial Plan and Loans

How Many Ways to Fund Your Bar?

Securing funds to start and grow their bar business is a concern for many aspiring bar owners. While personal savings might be the go-to for some, others might look into bank loans, angel investors, or even crowdfunding campaigns. Exploring all available options can ensure you fund your bar easily and efficiently.

Important Questions to Consider When You Create Your Funding Request

Before approaching potential investors or lenders, it’s pivotal to have a clear plan detailing how the funds will be used. What renovations or modifications are necessary? What will the initial stock and equipment cost? What provisions have been made for operational costs until the bar starts turning a profit? Having these answers ready can make your funding request more compelling.

9. Financial Projections

When diving into the world of bar entrepreneurship, understanding your financial landscape is crucial.

Break-even analysis

 It’s an evaluation that helps you determine when your bar will be able to cover all its expenses and start making a profit.

To calculate the break-even point, use this formula: Break Even Point = Fixed Costs / (Price – Variable Costs)

Knowing this can help you write a more convincing business plan, highlighting the viability of your venture.

Projected profit and loss statement

A crucial part of your bar business plan that offers insights into potential profits and losses your business might encounter.

Cash flow analysis

This gives you the key elements to understand how cash moves in and out of your business. By following the bar business plan writing best practices, you can quickly and easily complete these projections. Ensuring that they include a winning strategy will make your financial plan more robust and appealing to potential investors.

Sample Bar Business Plan Template

The following is a comprehensive example of a bar business plan. It’s a great tool to guide you in writing your business plan.

Mission : To provide a unique drinking experience that celebrates local flavors and promotes community bonding.

Vision : To be the neighborhood’s top bar destination, known for its distinctive drinks and vibrant ambiance.

Bar Description : The Urban Vine, a wine-centric bar focusing on regional wines and locally sourced ingredients.

Costs : Estimated starting cost: $250,000.

Profits : Projected first-year net profit: $60,000.

2. Description of the Bar

Bar Concept : A contemporary wine bar featuring local wines and complementary tapas-style dishes.

Bar Name : The Urban Vine.

Bar Type : Wine bar with a secondary focus on craft beers.

Bar Location : 123 Vine Street, Downtown District.

Order Fulfillment : Table service and bar seating available, with an option for outdoor patio seating.

Working Hours : Monday to Thursday: 4 PM – 12 AM; Friday & Saturday: 3 PM – 1 AM; Sunday: 2 PM – 10 PM.

3. Menu Offer

Type of Food and Drink : Wine from local vineyards, craft beers, and tapas-style dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.

Offer : Regular wine tasting events showcasing new arrivals, paired with chef-special appetizers.

Unique Selling Point : Every wine bottle tells a local story, giving drinkers a taste of the region’s vineyards.

4. Market and Competition Analysis

Market Analysis : The Downtown District has a population predominantly comprised of working professionals aged 25-45, making it a prime location for a bar or pub.

Target Customer : Young professionals and wine enthusiasts looking for a quality drinking experience in a relaxed setting.

Size of the Target Customer : Approximately 10,000 individuals fitting the profile within a 5-mile radius.

Competition Analysis : Three other wine bars operate within the district.

Size of the Competition : Among the competitors, the largest has a seating capacity of 75, while the others can host around 50 patrons each.

Competitors’ Offer : Basic wine selections, some with occasional live music nights.

Competitors’ Prices : Average price of $8 per glass of wine and $6 for beer.

5. Investment Plan (Detailed Cost Analysis)

  • Leasehold improvements: $80,000
  • Furniture & Fixtures: $30,000
  • Licensing & Permits: $20,000
  • Initial Inventory: $40,000
  • Rent: $4,000
  • Salaries: $10,000
  • Utilities: $1,500
  • Miscellaneous: $2,500
  • Total Cost : Anticipated first-year expense: $322,000.

6. Financial Forecast

 Considering the costs of starting and the projected revenue, breakeven is anticipated by month eight. The first-year projected revenue is $382,000.

Owner/Manager : Jane Doe – A passionate wine enthusiast with a background in business management.

Head Bartender : John Smith – Experienced in running a bar, skilled in crafting unique drink experiences.

Kitchen Staff : A team of three, led by Chef Anna, specializing in tapas dishes.

8. Marketing Plan

Strategies will focus on social media promotions, local partnerships, and hosting events. Ideas like wine-tasting events, collaborations with local vineyards, and monthly themed nights will be implemented. Special offers will be provided for group bookings, early bird timings, and repeat customers.

This business plan template will help prospective bar owners in crafting their unique plan to make their dream bar a reality. With a robust business strategy, The Urban Vine is set to become a renowned establishment in the Downtown District.

Tips For Creating An Effective Bar Business Plan Outline

Crafting a comprehensive bar business plan is pivotal in turning your vision into a successful venture. Here are some insightful tips to help you create an efficient outline:

Understand Your Niche : Begin by identifying the unique character of your bar. Is it a cozy neighborhood nook or a sophisticated wine bar? The specifics determine the kind of customers you’ll attract and the atmosphere you aim to create.

Include Comprehensive Details : The following bar business plan components are essential: executive summary, bar description, menu offer, market analysis, investment plans, financial forecasts, team structure, and marketing strategies. Don’t skimp on details; a comprehensive plan showcases your dedication and thoroughness.

Focus on Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) : What makes your bar stand out? Maybe it’s an exclusive range of craft beer and wine, or perhaps it’s an innovative theme. Always include this unique factor in your business plan as it’s pivotal for attracting customers.

Plan Your Offerings : Are you focusing just on drinks or do you also plan to serve a variety of food items? Highlight your primary offerings, be it beer and wine or gourmet appetizers.

Keep It Adaptable : The bar industry is ever-evolving. Ensure your business plan is flexible enough to adapt to changing trends and customer preferences.

Seek Feedback : Before finalizing, share your draft with industry professionals or trusted peers. Their insights could help you include in a winning strategy that perhaps you hadn’t thought of.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. what makes a bar profitable.

A bar’s profitability hinges on multiple factors. A strategic location, a unique selling proposition, efficient cost management, and high-quality service all play pivotal roles. Moreover, understanding the preferences of your target audience and adapting accordingly, offering promotions during off-peak hours, and managing overheads effectively can significantly enhance a bar’s profit margins.

2. What is the executive summary of a bar business plan?

The executive summary is a concise overview of the bar’s business plan. It provides a snapshot of the business concept, its objectives, the financial outlook, and primary offerings. This section is particularly crucial for potential investors as it gives them a quick glance at the bar’s potential profitability and operational strategy.

3. How to write a good executive summary for a business plan with example?

When writing an executive summary, it’s essential to be clear and concise. Start with your bar’s mission and vision. Outline the primary objectives, the bar’s USP, and provide a brief financial overview.

Example: “ Sapphire Lounge aims to be the city’s premier wine bar, offering an eclectic range of international wines in a cozy, upscale environment. Located in the heart of the business district, our vision is to provide professionals a relaxing spot to unwind. We project an annual revenue of $500,000, with an initial investment of $150,000. Our unique wine-tasting events and wine-pairing dinners set us apart in the competitive landscape.”

4. Do bars make a lot of money?

The profitability of bars varies based on several factors like location, concept, management, and market demand. While some bars can yield high profits, especially those in prime locations with a unique concept, others might struggle due to competition, mismanagement, or changing market trends. However, with the right strategy, understanding of the target audience, and operational efficiency, bars can indeed be quite lucrative.  

Crafting a comprehensive business plan is the bedrock of any successful bar venture. By diligently addressing each section and meticulously detailing all elements you aim to include in your business plan, you’re not only preparing for potential challenges but also envisioning the pathway to success. Remember, a business plan is not a static document; it’s a dynamic blueprint that can evolve with the changing demands of the industry and your clientele. Every decision, from the drinks you offer to the promotions you run, should align with the vision set out in your plan, ensuring long-term growth and sustainability.

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How to Write a Winning Lounge Business Plan (+ Template)

Business-plan-2

Creating a business plan is essential for any business, but it can be beneficial for lounge s who want to improve their strategy or raise funding.

A well-crafted business plan outlines your company’s vision and documents a step-by-step roadmap of how you will accomplish it. To create an effective business plan, you must first understand the components that are essential to its success.

This article provides an overview of the key elements that every lounge owner should include in their business plan.

Download the Ultimate Business Plan Template

What is a lounge business plan.

A lounge business plan is a formal written document describing your company’s business strategy and feasibility. It documents the reasons you will be successful, your areas of competitive advantage, and it includes information about your team members. Your business plan is a critical document that will convince investors and lenders (if needed) that you are positioned to become a successful venture.

Why Write a Lounge Business Plan?

A lounge business plan is required for banks and investors. The document is a clear and concise guide to your business idea and the steps you will take to make it profitable.

Entrepreneurs can also use this as a roadmap when starting their new company or venture, especially if they are inexperienced in starting a business.

Writing an Effective Lounge Business Plan

The following are the key components of a successful lounge business plan:

Executive Summary

The executive summary of a lounge business plan is a one- to two-page overview of your entire business plan. It should summarize the main points, which will be presented in full in the rest of your business plan.

  • Start with a one-line description of your lounge  
  • Provide a summary of the key points in each section of your business plan, which includes information about your company’s management team, industry analysis, competitive analysis, and financial forecast among others.

Company Description

This section should include a brief history of your company. Include a short description of how your company started and provide a timeline of milestones your company has achieved.

If you are just starting your lounge, you may not have a long company history. Instead, you can include information about your professional experience in this industry and how and why you conceived your new venture. If you have worked for a similar company or been involved in an entrepreneurial venture before starting your lounge company, mention this.

You will also include information about your chosen lounge business model and how, if applicable, it is different from other companies in your industry.

Industry Analysis

The industry or market analysis is an essential component of a lounge business plan. Conduct thorough market research to determine industry trends and document the size of your market. 

Questions to answer include:

  • What part of the lounge industry are you targeting?
  • How big is the market?
  • What trends are happening in the industry right now (and, if applicable, how do these trends support your company’s success)?

You should also include sources for your information, such as published research reports and expert opinions.

Customer Analysis

This section should include a list of your target audience(s) with demographic and psychographic profiles (e.g., age, gender, income level, profession, job titles, interests). You will need to provide a profile of each customer segment separately, including their needs and wants.

For example, a lounge’s customers may include:

  • Business professionals who want to have a place to relax after work
  • People who are looking for a place to have a drink and socialize with friends
  • Young adults who want to go out and meet new people

You can include information about how your customers decide to buy from you as well as what keeps them buying from you.

Develop a strategy for targeting those customers who are most likely to buy from you, as well as those that might be influenced to buy your products or lounge services with the right marketing.

Competitive Analysis

The competitive analysis helps you determine how your product or service will differ from competitors, and what your unique selling proposition (USP) might be that will set you apart in this industry.

For each competitor, list their strengths and weaknesses. Next, determine your areas of competitive differentiation and advantage; that is, in what ways are you different from and ideally better than your competitors.

Marketing Plan

This part of the business plan is where you determine and document your marketing plan. . Your plan should be clearly laid out, including the following 4 Ps.

  • Product/Service : Detail your product/service offerings here. Document their features and benefits.
  • Price : Document your pricing strategy here. In addition to stating the prices for your products/services, mention how your pricing compares to your competition.
  • Place : Where will your customers find you? What channels of distribution (e.g., partnerships) will you use to reach them if applicable?
  • Promotion : How will you reach your target customers? For example, you may use social media, write blog posts, create an email marketing campaign, use pay-per-click advertising, or launch a direct mail campaign. Or you may promote your lounge business via word-of-mouth marketing or public relations.

Operations Plan

This part of your lounge business plan should include the following information:

  • How will you deliver your product/service to customers? For example, will you do it in person or over the phone only?
  • What infrastructure, equipment, and resources are needed to operate successfully? How can you meet those requirements within budget constraints?

You also need to include your company’s business policies in the operations plan. You will want to establish policies related to everything from customer service to pricing, to the overall brand image you are trying to present.

Finally, and most importantly, your Operations Plan will outline the milestones your company hopes to achieve within the next five years. Create a chart that shows the key milestone(s) you hope to achieve each quarter for the next four quarters and the following four years. Examples of milestones for a lounge business include reaching $X in sales. Other examples include adding new products or services, expanding to new locations, or increasing market share.

Management Team

List your team members here, including their names and titles, as well as their expertise and experience relevant to your specific lounge industry. Include brief biography sketches for each team member.

Particularly if you are seeking funding, the goal of this section is to convince investors and lenders that your team has the expertise and experience to execute your plan. If you are missing key team members, document the roles and responsibilities, you plan to hire for in the future.

Financial Plan

Here, you will include a summary of your complete and detailed financial plan (your full financial projections go in the Appendix). 

This includes the following three financial statements:

Income Statement

Your income statement should include:

  • Revenue : how much revenue you generate.
  • Cost of Goods Sold : These are your direct costs associated with generating revenue. This includes labor costs and the cost of any equipment and supplies used to deliver your product/service offerings.
  • Net Income (or loss) : Once expenses and revenue are totaled and deducted from each other, this is the net income or loss.

Sample Income Statement for a Startup Lounge

Balance sheet.

Include a balance sheet that shows your assets, liabilities, and equity. Your balance sheet should include:

  • Assets : Everything you own (including cash).
  • Liabilities : This is what you owe against your company’s assets, such as accounts payable or loans.
  • Equity : The worth of your business after all liabilities and assets are totaled and deducted from each other.

Sample Balance Sheet for a Startup Lounge

Cash flow statement.

Include a cash flow statement showing how much cash comes in, how much cash goes out and a net cash flow for each year. The cash flow statement should include:

  • Cash Flow From Operations
  • Cash Flow From Investments
  • Cash Flow From Financing

Below is a sample of a projected cash flow statement for a startup lounge .

Sample Cash Flow Statement for a Startup Lounge

You will also want to include an appendix section which will include:

  • Your complete financial projections
  • A complete list of your company’s business policies and procedures related to the rest of the business plan (marketing, operations, etc.)
  • Any other documentation which supports what you included in the body of your business plan.

Writing a good business plan gives you the advantage of being fully prepared to launch and grow your lounge . It not only outlines your business vision but also provides a step-by-step process of how you are going to accomplish it.

A well-written lounge business plan is a must for any business owner. It’s a great tool for attracting investors and keeping the company focused.  

Finish Your Lounge Business Plan in 1 Day!

example business plan bar lounge

Step By Step Guide To Write A Bar Business Plan

Opening a new bar requires grit and determination - as well as a fantastic bar business plan to act as your roadmap. This document can determine the future success of your new venture, so it’s essential to make it as comprehensive as possible.

But for first-time bar owners, figuring out where to start can be challenging. Our step-by-step guide to writing a business plan will help you pinpoint the finer details to consider when building a thriving bar business.

How to Write a Bar Business Plan in 9 Steps

1. bar overview.

The first step in writing a bar business plan is to establish an overview of the type of bar you want to open. You need a concept and location to shape your business model and create an executive summary for your new venture:

One of the defining aspects of your establishment is its concept and theme, which you’ll need to describe clearly in your business plan. Whether it’s a simple sports bar, speakeasy, or high-end nightclub, have a fully developed idea of what your venue will be and what purpose it will serve.

You also need to consider how to meet market needs. If you’re following trending concepts, you’ll know that roof-top bars and lounges are popular now. Or, perhaps you want your venue to be an activity-based bar that offers an art gallery, board games, or mini-golf?  

Part of your business plan also includes setting your mission statement and goals. These should outline your vision and will influence who invests in your bar. Your mission statement should be a comprehensive statement that details what sets you apart from other bars and should include your company’s values.

bar and restaurant business plan

It’s important to link your statement to your business concept. You should consider how your values and goals are influenced by what makes your bar unique - including your overall purpose.

Next, you need to propose a location for your bar. Venues close to stores, shopping, centers, and tourist attractions, typically get good visibility and attract a lot of foot traffic. Because of the number of people moving through these areas daily, they also usually offer a decent level of security for your customers.

Another consideration for location is to avoid suburban areas where neighbors might lodge noise complaints. Should this happen, it can mean regulations stipulate earlier closing times for your venue so as not to disturb the peace.  

Finally, look for a space where there’s low competition, and your business can shine. There are plenty of strips crowded with bars and nightclubs. While these might attract a decent amount of foot traffic, you’ll need to work much harder to draw people into your place if one establishment has already made a name for itself.

For this reason, aim to secure a spot with little competition. It could mean having a unique concept bar that overshadows the competition. Or it could mean selecting a space where your type of bar doesn’t yet exist.

Ease of Accessibility

Potential customers need to be able to access your bar easily, or they will go elsewhere. They might drive, take public transport, or use a ridesharing company to travel to your venue. It’s up to you to ensure there are ways and means to get them conveniently to the front door.

ease of accessibility

Here, you should be looking for a venue where you can offer parking to your patrons. It should also be accessible to ride-hailing services and close to public transport.

2. Customer Overview

No bar establishment would be successful without its customers. As part of your bar business plan, include a profile of the type of customer you hope to attract. Consider who your target market is and how it aligns with your bar concept.

You should also outline your demographic's age, income, and interests. You’ll need this information later when developing marketing strategies for your business.  

3. Management Overview

The next step in your bar business plan is building a team structure. Your crafty bar concept requires talented people to execute it properly.

Your bartenders are the face of your establishment. Essentially, they can make or break your customer’s impression of your venue. When going through the hiring process, you’ll need to consider each individual’s personality, qualifications, experience, and skills.

Ideally, you want at least one experienced bartender who knows the ropes and can help set up operations, deal with bar management, and train the team. They will also be able to help streamline any teething issues that come up as a result of starting a new business.

From the get-go, outline your bartending teams’ possible responsibilities and the duties they’ll need to undertake. This can help set expectations ahead of advertising jobs and interviewing potential candidates.

barbacks

Bar-backs don’t need as much experience as bartenders or servers as they aren’t in the customer eye as much. But they must be willing and eager to learn. They are essential to keeping everything running smoothly and work closely with the bartender as an assistant.

For this reason, they need a solid foundational knowledge of the industry, ingredients, and barware in general.

Depending on your business concept and operational model, you may or may not need to employ servers. Some high-end venues have servers to reduce the crowd around the bar and deliver drinks to the table. Additionally, you’ll need to hire servers if you offer any food.

When building out your staffing plan, you’ll need to determine where your establishment lands with that requirement. Make a note here to look for bar industry candidates with alcohol training who know how to serve alcohol safely and legally.

4. Drinks Menu Plan

Your drinks menu is your bar’s product. To be successful, it’s essential to get this offering right.

While your beverage list will undoubtedly change over time, don’t neglect to include a sample menu in your business plan. This will give potential investors an idea of what’s in store and possibly help you secure funding.

Descriptions

Your drinks menu is the selling point of your bar business and the star of the show. If you can excite and entice patrons with promises of wonderful flavors, you’ll be onto a gold mine.

So, it’s important to include product descriptions in your menu, particularly for signature drinks. Each listing should detail the ingredients of individual drinks, any garnishes they may come with, and add-ons your customers can choose from.

Beverage Names

Name cocktails

A successful bar is only as strong as its product. So, aligning your drinks with your bar’s brand and concept is important. Get together with a mixologist to create one or several signature drinks that will be uniquely your own. Give these drinks names that play to the overall theme of your business.

Product Sourcing

Many establishments lean on particular products as their claim to fame. For example, you might want to be known as a French wine bistro, local brewery, or craft cocktail spot. Decide what you wish your unique story to be and reflect this in your plan for product sourcing.

Of course, sourcing locally is the most sustainable way to go. You can also build relationships with vendors in your community, which can help bring people into your venue.  

Industry Trends

It’s essential to do your research and stay abreast of industry trends. Note what these are in your business plan, as this will help keep customers walking through your doors.

For example, one of the most popular cocktail trends in the bar scene is smoke-infused or smoked cocktails. Some mixologists may also use smoke bubbles to infuse the cocktail with a smoky aroma. This trend has gained fame in the last few years and adds a new twist to the cocktail-drinking experience.

Small Food Menu (Small Bites)

Food and beverages go hand in hand. If you plan a small menu with, say, tapas or easy eats, you can increase your revenue. It will prevent your guests from leaving to find something to eat.

Suppose you don’t want the hassle of food storage and preparation. In that case, consider formulating a partnership with a local eatery or small food business that can deliver a menu of select freshly-made items to your establishment.

tapas bar

5. Licenses

It’s key to plan out your business licenses carefully. If you don’t have the right ones in place, you won’t be able to operate.

Tavern License

When putting together your bar business plan, it’s important to research whether you need a tavern license. It’s a government-issued license for restaurants, bars, or businesses with more than 50% liquor sales.  

Beer and Wine License

If you’re planning on starting a beerhouse or wine lounge, you may only need to apply for a beer and wine license. This will restrict your sales to wine and malt beverages, as you won’t be able to sell hard liquors like spirits. Whether you need to apply for this license depends on your bar's concept.

Health/Food Service License

With a small food menu, you’ll likely need to note on your restaurant and bar business plan to apply for a food service license. It’s a requirement to serve any type of food within your establishment. To obtain a food service license, you’ll need to ensure that your bar follows strict rules and regulations laid out by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration .

Music License

Music is one of the key elements of creating ambiance in a venue. But did you know that streaming music from your digital subscription with Spotify or Deezer is not actually operating within the law? This is true even if you’re playing music through a TV or radio.

group of friends enjoying music at rooftop bar

The right way to go about this is to pay a Performance Rights Organization (PRO) or music service that will send royalties to the relevant artists. For the most part, this doesn’t apply to bands or performers who play live at your venue.

6. Market Research

Performing market research as part of your bar business plan is key to understanding your opportunities and how to capitalize on them.  

Industry Research

Part of your research should be to determine the market size you can potentially snag. Look at other bars already operating in the area, consider the industry as a whole, and determine what trends are driving it forward.  

Target Market

What needs will your bar solve for your target market? You can find out who they are and what they want by considering the local neighborhood and bar type.

It’s also an idea to look at census data to see how many potential customers within a certain demographic live within a reachable radius of your proposed location.

Market Share and Price Point

When doing your market analysis, consider similar bar businesses that have come before you. What do their successes and failures look like? Why did they crash and burn, or soar to new heights? Take these lessons and figure out how to apply them so your business can succeed.

Furthermore, what will your entry into the market mean for the local community? Are you creating new job opportunities? Or are you going to bring in an unruly crowd of patrons they hope to avoid? Knowing this information will help you be accepted and create connections rather than catastrophes.

Bar marketshare

Lastly, consider what your ‘competitors’ or other similar industry businesses are charging for their drinks and services. Run a competitive analysis in the area to determine your potential price point and how you can stand out.

7. Bar Marketing

Utilizing a marketing plan in the right way helps you take measured steps to get your establishment in front of potential customers. Here are the strategies to get started:

Create a Brand

The key to starting a successful business - and keeping it open - is to create a memorable brand identity. Your toolbox for promoting your brand should include your logo, colors, and ‘personality.’ Use these in a way that becomes synonymous with your bar, no matter where people interact with it.

Marketing Tools

Besides developing your brand identity, consider the channels you can market on to attract customers. At the very least, it should include your social channels, website, and media influencers.

8. Other Avenues to Increase Revenue

Besides being a bar and welcoming guests who come in with reservations or foot traffic, there are other avenues to increase your revenue.

Hosting events such as karaoke nights, wine tastings, or live music is an excellent way to attract larger crowds to your bar. You are guaranteed certain sales, can charge a cover fee, and get new people walking through the door.

Wine tasting event

If you go this route, we recommend using event management software to keep everything on track and work effortlessly with your team.

It’s no surprise that all businesses go through an ebb and flow of customer traffic. A great way to increase cash flow during slower periods is to introduce ideas like drink specials and happy hour discounts.

When you’re writing up a business plan, don’t forget to brainstorm ideas for a pre-opening promotion as a way to test the market. This can be as simple as a soft launch or as elaborate as a grand-opening celebration.

9. Financials

An important aspect of your business plan is to outline your potential start-up costs. These, along with the costs of day-to-day business operations, and financial projections, will attract or deter potential investors.

Your business plan should also highlight possible funding options like loans and investment opportunities you have available. Additionally, you’ll need to draw up a break-even analysis to determine how much revenue it will take to turn profits.  

Realizing your dream of owning the hottest bar in town starts with a great business plan. It will need to cover everything from your mission statement to your concept and drinks menu. This will help you build a sturdy management team, hire great employees, and attract people to your venue.

Want to know more about Perfect Venue for event management? Try it free to find out how it can be a fit for your new business.

Have thoughts on the article? Feel free to email us at [email protected] - we'd love to hear it!

example business plan bar lounge

BUSINESS STRATEGIES

How to create a bar business plan

  • Annabelle Amery
  • 11 min read

how to create a bar business plan

Starting a business can be an exciting and rewarding venture. However, it requires careful planning and strategizing to ensure its success. One crucial aspect of this planning process is creating a comprehensive and clear business plan . This holds true for any type of business , including a bar business.

A bar business plan is a written document that outlines the goals, strategies and financial projections for starting and operating a bar establishment. It serves as a roadmap for your team, guiding you through the various stages of setting up and managing your bar business.

Looking to take your bar business online by making a website ? Take Wix’s website builder for a spin.

How to create a bar business plan in 6 steps

Writing a comprehensive and clear business plan is crucial when starting any business. It provides a roadmap for success and helps entrepreneurs make informed decisions. A well-structured bar business plan typically consists of six main parts:

Executive summary

Business and domain names

Market analysis and research

Operations plan

Marketing and advertising plan

Financial plan

01. Executive summary

The executive summary is an overview of your bar business plan. It should concisely summarize the key points and highlight the most important aspects of your business. This section is typically written last, but it appears at the beginning of the plan.

To write a clear executive summary for a bar business, include the following elements:

Brief description of your bar concept and its unique selling proposition

Overview of your target market and the demand for your services

Summary of your financial projections, including revenue and profit estimates

Outline of your marketing and advertising strategies

Mention of any key partnerships or collaborations

Example of an executive summary

“XYZ Bar is a trendy, upscale establishment located in the heart of downtown. Our mission is to provide an unforgettable experience for our patrons by offering innovative cocktails, live entertainment and a vibrant atmosphere. With a focus on quality ingredients and exceptional customer service, we aim to become the go-to destination for young professionals seeking a sophisticated nightlife experience. Our projected revenue for the first year is $1 million, with an expected profit margin of 20%. We will implement targeted marketing campaigns through social media platforms and collaborate with local influencers to build brand awareness. XYZ Bar has secured partnerships with renowned mixologists, ensuring our beverage offerings are second to none.”

02. Business and domain names

Choosing the right business name for your bar is essential for building brand awareness and trust among your target audience. The name should reflect your bar's concept and resonate with your target market. To generate name ideas, you can use a business name generator —or specifically a restaurant name generator —for inspiration.

When selecting a domain name for your bar business, keep it short, memorable and easy to spell. Include relevant keywords where possible and avoid hyphens or numbers. Make sure that the name is available and can be registered—follow the necessary steps for registering your business .

03. Market analysis and research

Including a market analysis and research section in your bar business plan is crucial for understanding the competitive environment and developing effective business strategies. Conduct thorough market research to identify your target market, their preferences and the demand for your services. Analyze your competitors to understand their strengths, weaknesses and pricing strategies.

Key elements to include in this section:

Overview of the target market demographics and psychographics

Analysis of competitors, including their offerings and pricing

Description of your unique selling proposition and how you differentiate from competitors

Outline of your marketing strategies, such as social media marketing, partnerships and events

04. Operations plan

The operations plan outlines the logistical aspects of running your bar business. It includes details about the location, premises, equipment and staffing needs.

In this section, address the location of your bar and why it was chosen. This can include details about the premises including its layout and design. Then, incorporate necessary equipment and furnishings. You’ll also want to include staffing requirements, such as the number of employees, including their roles and responsibilities.

05. Marketing and advertising plan

The marketing and advertising plan outlines your strategies for promoting your bar business and attracting customers. It should include a mix of online and offline marketing tactics that are most effective for reaching your target audience. An effective way to market your bar business could be through social media marketing, a strategy that worked for Wix user, Strathcona Spirits ,

Our primary focus has always been social media—we use Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. The main thing for us, on social media, our website, and even the experience in the shop, is to be as inclusive as possible. Keeping the language of our spirits as simple as we can. Being transparent with our barrel routine and how things are aged. Using terms that are unnecessary, or trying to overcomplicate things, excludes people, and we would never want to do that. Our spirits are for everyone. Andrea Shubert, Co-founder Strathcona Spirits.

You can consider also including here an overview of your branding strategy, including your logo, colors and tone of voice. If you don’t have a logo yet, check Wix’s restaurant logo maker for inspiration.

Then, think about which marketing strategies to lead with. You can additionally consider traditional marketing tactics—such as print ads, radio spots or billboards—if applicable.

06. Financial plan

The financial plan is a pivotal aspect of a business plan, offering a detailed roadmap of how the bar business will be funded, its projected revenue and expenses, and the anticipated time frame for achieving profitability. This section provides stakeholders with crucial insights into the financial feasibility and sustainability of the bar business. It will likely include:

Startup costs and funding sources: Starting a bar business involves various upfront costs that need to be accurately estimated for proper financial planning. These costs encompass elements like lease or purchase of the premises, renovation and interior design, licensing and permits ( how to start an LLC and cost, for example), furniture and fixtures, bar equipment, initial inventory, marketing and staff training. Funding for these startup costs can come from a combination of sources, including personal savings, business loans, grants or investments from partners or stakeholders.

Revenue projections: Revenue projections provide a forecast of the expected income over a specific period, typically the first few years of the bar's operation. These projections should be based on careful market research, competitor analysis and realistic expectations.

Operating expenses: Operating expenses encompass costs associated with running the bar business on a day-to-day basis. These include rent or mortgage payments, utilities, staff salaries, marketing and advertising expenses, maintenance and repairs, supplies, insurance and other overhead costs.

Profit and loss projection: The profit and loss projection, also known as the income statement , provides an overview of the business's revenue, expenses and net profit or loss over a specific period. It offers insights into the financial health of the bar business and its potential profitability.

Timeframe for profitability: The timeframe for achieving profitability in a bar business can vary significantly based on factors such as location, target market, marketing strategies and operational efficiency. Typically, bars aim to reach profitability within the first year or two of operation.

Break-even analysis: The break-even point is the level of revenue at which the bar business covers all its expenses, resulting in zero net profit or loss. This is a critical milestone as it indicates the point at which the business starts generating profits.

Example of a break-even analysis calculation:

Fixed costs (annual): total fixed costs (rent, utilities, salaries, etc.)

Average revenue per month: estimate average revenue generated per month

Break-even point: fixed costs / average revenue per month

7 steps to developing a business plan

Bar business plan templates

To help you get started, here are two draft business plans for hypothetical bar businesses. Customize these templates according to your specific concept, target market and goals—and create a plan that’s all your own.

Bar business plan template 1: Upscale cocktail lounge

The Upscale Cocktail Lounge is a sophisticated bar concept located in the heart of a bustling city. Our mission is to provide an elevated drinking experience through expertly crafted cocktails, a curated selection of spirits, and a refined ambiance. With a target market of young professionals seeking upscale socializing environments, we aim to become the go-to destination for after-work drinks and weekend gatherings. Our projected revenue for the first year is $1.5 million, with an expected profit margin of 25%. We will implement marketing strategies targeting our ideal customers through social media platforms and collaborate with local influencers to build brand awareness.

Company name and domain name

The company name for this upscale cocktail lounge is "Elevate Lounge." The domain name chosen is www.elevatelounge.com, which reflects the concept's goal of providing an elevated experience to its customers.

Marketing analysis and research

Target market: Young professionals aged 25-40 with disposable income seeking upscale socializing experiences.

Competitors: Analyze other upscale cocktail lounges in the area, their offerings, pricing and target demographics.

Unique selling proposition: Highlight the unique features of Elevate Lounge that set it apart from competitors, such as signature cocktails or exclusive partnerships.

Marketing strategies: Develop a comprehensive marketing plan that includes social media marketing, influencer collaborations and hosting exclusive events to attract the target audience.

Location: Choose a prime location in the city center with high foot traffic and proximity to other upscale establishments.

Premises: Design a sleek and modern interior with comfortable seating arrangements and a well-stocked bar.

Equipment: List the necessary equipment for the bar, including high-quality glassware, cocktail-making tools and refrigeration units.

Staffing: Determine the number of bartenders, servers and support staff required to provide excellent service to customers.

Operating hours: Set operating hours based on customer demand and local regulations.

Target audience: Define the target audience more specifically, such as young professionals in specific industries or neighborhoods.

Branding strategy: Develop a unique brand identity with a logo, color scheme and tone of voice that aligns with the upscale nature of the lounge.

Social media marketing: Utilize platforms like Instagram and Facebook to showcase the ambiance, signature cocktails and upcoming events.

Influencer partnerships: Collaborate with local influencers who resonate with the target audience to promote Elevate Lounge through sponsored posts or event appearances.

Exclusive events: Organize special events like mixology workshops or live music nights to attract new customers and create buzz around the lounge.

The financial plan outlines how Elevate Lounge will be funded initially and its timeframe for reaching profitability. It includes projected revenue, expenses and cash flow for the first year, as well as a break-even analysis. Additionally, it should address potential funding sources, such as personal investment, loans or partnerships.

Bar business plan template 2: Neighborhood sports bar

The Neighborhood Sports Bar is a casual bar concept located in a residential area with a strong sense of community. Our mission is to create a welcoming environment where locals can gather to watch sports, enjoy good food and drinks and socialize. With a target market of sports enthusiasts and neighborhood residents, we aim to become the go-to spot for game nights and community events. Our projected revenue for the first year is $800,000, with an expected profit margin of 15%. We will implement marketing strategies targeting the local community through direct mail campaigns, partnerships with local sports teams and hosting trivia nights.

The company name for this neighborhood sports bar is "The Game Zone." The domain name chosen is www.thegamezonebar.com, which reflects the bar's focus on providing a space for sports enthusiasts to gather and enjoy their favorite games.

Target market: Sports enthusiasts of all ages residing in the local neighborhood.

Competitors: Analyze other sports bars in the area, their offerings, pricing and target demographics.

Unique selling proposition: Highlight the unique features of The Game Zone, such as multiple large screens for game viewing or a menu featuring specialty burgers named after local sports teams.

Marketing strategies: Develop a comprehensive marketing plan that includes direct mail campaigns targeting local residents, partnerships with local sports teams for cross-promotion and hosting regular trivia nights or game-watching parties.

Location: Choose a location in close proximity to the target neighborhood and easily accessible for residents.

Premises: Design a casual and comfortable interior with ample seating, multiple large screens for game viewing and a well-stocked bar.

Equipment: List the necessary equipment for the bar, including audiovisual systems, kitchen appliances and draft beer systems.

Staffing: Determine the number of bartenders, servers, kitchen staff and support staff required to provide excellent service during peak hours.

Operating hours : Set operating hours based on game schedules and customer demand.

Target audience: Define the target audience more specifically, such as sports enthusiasts in a specific age range or fans of particular sports teams.

Branding strategy: Develop a brand identity that reflects the casual and community-focused nature of The Game Zone.

Direct mail campaigns: Send targeted direct mail campaigns to local residents to promote special offers, game nights or trivia events.

Sports team partnerships: Collaborate with local sports teams to offer exclusive discounts or host pre-game events for fans.

Trivia nights and game-watching parties: Organize regular trivia nights or game-watching parties to attract customers during popular sporting events.

The financial plan outlines how The Game Zone will be funded initially and its timeframe for reaching profitability. It includes projected revenue, expenses and cash flow for the first year, as well as a break-even analysis. Additionally, it should address potential funding sources, such as personal investment, loans or partnerships.

Why create a bar business plan? Top benefits to consider

Creating a business plan is important for several reasons. First and foremost, it provides a clear vision and direction for the new venture. Beyond this, it helps you to:

Attract funding: A well-crafted business plan is essential for attracting investors and securing funding for your bar business. Potential investors and lenders want to see a clear and comprehensive plan that demonstrates the viability and potential profitability of your venture. By showcasing your market research, financial projections and growth strategies, you can instill confidence in investors and increase your chances of raising money for your business .

Outline resource requirements: One of the primary benefits of writing a business plan is gaining a thorough understanding of the resources, supplies and staff required to start and operate your bar business. By conducting detailed research and analysis, you can identify the necessary equipment, licenses, permits and staffing needs.

Plan more strategically: A business plan provides a roadmap for success by outlining your goals, strategies and tactics. It helps you define your target market, understand customer preferences, and develop effective marketing strategies.

Identify potential challenges: Writing a business plan forces you to consider potential challenges and risks that may arise during the course of your bar business. By conducting a thorough SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis, you can identify potential obstacles and develop contingency plans to mitigate them.

Monitor progress: A business plan serves as a benchmark for measuring your bar business's performance. By regularly reviewing your financial projections, sales targets and marketing strategies, you can track your progress and make necessary adjustments.

Enhance collaboration and communication: A comprehensive business plan serves as a communication tool for stakeholders, employees and potential partners. It clearly conveys your vision, mission, and objectives to all parties involved. Additionally, it facilitates collaboration by providing a shared understanding of the business's direction and goals. This enhanced communication fosters teamwork and alignment among all stakeholders.

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Bar and Lounge Business Plan Template

🍸 bar and lounge business plan template: mixing success with style 🎶.

Elevate Your Nightlife Venture with Our Custom Business Plan Template Designed for Bar and Lounge Entrepreneurs!

📄 Bar and Lounge Business Plan Template Overview

Introducing our Bar and Lounge Business Plan Template, a comprehensive blueprint for entrepreneurs inspired to create a captivating nightlife experience. This detailed guide provides a step-by-step strategy for launching or revitalizing a bar and lounge, blending ambiance, entertainment, and innovative beverage offerings with smart business practices.

🌟 Highlighted Features

  • Word Document Template A customizable and editable template, expertly crafted to navigate the unique challenges and opportunities of the bar and lounge industry.
  • Executive Summary A concise, compelling introduction that encapsulates the essence of your bar and lounge, critical for attracting investors, partners, and a sophisticated clientele.
  • Company Description A detailed section to outline your concept, the atmosphere you aim to create, and what sets your establishment apart in the competitive nightlife market.
  • Market Analysis A basic exploration of the bar and lounge sector, providing insights into current trends, customer demographics, and the competitive landscape to position your business for success.
  • Organizational Structure A clear depiction of your business’s structure, detailing roles and the operational workflow for delivering an exceptional guest experience.
  • Marketing Strategies Customized marketing plans designed to effectively promote your bar and lounge, focusing on branding, social media marketing, and special events to attract and retain patrons.
  • Funding Request Guidance on crafting a persuasive funding proposal to secure the necessary capital for venue design, inventory procurement, and initial operating expenses.
  • 12-month profit and loss projection.
  • 5-year pro forma income statement.
  • A user-friendly, adaptable Excel File.
  • The ability to adjust for various revenue streams, cost management, and staffing requirements.
  • Detailed financial analysis for strategic planning and investor discussions.

🍹 Tailored for Nightlife Excellence

Our template is designed for maximum adaptability, enabling you to tailor each section to the specific needs of your bar and lounge. The Excel financial model is an essential tool for managing your finances, adapting to the vibrant dynamics of the nightlife scene.

🎉 Crafting the Ultimate Destination for Nightlife Aficionados

Begin your journey in the bar and lounge industry with a strategic and comprehensive business plan. Our Bar and Lounge Business Plan Template is not just a document; it’s a roadmap to creating a successful, buzzing nightlife venue.

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  • - Completed Pricing Strategy
  • - SWOT Analysis Completed
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  • - Funding Request Section
  • - Step-by-Step Tutorial for Business Plan Doc.
  • - Step-by-Step Tutorial for Financial Projections Model

Quality Business Plan Bar or Lounge Templates

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  • Plus... - Completed Pricing Strategy
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  • Plus... - Organizational Chart... Done!
  • Plus... - Funding Request Section... Yes!
  • Plus... - Step-by-Step Tutorial for Business Plan Doc.
  • Plus... - Step-by-Step Tutorial for Financial Projections Model

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All of our business plans come with FREE business plan writing tutorials.  Business plan writing tutorials range from customizing your executive summary section to using our proprietary financial model!!

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Basic bar and lounge business plan template.

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Basic Bar and Lounge Business Plan Templates Includes:

  • Executive Summary
  • Company Description
  • Bar and Nightclub Industry Analysis INCLUDED!
  • Organizational Structure.
  • Funding Request
  • 12-month profit and loss statement
  • 5-year pro forma income statement
  • Basic customizable Excel File
  • Ability to change revenues, costs, and labor.
  • 12 Profit and Loss
  • 5-Yr Annual Projections.

Instructional Video:

Advanced Bar and Lounge

Business plan templates include:.

  • Pricing strategies
  • Future plans
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  • Keys to Success
  • Business Objectives and Timeline
  • SWOT Analysis
  • Industry-Related Analysis INCLUDED!
  • Organizational Chart
  • Traditional
  • Social media
  • Networking strategy
  • Competitive strategy
  • Operations strategy
  • Strategic planning
  • Marketing Strategy
  • Expected strategy
  • Detrimental strategy
  • Startup costs
  • Financial assumptions
  • Financial highlights
  • Financial highlights graph
  • 24-month profit and loss statement
  • 5-year pro forma balance sheet
  • Valuation based on cashflows
  • Breakeven analysis
  • Breakeven analysis chart
  • Best Case/Worse Case Proforma
  • Information page
  • 24-month profit and loss
  • Vision for company
  • The current state of the company
  • Stage 1 Objectives
  • Stage 2 Objectives
  • Stage 3 Objectives
  • Plan of Action
  • Summary of Business Plan
  • Summary of Financial Projections
  • Summary of Funding Request

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Three Benefits of a Bar and Lounge Business Plan Template

Navigating the vibrant yet challenging bar and lounge sector requires more than just enthusiasm; it demands strategic planning and insight. A well-crafted business plan is crucial in this competitive field, and our tailored bar and lounge business plan template, complete with instructive tutorials, offers significant advantages for newcomers and seasoned players in the industry.

The first significant advantage of our template is its comprehensive location analysis section. This section is meticulously designed to help business owners customize details such as their establishment's size, external appearance, and geographic location. It cleverly uses percentage allocations to distinguish between areas like the dining/bar space and back-end operations, including office space, kitchen, and storage areas. This format is handy for making quick, effective modifications to suit the specific needs and vision of your bar or lounge project.

Next, the template stands out by incorporating current and reliable industry research, primarily sourced from IBIS World, a leader in market analysis. This research lays a solid groundwork for understanding the bar and lounge market, offering an invaluable reference point for further exploration. Users of our template benefit from this high-quality, trustworthy data, a crucial element in crafting a robust business plan.

The third and equally important benefit is the template's extensive financial section. This section is instrumental for detailed financial forecasting, including revenue predictions, cost analysis, and profit evaluations. Such detailed financial projections are crucial to attracting investors, securing loans, and guiding sound business decisions.

In summary, our bar and lounge business plan template is essential, providing a detailed location analysis, current industry insights, and a comprehensive financial planning section. These features transform the business plan from a mere document into a strategic asset, setting your bar and lounge venture on a path to success. Remember, in this business, the goal is to serve drinks and craft a strategy for triumph.

Wishing you success,

Date: 12/23

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Lounge Business Plan

example business plan bar lounge

So you are starting a lounge. Excellent.

A social and fun atmosphere, high potential profitability, and creative freedom make it a wise business choice for any passionate entrepreneur.

However, putting together a foolproof business plan will increase the chances of success.

Need help writing a business plan for your lounge business? You’re at the right place. Our lounge business plan template will help you get started.

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  • Fill in the blanks – Outline
  • Financial Tables

How to Write a Lounge Business Plan?

Writing a lounge business plan is a crucial step toward the success of your business. Here are the key steps to consider when writing a business plan:

1. Executive Summary

An executive summary is the first section planned to offer an overview of the entire business plan. However, it is written after the entire business plan is ready and summarizes each section of your plan.

Introduce your business:

  • This section may include the name of your lounge business, its location, when it was founded, the type of lounge business (E.g., cocktail lounges, sports lounges, virtual reality lounges.), etc.

Market opportunity:

Product and services:.

  • For instance, You may sell retail products, offer relaxation services, sell food and beverages, provide VIP services, provide event spaces, etc.

Marketing & sales strategies:

Financial highlights:, call to action:.

Ensure your executive summary is clear, concise, easy to understand, and jargon-free.

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2. Business Overview

The business overview section of your business plan offers detailed information about your company. The details you add will depend on how important they are to your business. Yet, business name, location, business history, and future goals are some of the foundational elements you must consider adding to this section:

Business description:

  • Cocktail lounge
  • Cigar lounges
  • Sports lounges
  • Board game lounges
  • Virtual reality lounges
  • Describe the legal structure of your lounge business, whether it is a sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, or others.
  • Explain where your business is located and why you selected the place.

Mission statement:

Business history:.

  • Additionally, If you have received any awards or recognition for excellent work, describe them.

Future goal:

This section should provide a thorough understanding of your business, its history, and its future plans. Keep this section engaging, precise, and to the point.

3. Market Analysis

The market analysis section of your business plan should offer a thorough understanding of the industry with the target market, competitors, and growth opportunities. You should include the following components in this section.

Target market:

  • For instance, young adults, professionals, event-goers, and music lovers could be an ideal target market for a lounge business.

Market size and growth potential:

Competitive analysis:, market trends:.

  • Health and wellness concerns, for instance, are driving the demand for healthier food and drink options, explain how you plan to cope with this market trend.

Regulatory environment:

Here are a few tips for writing the market analysis section of your lounge business plan:

  • Conduct market research, industry reports, and surveys to gather data.
  • Provide specific and detailed information whenever possible.
  • Illustrate your points with charts and graphs.
  • Write your business plan keeping your target audience in mind.

4. Products And Services

The product and services section should describe the specific services and products that will be offered to customers. To write this section should include the following:

Quality measures:

  • This may include following strict cleanliness protocols, safety and security measures, food and beverage quality check, and other quality measures.

Additional services:

  • Concierge services
  • Spa and wellness services
  • Food and beverages
  • Comfortable seating
  • Private rooms

In short, this section of your lounge plan must be informative, precise, and client-focused. By providing a clear and compelling description of your offerings, you can help potential investors and readers understand the value of your business.

5. Sales And Marketing Strategies

Writing the sales and marketing strategies section means a list of strategies you will use to attract and retain your clients. Here are some key elements to include in your sales & marketing plan:

Unique selling proposition (USP):

  • For example, a unique atmosphere and ambiance, signature drinks, high-end amenities, and personalized services could be some of the great USPs for a lounge bar.

Pricing strategy:

Marketing strategies:, sales strategies:, customer retention:.

Overall, this section of your lounge business plan should focus on customer acquisition and retention.

Have a specific, realistic, and data-driven approach while planning sales and marketing strategies for your lounge business, and be prepared to adapt or make strategic changes in your strategies based on feedback and results.

6. Operations Plan

The operations plan section of your business plan should outline the processes and procedures involved in your business operations, such as staffing requirements and operational processes. Here are a few components to add to your operations plan:

Staffing & training:

Operational process:, equipment & facilities:.

  • Explain how these equipment and facilities help you maintain quality standards and improve the efficiency of your business operations.

Adding these components to your operations plan will help you lay out your business operations, which will eventually help you manage your business effectively.

7. Management Team

The management team section provides an overview of your lounge business’s management team. This section should provide a detailed description of each manager’s experience and qualifications, as well as their responsibilities and roles.

Founder/CEO:

Key managers:.

  • It should include, key executives, senior management, and other department managers (e.g. bar manager, chef, general manager.) involved in the lounge business operations, including their education, professional background, and any relevant experience in the hospitality industry.

Organizational structure:

Compensation plan:, advisors/consultants:.

Mentioning advisors or consultants in your business plans adds credibility to your business idea.

This section should describe the key personnel for your services, highlighting how you have the perfect team to succeed.

8. Financial Plan

Your financial plan section should provide a summary of your business’s financial projections for the first few years. Here are some key elements to include in your financial plan:

Profit & loss statement:

Cash flow statement:, balance sheet:, break-even point:.

  • This exercise will help you understand how much revenue you need to generate to sustain or be profitable.

Financing needs:

Be realistic with your financial projections, and make sure you offer relevant information and evidence to support your estimates.

9. Appendix

The appendix section of your plan should include any additional information supporting your business plan’s main content, such as market research, legal documentation, financial statements, and other relevant information.

  • Add a table of contents for the appendix section to help readers easily find specific information or sections.
  • In addition to your financial statements, provide additional financial documents like tax returns, a list of assets within the business, credit history, and more. These statements must be the latest and offer financial projections for at least the first three or five years of business operations.
  • Provide data derived from market research, including stats about the lounge industry, user demographics, and industry trends.
  • Include any legal documents such as permits, licenses, and contracts.
  • Include any additional documentation related to your business plan, such as product brochures, marketing materials, operational procedures, etc.

Use clear headings and labels for each section of the appendix so that readers can easily find the necessary information.

Remember, the appendix section of your lounge business plan should only include relevant and important information supporting your plan’s main content.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

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This sample lounge business plan will provide an idea for writing a successful lounge plan, including all the essential components of your business.

After this, if you still need clarification about writing an investment-ready business plan to impress your audience, download our lounge business plan pdf .

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Frequently asked questions, why do you need a lounge business plan.

A business plan is an essential tool for anyone looking to start or run a successful lounge business. It helps to get clarity in your business, secures funding, and identifies potential challenges while starting and growing your business.

Overall, a well-written plan can help you make informed decisions, which can contribute to the long-term success of your lounge company.

How to get funding for your lounge business?

There are several ways to get funding for your lounge business, but self-funding is one of the most efficient and speedy funding options. Other options for funding are:

Small Business Administration (SBA) loan

Crowdfunding, angel investors.

Apart from all these options, there are small business grants available, check for the same in your location and you can apply for it.

Where to find business plan writers for your lounge business?

There are many business plan writers available, but no one knows your business and ideas better than you, so we recommend you write your lounge business plan and outline your vision as you have in your mind.

What is the easiest way to write your lounge business plan?

A lot of research is necessary for writing a business plan, but you can write your plan most efficiently with the help of any lounge business plan example and edit it as per your need. You can also quickly finish your plan in just a few hours or less with the help of our business plan software.

About the Author

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Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

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The Ultimate Nightclub Business Plan Sample

The Ultimate Nightclub Business Plan Sample

Orange Nightclub Business Plan Banner

It’s well established that the Covid-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on bars and nightclubs around the world. As vaccines are rolled out worldwide, many nightclubs have been able to reopen under strict health protocols.

Despite these silver linings, opening and managing a successful nightclub in the current climate is more challenging than ever before. This is why creating a well-thought-out nightclub business plan is absolutely essential.

Doing so will help you lay out the steps you need to take to start a nightclub and plan how to get your target market through the door. However, it can be challenging to know exactly what to include.

This article is a sample nightclub business plan you can use as inspiration for your own. It will focus on a fictional venue called The Edge. Before we go into more detail about that, let’s first take a look at why a business plan can be useful.

Table of Contents

  • 1 Why does my nightclub need a business plan?
  • 2 Nightclub Business Plan – Executive Summary
  • 3 Business Overview
  • 4 Mission Statement
  • 5 Start-up Expenses
  • 6 Market Analysis
  • 7 Market Challenges
  • 8 Competitive Edge
  • 9 Competitor Analysis
  • 10 Customer Analysis
  • 11 Sales Plan
  • 12 Marketing Plan
  • 13.1 Financial Plan
  • 14 Wrapping up

Why does my nightclub need a business plan?

If this is your first time writing a business plan, you may be wondering what the purpose of these documents are and why they are so important. Here are a few reasons why business plans are helpful:

Establish key milestones 

When starting a new business, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of the process. A business plan will help you outline what your business’s long-term goals are and how you will achieve them.

Having a clear understanding of your long-term goals will also guide your decision-making process. For example, if you intend on expanding your business in future, a business plan will outline when you will need to secure funding to get this right.

example business plan bar lounge

Image: Green Chameleon/Unsplash

Identify the competition 

Creating a business plan will also help you to identify who the competitors in your area are and what your nightclub’s unique selling proposition is. This section of your business plan will also help potential investors understand how your nightclub will stand out from competitors and why it will be successful.

Understand your customers 

A business plan also gives you the opportunity to do extensive research into who your customers are to better understand their buying habits. This allows you to create better experiences for your customers and find out the best marketing strategies to reach them.

Assess the viability of your business 

One of the other benefits of creating a business plan is that it allows you to critically evaluate whether or not your business will be viable. The process of creating a business plan involves researching the market and whether or not your business will be a good fit for it. This process will also help investors understand the underlying strengths and weaknesses of your business and whether it’s worth funding.

example business plan bar lounge

Image: Campaign Creators/Unsplash

Determine your financial requirements 

Writing a business plan requires you to outline how much start-up capital you will need to get your business off the ground, what your projected profits are and whether or not you need additional funding. This is also useful because it might help you identify other revenue streams you can explore to make your business a success.

Nightclub Business Plan – Executive Summary

The Edge is a new nightclub in the growing downtown area of the city.

The area has seen several bars and music venues open up in recent years, and it’s becoming a popular place to go out. However, the city does not yet have a nightclub. This means there is an opportunity for The Edge to fill a gap in the market.

The nightclub will have space for 500 customers. It will specialize in high-energy electronic music and put club nights on from Wednesday through to Friday. The night club will also run after-parties for gigs and other events in the city.

The Edge will earn money through a cover charge and serving mixed drinks. The price of entry will vary depending on the night. We will offer discounts to those who arrive early or sign up to the guest list to help build an audience. We will also run a customer loyalty scheme to build a dedicated core customer group.

Other marketing ideas we will explore include being active on social media, building an email list, and collaborating with non-competing businesses near our location.

The nightclub will have two large bars that will serve spirits, soft drinks, mixers, and beer. We will also have higher-value drinks such as bottles of premium spirits and champagne for VIP customers.

The Edge will have start-up expenses of $275,000. In the first three years, we anticipate a total income of $511,200, $616,000, and $732,700.

This will lead to net profits of:

Year 1: -$62,040

Year 2: $8,750,

Year 3: $62,040.

Nightclub Business Plan Graph of Profit

Business Overview

Nightclubs at Night on a Busy Street

The Edge will be a partnership between Jordan Craft and Anna Penn. Both owners have significant experience running clubs and will share management duties.

The nightclub will be located in an old office block on Second Street. This is a central location that is a short walk from several of the area’s most popular bars. It is also easily accessible by public transport from other parts of the city.

The two owners have already received permission from the relevant authorities to open a nightclub business in the area. The new venue is well-placed to be used as a nightclub but will require renovations such as soundproofing, creating a bar and dance area, and adding fixtures to ensure the venue adheres to social distancing protocols.

The Edge’s main selling points are:

  • It will be the only club in an area with a growing nightlife scene.
  • Its location is near to other bars.
  • The owners’ experience of running successful entertainment venues.

Mission Statement

The Edge aims to provide a Covid-friendly, inclusive space for those who want to dance and have a good time late into the night. It will showcase cutting-edge, high-energy music trends and host talented DJs. This will help establish it as a top music venue, not just locally but throughout the city.

Start-up Expenses

Jordan and Anna will each invest $150,000 in The Edge. This will cover the start-up expenses of $275,000. A breakdown of these costs is listed below.

Startup Nightclub Costs Graph

Market Analysis

Nightclub Business at Night

The popularity of high-energy Electronic Dance Music (EDM) in the U.S. has seen year-on-year growth. As a result of the pandemic, total revenue in the bar and nightclub industry has seen a decline.

This has also coincided with a decrease in the number of nightclub venues. However, with vaccines being rolled out and economies opening up again, the steady increase in demand suggests there is room for our business to be successful.

Additionally, nightlife in the local area has grown over the last five years, with several new venues opening and operating successfully. Before the pandemic the bars nearby were busy, especially on weekends, and many of them had to turn away customers on busy nights. We believe this shows there is room in the market for The Edge.

Market Challenges

In addition to the pandemic, we are aware of other challenges in the industry.

Drinking guidelines are in place that suggest limits for the amount of alcohol people should consume. Additionally, the latest figures show that young people are drinking less than in previous years. As a venue that will generate cash flow from liquor sales, this is a worry.

There are several policies we will put in place to overcome this challenge to make our venue attractive to our target market. First, we sell a variety of non-alcoholic drinks at the bar. We are especially excited about the trend for non- or low-alcohol beers.

example business plan bar lounge

Image: Crew/Unsplash

Additionally, by attracting strong local and national DJ talent, we expect to create events that appeal due to the music, not just as a chance to drink alcohol. By charging an entrance fee for these events, we will be able to monetize customers who do not purchase drinks.

Another challenge is the possibility that other clubs will open nearby. However, there are currently no planning applications for another nightclub in the area. While this could change, we believe that by being the first we will be able to cement our reputation as a high-quality venue.

Competitive Edge

There are several reasons why we believe The Edge will be a successful business.

Reason #1: The Owners

Jordan and Anna have been involved in the nightlife business for several years. They have experience of what it takes to open and run a successful nightlife venue.

They also have expertise in promoting and they know what makes a great event. Their experience means they have an extensive network and plenty of industry connections, including venue owners, DJs, promoters, and suppliers.

Reason #2: The Location

The club is located in an up-and-coming district with a high-energy nightlife scene. While there are other bars around, there are no other clubs in the area, which means no direct competition. While competitors may open in the future, being there first is a fantastic opportunity to cement The Edge’s reputation as a quality venue.

Reason #3: The Venue Itself

The club has a great location nearby other venues, yet it stands out due to being significantly larger and having space for customers to keep a safe distance from one another and still have an enjoyable time. The venue has not been used as a nightclub before, so it will require complete renovations—this is an excellent opportunity for Jordan and Anna to create a specialized music venue.

Competitor Analysis

While there are no clubs in the area, there are eight other bars as well as two live music venues. There are also several restaurants.

The Edge’s main advantage over these businesses is that it will be a place specifically for dancing. We will open later, and our competitors simply do not provide similar services.

Citywide, there are six other clubs that we consider to be competitors. The population of the city means there is plenty of room for another new venue. We believe we can provide an experience that is better than the majority of the existing clubs.

Customer Analysis

The area has a high percentage of young professionals who enjoy nightlife and have money to spend on entertainment—as demonstrated by its growing nightlife scene.

Additionally, there are several new developments—both apartments and offices—being built nearby that means the size of the population is only likely to increase.

We have surveyed 1,000 members of the local community between the ages of 21 and 30, and they were receptive to the idea of a club. 85% said that if one opened they would be interested in attending, with 68% saying they would likely visit at least once a month.

example business plan bar lounge

Image: Samantha Gades/Unsplash

We may attract some students from the nearby college or older professionals on special nights out, but we anticipate the majority of our crowd being young professionals. As such, this is where we will focus our marketing.

New Business Nightclub Drinks

We will bring in revenue from both door takings and drinks. We anticipate setting door fees at between $5 and $15, depending on the night. On less busy nights during the week, there will be no entrance fee.

We expect the average cover to be $10.

Drinks will sell for between $2 and $6. Our VIP section will allow people to buy full bottles of spirits or champagne. The average cost of a drink will be $4.

We will also sell snacks at the end of the night. These will cost $8.50 on average.

Based on these figures, we anticipate bringing in $511,200 in year 1. This will go up to $616,500 in the year 2 and $732,700 in year 3.

Nightclub Sales Graph

Minus the cost of sales, this will result in a gross revenue of $428,560, $516,150, and $610,940.

Marketing Plan

We will promote The Edge using a variety of nightclub marketing strategies. We have already spoken to several local bars, and they seem open to collaborations. Ideas currently being considered include offering discounts on nightclub entry to people who can show drinks receipts from those bars.

Before opening, we will reach out to both local news outlets and local nightlife outlets to get press coverage. We will focus on our USP of being the first nightclub in the area, the owners’ strong connection to the scene and how we will adhere to Covid-19 protocols.

Once we are open, we will work to build a following on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, which we will use to promote our club nights. We will also develop an email list by providing discounts to people who give us their email address when entering the club.

We will use these platforms to build anticipation and promote events, as well as operate our guest list. In the future, we may sell tickets online for special occasions such as New Year or if we bring in well-known DJs to perform.

example business plan bar lounge

Image: Zac Bromell/Unsplash

Creating a community and a base of repeat customers as a new venue is important to us. We will increase the chances of this happening by operating an app-based VIP loyalty scheme, which will see regular customers receive benefits such as priority entrance and drink discounts.

Management Team and Personnel

The owners, Jordan and Anna, will manage the day-to-day running of the nightclub. As well as their industry experience, Anna studied management during her undergraduate degree and Jordan has spent time as a touring DJ.

The Edge will require six bar staff on busy nights and three bar staff during the week. Each shift will have one senior employee to supervise the team. For nights with a door fee, we will hire someone to receive payments.

We will also hire a house DJ as well as other special DJs for events. We anticipate hiring three security staff to man the door and perform security inside.

Jordan and Anna will each pay themselves $25,000 per year in the first year, with this increase in the following years. Bar staff, security, and other help will be paid $12 per hour, with the average shift lasting from 9 pm till 5 am at weekends or 9 pm till 3 am during the week. This includes prep time and post-closing processes.

Total expected personnel costs for the first three years are listed below.

Financial Plan

We have included detailed financial projections for The Edge in the table below.

Wrapping up

Opening a nightclub in the current climate will be no easy feat. Not only will you need to make sure you get enough customers through the door to make a profit, but you will also need to ensure all health protocols are followed to a tee.

By following the structure of the business plan in this article, you’ll better understand the steps you need to take to make your nightclub venture successful and the challenges you will need to overcome. For nightclub promotion ideas, take a look at this article.

If you’re planning to open a nightclub and are interested in building an app to encourage customer loyalty, get in touch with AppInstitute today .

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Examples

Bar Business Plan

example business plan bar lounge

Do you want to put up a bar as a business ? If this has been your aspiration or desire for a long time already, make sure that you have the proper processes and business plan guidelines that can help you present your bar business plan to your target audience in the best way possible. In this article we will discuss how you can write a business plan for your bar startup.

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What Is a Bar Business Plan?

Like any other business plan, this specifically helps owners have a plan for their bar. It contains business goals and a timeframe to achieve them. It serves as a blueprint that guides bar owners in running day to day operations, drawing a growing number of patrons, and becoming a reputable establishment. It is also for getting financial support from potential partners and a guide for the management and operational processes of the business.

How To Draft a Bar Business Plan

No matter the purpose of your bar business plan, it is important for you to identify your business’ vision and mission. That way you can create a business plan that is necessary and helpful for the needs of your business. Check out restaurant and coffee shop business plans as a reference to get started. If you need more ideas, check out these tips in creating a bar business plan.

1. Be Aware Of The Market

Before you begin your business plan, understand the dynamics of the market for bar establishments. Knowing the needs of your customers, the trends that dictate the shift in the marketplace, and the way your competition reacts to certain scenarios can help you properly and carefully execute action plans for your bar business’s growth may it be in reach, actual sales, or brand awareness.

2. Create An Executive Summary

Come up with a bar business plan executive summary that can showcase the mission and vision of the business. You also have to make sure that this overview of what the business plan is all about should contain the principles and values that guide your business as well as the key factors that you need to consider for your successes.

3. Make An Organizational Structure

Describe the company and the nature of its operations before giving details about ownership and management. A start-up summary is most likely helpful in ensuring that the business will follow legal procedures and regulations for its operations.

4. List Down Your Resources

It is important for you to present the financial aspect of the business so that you can attract potential partners and investors, if necessary and applicable. Include information about your products and suppliers as well so that you can keep track of where you can get resources.

What are cocktails?

Cocktails are alcoholic beverages made of spirits and other ingredients such as fruit juice, soda, etc. They are one of the things commonly ordered and consumed in a bar. There are many kinds with varying ingredients, flavor, and appearance.

What makes a nightclub different from a wine bar?

While both places serve alcohol, the set up of the place is different. A nightclub is more focused on the entertainment of the patrons by providing drinks and music. In contrast a wine bar is a tavern-like establishment and tends to have a more relaxing ambiance like bistros.

What makes a tavern different from a bar?

Both places sell alcoholic beverages , but what makes them distinct from each other is that a bar does not necessarily serve food. A tavern on the other hand sells food and would often provide lodging. Taverns are an establishment that has existed for many centuries while bars started in the past few decades.

According to Statista research, sales in the drinking place sector in the United States have reached $23.15 billion in 2015. With the right kind of business plan your bar will certainly make sales that’ll contribute to such a number in the future. If you need more ideas on how to create a business plan then check out our business proposals and marketing strategy examples as references.

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Take Five Sports Bar and Grill

Executive summary executive summary is a brief introduction to your business plan. it describes your business, the problem that it solves, your target market, and financial highlights.">, opportunity.

Watching sports is a group activity. Going to each other’s houses get tedious. People need a place to go to watch, to cheer, to eat their favorite game foods, and get their favorite drinks. After, a night of enjoyment, they happily go home

Take Five Sports Bar and Grill strives to be the premier sports theme restaurant in the Southeast Region. Our goal is to be a step ahead of the competition. We want our customers to have more fun during their leisure time. We provide more televisions with more sporting events than anywhere else in the region. We provide state-of-the-art table-top audio control at each table so the customer can listen to the selected program of his or her choice without interference from background noise. We combine menu selection, atmosphere, ambiance, and service to create a sense of "place" in order to reach our goal of overall value in a dining/entertainment experience.

Bars and Taverns are local gathering places where customers can eat bar food and drink alcohol-based and non-alcoholic drinks. Historically, bars and taverns are places that could have a relationship with certain vendors or suppliers to market or increase awareness of specific brands. Bars and taverns are casual environments generally containing bar stools and tables. There can be entertainment which includes; music, bands, comedy shows and dancing.

Specials may be offered to increase attendance or draw certain audiences. There are cocktail bars which generally serve light h’orderves or snacks. It can be attached to a restaurant or hotel. Wine bars cater to individuals that like upscale wines. Martini bars cater to individuals with a penchant for martinis. There are biker bars, gay bars, lesbian bars, alternate bars, singles bars, and college bars. Generally, the specific adjective describes the type of person associated with the type of person, who attends. Minors can have restricted access based on time of day or individual the person is accompanied by.  Most municipalities regulate hours of operation and zoning laws.

Competition

According to Technomic’s BarTAB (Trends in Adult Beverage) report, the 2013 Top 100 Nightclub & Bar venues generated $1.5 billion in total revenue. More than two-thirds (68.2%) of operators surveyed experienced revenue growth in 2012, and nearly two-thirds of them (31.4%) reported revenue growth in excess of 10%. Once again, the top nightclub and bar venues outperformed the industry overall. The bar and nightclub segment grew 3.9% in 2012. Through 2015, the industry is projected to continue experiencing competition from non-industry establishments such as restaurants as well as from people opting to drink at home.

While the distilled spirits industry has been lucrative, Federal and state excise taxes play a significant role in the industry. In 2005, The National Center for Policy Analysis (NCPA) reported that thirteen states sought increases in taxes and related fees on alcoholic beverages. Further, taxes on distilled spirits were about $0.21 per ounce of alcohol. According to the Distilled Spirits Council (DSC) of the United States, "distilled spirits are one of the most heavily taxed consumer products in the United States. More than half of the price that consumers spend on a typical bottle of distilled spirits goes toward a tax of some kind." The resulting effect on the entire hospitality industry is wide-reaching, as the DSC goes on to say "When beverage alcohol taxes are increased, it creates a devastating ripple effect on jobs throughout the entire hospitality industry."

  

Distilled Spirits Council reported that supplier sales were up 4 percent in 2014 to $23.1 billion, and total U.S. volume growth increased 2.2% to 210 million cases.  It is estimated that overall retail sales of distilled spirits in the U.S. market is nearly $70 billion, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs in the hospitality industry and producing over $20 billion in tax revenues for all levels of government.

Despite the excise tax, the U.S. Department of Commerce reported that adjusted alcohol sales were up 5.2 percent to nearly $9.2 billion in June of 2008 over the same period a year earlier. Also, according to the NCPA, the total amount of Federal excise tax collected from the distilled spirits category for 2006 was $4.4 billion, from the beer category for $3.6 billion, from the wine category for $800 million. Additionally, state taxes during that same time reached nearly $5 billion.

Of the total 58,829 establishments in 2009, 20.2 percent were classified broadly as drinking places, which accounted for 11,502 establishments and $4.1 billion in 2009 revenues. Of the 71.7 percent of places classified as bars and lounges, 6.2 percent fell under the general classification with 3,523 firms and $858.9 million 2009 revenues; 31.2 percent were classified as taverns with 17,732 establishments$3.7 billion in 2009 revenues; 20.4 percent were classified as bars with 11,569 establishments and $3.11 billion in 2009 revenues; 11.6 were classified as cocktail lounges with 6,599 establishments and $1.61 billion in revenues. Smaller portions of this segment were made up of saloons, beer gardens, and wine bars. Finally, night clubs, cabarets, and discotheques combined for an 8 percent market share, or 4,541 establishments, and combined 2009 revenues of $1.89 billion.

Take Five Sports Bar and Grill strives to be the premier sports theme restaurant in the Southeast Region. Our goal is to be a step ahead of the competition. We want our customers to have more fun during their leisure time. We provide more televisions with more sporting events than anywhere else in the region. We provide state-of-the-art table-top audio control at each table so the customer can listen to the selected program of his or her choice without interference from background noise. We combine menu selection, atmosphere, ambiance, and service to create a sense of "place" in order to reach our goal of over-all value in a dining/entertainment experience.

Expectations

 First year operations will produce a net profit of $445,000. Since 10 months of operations have already been completed the confidence level for final first year numbers is extremely high. The first 10 months of start-up costs, sales revenues, and operating expenses are actual.

Financial Highlights by Year

Financing needed.

We will be using $625000. 

Problem & Solution

Problem worth solving, our solution, target market, market size & segments.

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Last years total Restaurant and Bar (Drinking Establishments) Industry Sales accounted for $710 billion with 970,000 locations. According to the Restaurant Industry Association and Dun & Bradstreet, Nightclubs generated approximately $26 billion in combined annual sales revenue. The 2015 Top 100 Nightclub list was developed by Nightclub & Bar in partnership with Technomic Inc. using secondary research and yielded primary data from 1,444 nightclub, bar and lounge locations.

  According to Technomic’s BarTAB (Trends in Adult Beverage) report, the 2013 Top 100 Nightclub & Bar venues generated $1.5 billion in total revenue. More than two-thirds (68.2%) of operators surveyed experienced revenue growth in 2012, and nearly two-thirds of them (31.4%) reported revenue growth in excess of 10%. Once again, the top nightclub and bar venues outperformed the industry overall. The bar and nightclub segment grew 3.9% in 2012. Projected sales of alcoholic beverages at bars and restaurants are expected to rise 2.7% in 2015, with wine projected to be the top growth driver, followed by spirits and beer, according to Technomic’s recent BarTAB Report. The beer category will see 2.3% growth, as domestic beers lose share to craft brews, cider and imports, said Technomic Director of Research Eric Schmidt. The industry is projected to continue experiencing competition from non-industry establishments such as restaurants as well as from people opting to drink at home.

Vegas is a major hub of nightclubs based on revenue for "Large Box Clubs." Of the Top 100, the top 3 nightclubs are in Las Vegas, NV and make $60-70mm each;  the No. 1-ranked Marquee Nightclub & Dayclub in Las Vegas generated record-breaking annual revenues in excess of $80 million; the 4th made $45-60mm in 2011 and is in Miami. The next four nightclubs made revenues of $35-45mm each and three are in Las Vegas. The following six nightclubs made revenues of $15-10mm each and three are in Las Vegas. The next 35 venues #23 thru #57 had revenues of $10-5mm each; and the remaining venues reported revenues less than $5mm each which includes "small box clubs."

One quarter of the list — 25 venues — are located in California, with 15 in the Los Angeles area, seven in San Diego, two in San Francisco and one in Sacramento. Las Vegas contributes 22 venues, with eight of the top 10 venues located in Las Vegas. Ten are in the five boroughs of New York City. Chicago contributes five venues, Texas delivers four and Atlantic City and Washington, D.C., each offer up three. It’s expected that the major markets dominate the Top 100 list, but operators in a number of other markets — including Atlanta; Denver; Ocean City, Md.; Destin, Fla.; Lake Cuomo, N.J.; Kansas City, Mo.; Scottsdale, Ariz.; Myrtle Beach, S.C.; and Knoxville, Tenn. — also succeeded in bringing in the crowds and revenue.

Of the Top 100 survey participants, 42.8% identified their venues as nightclubs; 70.6% of them described their hotspots as dance clubs. Of those identifying their venue as bars, 31.7% are sports bars and 29.3% are traditional bar/taverns. DJs and live entertainment are featured by 88.3% and 73.6% of total respondents, respectively. Nearly 80% offer a dance floor, 70.1% provide VIP areas and 65% offer bottle service.

The majority reported solid growth in 2011. In fact, 70% of respondents to the Top 100 survey indicated their venues’ revenues increased, and of them, nearly half (48%) reported revenue increases exceeding 10%. Consistent revenue was cited by 20% of survey respondents, while 3.4% cited revenue declines. Drinks generate the lion’s share of venue revenues – 56% of sales from alcohol is the mean among Top 100 survey participants. While in the venues, partyers favored spirits, which generate 44% of alcohol sales. Beer contributes 25% and wine 9%. A full food menu is offered by 68% of survey respondents’ venues. Gaming, such as pool tables, video game systems and jukeboxes, are available at 42% of respondents’ venues. Nearly three quarters (73%) have outdoor patio, terrace or rooftop space, which is an increase from 63% a year ago.

Venues dont report cover charge revenue information specifically, but average fees range at $5 to a local bar event, $10 Guest list cover, $20 average entry fees and higher for concert or performance style events. This would exclude Las Vegas where entry fees can range from $20 – $200. Current ticket prices for nightclub events are sourced from http://vip.wantickets.com

Mike Ginley, Partner at Next Level Marketing, provided the latest on-premise consumer research study fielded exclusively for the 2014 VIBE Conference. The study was conducted using Next Level’s custom on-line survey tool. The study includes 1,000 on-premise national chain beverage alcohol consumers. The 2014 study includes 21+ consumers from all of the top casual dining, fine dining and hotel chains. Here are a few statistics relating to the consumer that will help owners and operators to better understand their patrons:

-55% of respondents are going out as often as last year -70% visit the same types of restaurants and bars -15% are going to less expensive places -15% are going to more expensive places – Millennials are the group skewing to better places -65% order drinks most to all the time with males ordering more frequently than females. Surprisingly, Millennials order less frequently than older consumers. -79% try a new drink every 90 days with new drink trial highest among Millennials. -73% have ordered a beer at a restaurant or bar in the past 30 days and 62% order the highest quality beer at the best price -70% of consumers have ordered seasonal beers and there is growing interest -65% have ordered wine at a restaurant or bar in the past 30 days with 64% ordering the highest quality wine at the best price -59% have ordered a spirit cocktail at a restaurant or bar in the past 30 days

The average consumer order 2.3 drinks per occasion with males ordering more than females and Millennials ordering more than the older consumers. Asking for the order is the number one way to sell an extra drink per occasion followed by after dinner drinks, better quality drinks, faster service, smaller sizes and lighter drinks.

When consumers order that second drink, they have been hooked, they need to be reeled in and turned into a repeat customer. The most popular loyalty programs are TGI Fridays, Applebee’s, Chili’s, Olive Garden and Red Lobster.

In order to keep up with the top loyalty programs, restaurants need to stay on top of these consumer trends, such as electronic menus. Today, 25% of consumers have ordered from an electronic menu and this will grow rapidly as they are placed in more locations. Over half of the consumers studied are somewhat interested in ordering from an electronic menu – this is something that is not going away.

Information related to menu content concluded that 80% of consumers expect to see all drink prices listed on the menus that they order from. The majority of consumers feel more comfortable ordering drinks when the prices are published and over half are less likely to order a drink when the prices are not visible. 

Two reports from research firm GuestMetrics indicate a gentle if slow upswing in on-premise trends.

Traffic was just slightly positive during the 4-week period ending 10/5, enough to raise year to date figures to almost flat for the year. While traffic still was struggling to meet last year’s level, overall on-premise food and beverage sales were up 3% in the latest four weeks, an improvement on year to date trends .

Casual dining traffic was up 0.5% over the latest four weeks counted versus down just under a point for the year; bars and clubs remained weak with traffic down just less than 2% for the latest 4 weeks and just over 2% for the year (down 2.2%). The fine dining segment slowed, with traffic down about 1.5% the latest four weeks.

In terms of beverages, beer volume was down about 3.5% in the latest four weeks measured, equivalent to the year to date trend. Beer sales were up 0.7% in the latest 4 weeks, but flat for the year after a strong July and August were followed by a weak September. Premium light share continued down (1.8%) in the latest 4 weeks vs -1.9% for the year; craft gains slowed to 1.6%, below its 2% year to date gain. Fastest growing segments were IPA which had a share gain of 1.4% and cider which had a share gain of 0.6%.

Guestmetrics also reported a gain in spirits on-premise. After declining nearly 1% during the first six months of 2014, volumes were up 0.5% during the third quarter. However, trends softened throughout the quarter, going from up 1.7% during the four weeks ending 8/10 to up 0.6% during the most recent four weeks ending 10/5.

Year to date spirits sales are up 1.7% in the on-premise, up 2.6% for the third quarter, with dollars up a stronger 3% for the four weeks ending 10/5. Dollar sales were driven by a combination of higher price and trade up to higher priced spirits, the firm said. Brown spirits generally out-performed white spirits in the latest four weeks – bourbons and blends volumes up 12% and brandy/Cognac up 5%. Vodka volume was down 3%, rum down 6%. Craft spirits continue to gain share, up about 2% in the third quarter.

Today’s consumers seek variety on drink menus. More than half of consumers surveyed say variety of spirits/cocktails (58%) and wine (54%) is important on restaurant menus, while nearly half say the same for beer selection (46%). Additional insights found in the Technomic 2014 BarTAB Report indicate that drink selection can drive traffic and enhance the overall experience of dining out, both of which are important to improving sales and profits.

Operators are responding to varied degrees: the number of adult beverage offerings on all on-premise menus tracked in the MenuMonitor tool rose 5.0% in the third quarter of 2014 as compared with the same period in 2013. During that time, however, national and regional chain restaurants actually reduced the number of beverage offerings (-0.3%). In recent conversations with chain operators, we’re hearing more about the need to trim adult beverage offerings to make drink programs more manageable. 

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Bars and nightclubs compete with other venues that offer alcoholic drinks or entertainment, including restaurants, hotels, casinos, and consumer homes.

Personal income and entertainment needs drive demand. The profitability of individual companies depends on the ability to drive traffic and develop a loyal clientele. Large companies can offer a wide variety of food, drinks, and entertainment, and have scale advantages in purchasing, financing, and marketing. Small companies can compete effectively by serving a local market, offering unique products, entertainment, or providing superior customer service. The industry is extremely labor-intensive: average annual revenue per worker is $60,000.

The barriers to entry are low and steady, given that an operator can lease premises, equipment, furniture and fittings, which lowers the initial capital costs, outlays and borrowings.  The main barrier to entry is in obtaining a suitable license. Entry costs can be lowered by either leasing or managing an establishment on behalf of the owner. Due to the small business nature of the industry and the low average revenue and profit margins per establishment, entry costs can also be low across some geographic locations.

Current Alternatives

Current alternatives are: 

Mazzy’s Sports Bar and Grill – Easy going friendly. Okay parking. We have much better bar food and run specials on sports nights. 

Empire sports Bar – They are more of a night club scene. They have a okay Dj. 

Barnacles Sports Bar and Grill – Good food, Good Prices. They have a mechanical bull which is a little too gimmicky, we wouldn’t do that. Closer than the others to what take five sports bar and grill is trying to be. 

Our Advantages

Keys to success.

The keys to success in achieving our goals are:

  • Product quality. Not only great food but great service.
  • Managing finances to enable new locations to open at targeted intervals.
  • Controlling costs at all times without exception.
  • Instituting management controls to insure replicability of operations over multiple locations. This applies equally to product control and to financial control.

Marketing & Sales

Marketing plan.

A combination of local media and event marketing will be utilized at each location. Radio is most effective, followed by local print media. As soon as a concentration of stores is established in a market, then broader media will be employed.

The strategy of live broadcasting and pro sports tie-ins has been most effective in generating free publicity for the flagship location which has been more effective than any advertising that could have been purchased.

The sales strategy is to build and open new locations on schedule in order to increase revenue. Each individual location will continue to build its local customer base over the first three years of operation. The goal is $3 to $5 million in annual sales per unit. A unit will be considered mature once it has passed the $3.5 million mark in annual sales.

The key elements of Take Five’s restaurant store concept are as follows:

  • Sports based themes –The company will focus on themes that have mass appeal.
  • Distinctive design features–All stores will be characterized by spectacular visual design and layout. Each store will display a collection of authentic sports memorabilia.
  • High profile locations –The company selects its store locations based on key demographic indicators, including traffic counts, average income, number of households, hotels, and offices within a certain radius.
  • Celebrity events –The company stores will be distinguished by the promotional activities of sports celebrities and by media coverage of appearances and special events.
  • Retail merchandising –Each store will include an integrated retail store offering premium quality merchandise displaying the company’s logo design. In addition sports memorabilia will be sold.
  • Quality food –Each Take Five store will serve freshly prepared, high quality, popular cuisine that is targeted to appeal to a variety of tastes and budgets with an emphasis on reasonably and moderately priced signature items of particular appeal to a local market.
  • Quality service –In order to maintain its unique image the Company provides attentive and friendly service with a high ratio of service personnel to customers and also invests in the training and supervision of its employees.

Milestones & Metrics

Milestones table, key metrics.

Our key metrics are: 

  • # of reviews and returning customers. Our quality is great if customers keep on coming back 
  • # of tweets and retweets 
  • #of likes on facebook 
  • inventory turnover, make sure no food spoils 
  • investing in training staff and info on best customer answers  
  • have staff push certain entrees every day 

Ownership & Structure

Take Five Sports Bar and Grill is a privately held Georgia company. Joseph A. Smith is the principal owner. It is Mr. Smith’s intention to offer limited outside ownership in Take Five on an equity, debt, or combination basis in order to facilitate a more rapid expansion of the Take Five concept.

Company History

Take Five Sports Bar and Grill was founded two years ago by Joseph Smith to capitalize on the ever growing market demand for high end technology enhanced sports theme restaurants. Take Five has promoted its brand through the operation of its existing location at Medlock Bridge Road and State Bridge Road in Anytown, Georgia. The flagship location provides a unique dining and entertainment experience in a high-energy environment. Customer acceptance has been proven. Regular and repeat customers cross many age demographics and families are frequent diners.

Take Five has promoted heavily with tie-ins to Anytown professional teams and celebrities. Take Five Sports Bar and Grill is the radio home for the live Monday Night XYZ Anytown Falcons coaches show featuring June Jones and Jeff George. This show is broadcast during the hour preceding the telecast of "Monday Night Football". In addition, Take Five hosts the Anytown Hawks sports talk show on ABC 750 AM featuring guard Steve Smith and the radio voice of the Hawks, Steve Holman. The Anytown Braves celebrated their World Series championship party at Take Five the night they won the Series.

Management Team

Joseph Smith

Education :

LaSalle University, MBA Finance, BS, Finance

Professional Experience :

RCA/GE–1978-1988:

Finance, Strategic Planning, Corporate Development

Scientific Anytown–1988-1990:

VP Finance, Electronic Systems Group

Holiday Inn Worldwide–1990-1993:

Strategic Planning and Corporate Development, reporting to the CFO

5.3 Management Team Gaps

Specific opportunities exist in the store operations supervisory area (not needed initially) and in franchise sales development (not needed initially).

It is expected that these people can be recruited when needed in the Anytown market. Anytown is now home to more than 40 franchise company headquarters.

Store managers are readily available when needed. Food service managers are plentiful.

Personnel Table

Financial plan investor-ready personnel plan .">, key assumptions.

The financial plan depends on important assumptions, most of which are shown in the following table. The key underlying assumptions are:

  • We assume a slow-growth economy, without major recession.
  • We assume access to equity capital and financing sufficient to maintain our financial plan as shown in the tables.
  • We assume the continued popularity of sports in America and the growing demand for sports theme venues.

Revenue by Month

Expenses by month, net profit (or loss) by year, use of funds.

Expansion plans are already underway. The majority of the $625000 will be us buying long term assets such as store locations and equipment etc. We will also have starting inventory and plates and silverware etc. Once this location is up and running we open another location etc. 

Sources of Funds

The owners will be putting $625,000 from the already established business into the expansion. 

Projected Profit & Loss

Projected balance sheet, projected cash flow statement.

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Hookah Lounge Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

hookah lounge business plan template

Hookah Lounge Business Plan

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their hookah bars and lounges. On this page, we will first give you some background information with regards to the importance of business planning. We will then go through a hookah lounge business plan step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What is a Hookah Lounge Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your hookah bar or lounge as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategy for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan for a Hookah Lounge

If you’re looking to start a hookah bar or lounge, or grow your existing business, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your lounge in order to improve your chances of success. Your plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Sources of Funding for Hookah Businesses

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for a hookah lounge are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans and angel investors. With regards to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the lender will not only want to confirm that your financials are reasonable, but they will also want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business. Personal savings and bank loans are the most common funding paths for hookah lounges.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

How to write a business plan for a hookah lounge or bar.

If you want to start a hookah lounge or expand your current one, you need a business plan. Below we detail each of the key components to writing a great [sector] business plan:

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your Executive Summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the type of business you are operating and its status. For example, are you a startup, do you have a hookah bar or lounge that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of hookah bars or lounges?

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan. For example, give a brief overview of the hookah lounge industry. Discuss the type of business you are operating. Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers. Provide a snapshot of your marketing plan. Identify the key members of your team. And offer an overview of your financial plan.  

Company Analysis

In your company analysis, you will detail the type of hookah lounge you are operating.

For example, you might operate one of the following types of hookah businesses:

  • Hookah Lounge : this type of business will have a lounge type atmosphere with comfortable couches and chairs for guests to sit in while smoking hookah. The social aspect of hookah is foremost in this type of business, and food, drink, or other merchandise may be available, but is not a major focus.
  • Hookah Bar: this type of business has a bar atmosphere and typically also offers a menu of drinks and alcoholic beverages.
  • Hookah Cafe: this type of business typically has a coffee shop atmosphere and serves coffee and tea, as well as pastries and other food. Some hookah cafes specialize in a particular cuisine, such as Middle Eastern food.

In addition to explaining the type of business you will operate, the Company Analysis section of your business plan needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to question such as:

  • When and why did you start the business?
  • What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include the number of customers served, number of positive reviews, etc.
  • Your legal structure. Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry analysis, you need to provide an overview of the hookah industry.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the hookah industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, market research can improve your strategy, particularly if your research identifies market trends.

The third reason for market research is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your hookah business plan:

  • How big is the hookah industry (in dollars)?
  • Is the market declining or increasing?
  • Who are the key competitors in the market?
  • Who are the key suppliers in the market?
  • What trends are affecting the industry?
  • What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
  • What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential market for your hookah bar or lounge? You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your hookah business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments that may be hookah smokers: college students, Millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of hookah business you operate. Clearly, college students would respond to different marketing promotions than an affluent Baby Boomer, for example.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, include a discussion of the ages, genders, locations and income levels of the customers you seek to serve. Because most hookah businesses primarily serve customers living in their same city or town, such demographic information is easy to find on government websites.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can understand and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

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Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other hookah lounge businesses.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t direct competitors. This includes convenience stores, tobacco shops, cigar shops, and vape shops.

With regards to direct competition, you want to describe the other hookah lounge businesses with which you compete. Most likely, your direct competitors will be hookah lounges located very close to your location.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their businesses and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as:

  • What types of customers do they serve?
  • What types of hookah flavors do they specialize in?
  • Do they serve food and beverages?
  • What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
  • What are they good at?
  • What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

  • Will you provide a wider variety of hookah flavors?
  • Will your lounge have a trendier vibe, or a more upscale atmosphere?
  • Will you provide better customer service?
  • Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.  

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a hookah lounge business plan, your marketing plan should include the following:

Product : In the product section, you should reiterate the type of hookah lounge company that you documented in your Company Analysis. Then, detail the specific products you will be offering. For example, in addition to hookah, will your lounge serve alcohol, or offer oxygen, or will you sell hookah products for off-premise use?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your marketing plan, you are presenting the services you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the location of your hookah lounge company. Document your location and mention how the location will impact your success. For example, is your hookah lounge located near a college campus, or in an entertainment district? Will you also sell hookah products and accessories online? In this section, document each method by which you will sell your products..

Promotions : The final part of your hookah lounge marketing plan is the promotions section. Here you will document how you will drive customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

  • Advertising in local papers and magazines
  • Reaching out to local websites
  • Signs and billboards
  • Social media marketing
  • Local radio advertising

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your hookah lounge business, including marketing your business, ordering and tracking inventory, serving customers, and preparing for upcoming customers.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to seat your 1,000 th customer, or when you hope to reach $X in revenue. It could also be when you expect to open a hookah lounge in a new location.  

Management Team

To demonstrate your hookah lounge business’ ability to succeed, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally you and/or your team members have direct experience in managing hookah lounge businesses. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act like mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in food service or bar management, or successfully running small businesses.  

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statements.

Income Statement : an income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenues and then subtracts your hookah lounge costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will your lounge be at capacity during evenings and weekends? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets : Balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. While balance sheets can include much information, try to simplify them to the key items you need to know about. For instance, if you spend $50,000 on building out your hookah lounge business, this will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a bank writes you a check for $50,000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement : Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and make sure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt.

In developing your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a hookah lounge business:

  • Location build-out including design fees, construction, etc.
  • Cost of equipment and supplies
  • Payroll or salaries paid to staff
  • Business insurance
  • Taxes and permits
  • Legal expenses

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your lounge location lease or sample menus for all the products you will serve (hookah, food, beverage, etc.).  

Putting together a business plan for your hookah lounge is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will really understand the hookah industry, your competition, and your customers. You will have developed a marketing plan and will really understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful hookah lounge business.  

Hookah Lounge Business Plan FAQs

What is the easiest way to complete my hookah lounge business plan.

Growthink's Ultimate Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily complete your Hookah Lounge Business Plan.

What is the Goal of a Business Plan's Executive Summary?

The goal of your Executive Summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the type of hookah lounge business you are operating and the status; for example, are you a startup, do you have a hookah lounge business that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of hookah lounge businesses?

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your Hookah Lounge business plan?

OR, Let Us Develop Your Plan For You

Since 1999, Growthink has developed business plans for thousands of companies who have gone on to achieve tremendous success.   Click here to see how Growthink’s professional business plan consulting services can create your business plan for you.

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Hookah Lounge Business Plan Sample

Jul.27, 2018

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Hookah Lounge Business Plan Sample

Table of Content

Hookah lounge business plan for your own bar business

Do you want to start a hookah bar business? A hookah bar business is undoubtedly one of the most profitable startups, yielding the greatest rate of return as compared to other businesses. A hookah bar is a place where people can come freely and enjoy different flavors of hookahs, drinks, e-liquids, appetizers, cigars and sometimes alcoholic drinks too. Opening a hookah bar will prove a rewarding and profitable business for you, as smoking is banned in public places in many countries.

Before starting it, you need to have a well-structured shisha bar business plan covering even the tiniest bit of details. To help you avoid all the trouble of thinking and making a plan yourself, we are providing a detailed sample hookah lounge business plan for the startup ‘Aladdin Hookah Bar’.

Executive Summary

2.1 the hookah lounge business.

Aladdin Hookah Bar will be a registered hookah bar in Miami at a 10 minutes’ walk from the Bayside Marketplace. Miami is a highly advanced and ordered city; a hookah bar strategically located in the main commercial zone of this populated city will business a lot, as most people and tourists search for a serene place for smoking and relaxing.

The business will be owned and operated by Stephen Gerrard who is well-known in Miami for his reputable catering services operating for the last 15 years.

2.2 Management of Hookah Lounge

Gerrard aims at achieving perfection in hookah bar business by providing an exotic environment and fresh hookah drinks. The business will be managed by Gerrard himself initially and he’ll hire a small team for different tasks.

2.3 Customers of Hookah Bar

Aladdin Hookah Bar will provide fresh fruit hookahs and different types of coffees in a well-designed seductive environment to both permanent and temporary residents of Miami aged 22 and above.

2.4 Target of the Company

If you have decided to open a hookah bar, you must include your targets in your hookah bar business plan to improvise your business at a large scale. Mr. Gerrard’s target is to make his hookah bar’s environment homey and unique by providing a large number of drinks, hookahs, coffees, and teas.

Company Summary

3.1 company owner.

Gerrard is famous in Miami for his reputable and distinguished catering service operating for the last 15 years. Due to the individuality of his ideas, he is considered the esteemed choice for managing caterings in events. This year, he wants to start a side business of a hookah bar and is willing to invest both time and money in it.

3.2 Why the Hookah Lounge Business is being started

Due to the policy of WHO to protect non-smokers from passive smoking, smoking is forbidden in public places, and people search for a hookah lounge to smoke. Gerrard is going to launch a hookah bar as he best knows how to open a hookah bar  and how to run a hookah lounge  successfully. In addition to that, he also aims to generate profit from his comfortable and legal smoking place in Miami.

3.3 How the Hookah Bar Business will be started

After analyzing various aspects of this business, Gerard has decided to manage the bar himself, yet he will hire a team for his assistance and for preparing the menu. The startup costs are as follows:

The detailed start-up requirements, expenses, total assets, total funding required as forecasted by the company’s analysts are given below:

Services for customers

Before starting a hookah bar, you must be clear about the services you are going to provide to your customers as it will help you to estimate opening a hookah bar cost .

Gerrard has exclusive hookah bar ideas , he aims to make a perfect place for spending a quiet afternoon alone or with friends by adorning the big lounge by dim lights and brick walls combined with comfortable sofas and pillows.

Aladdin Hookah Bar will provide all sort of hookah drinks and coffees to its esteemed customers above age 22. Each one of our offerings will be prepared by maintaining strict health and quality measures.

Besides providing simple drinks, wines, and cigars, our major products will include:

  • Hookah Drinks: We’ll provide fresh hookah drinks of the following flavors, Grape, Lemon, Peach, Cola, Mint, Black Mint, Strawberry, Cherry, Apple Doppio, Mango, Orange, Banana, Pistachio, Vanilla, and Rose. Besides these usual flavors, we’ll introduce a new flavor, Code Blue, which will be a mixture of creamy blueberry with red grape soda and black mint.
  • Teas & Coffees: We’ll provide a wide range of coffees and teas including flat white, espresso, long black, macchiato, Vienna and Irish coffee.
  • Soft Drinks: We will also provide various kinds of soft drinks.
  • Salads : We’ll also provide fresh vegetable cheese salads, bean salads, and fruit salads.

Aladdin Hookah Bar will be open twenty-four hours a day.

Before starting a hookah bar, you must be clear about the services you are going to provide to your customers as it will help you to estimate opening a hookah bar cost.

Market Analysis Summary

Operational and strategic planning.

he first thing to do before  starting a hookah bar   is to research about  how to start a hookah bar business   in your state since there are a lot of concerning health regulations in practice. After that, carry out an accurate marketing analysis which will help you to decide the company’s strategies over the next years. It must be incorporated in the initial business plan and all subsequent things must be planned according to it.

Considering its importance, Mr. Gerrard obtained the services of marketing experts to help him develop a  hookah bar business plan  taking into account the current marketing demands.

5.1 Marketing Trends

If you want to know how much is hookah bar business profitable, you will be glad to know that there are more than 7000 legally registered hookah bars in the US and the number of hookah bars is increasing significantly. According to an IBISWorld report, hookah bars have generated a revenue of more than 900 million dollars in the past few years.

But remember, the success and failure of any business depend upon how keenly you focus on your target customers. A successful marketing strategy can only be developed after knowing the target audience and potential customers.

This sample business plan will help you in defining your target audience, you can take help from this sample business plan even if you don’t know how to start a hookah lounge , In this business plan we have explained how to open up a hookah bar  and run it successfully.

5.2 Marketing Segmentation

The following type of target audience will become the future customers of Aladdin Hookah Bar.

5.2.1 General Traffic: The top category of our target customers will be the general traffic i.e. the people who happen to be near our hookah bar and decides to relax and smoke for some time in the hookah bar. We will be benefited a lot as Aladdin Hookah Bar is situated near the main market of Miami, which is visited by thousands of people daily. The exclusive entrance and dim-light theme of Aladdin Hookah Bar will attract the people who search for a place to sit calmly to smoke or to drink hookah.

5.2.2 Companies and Businesses: This category includes all employees working in the various office, companies, and businesses situated near us. As smoking is not allowed in offices, so the workers who want to drink hookah or cigars in their break time will rush towards. The employees of these companies and businesses will buy hookah drinks, coffees and salads from us on a daily basis.

5.2.3 Local Residents: We also aim to target the local residents residing in nearby areas. We are sure that they will be surely addicted to the solace environment we’ll provide, and whenever they want to have a hookah drink, they’ll approach us.

The detailed market analysis of our potential customers is given in the following table:

5.3 Business Target

Our target is to become the best hookah bar in Miami within the first year of launch. We also aim to recover our initial capital within 3 years of our launch and grow our sales by 30% each year. We’ll achieve our target by providing the best quality drinks and environment and by valuing our customers.

5.4 Product Pricing

Product pricing is the most important factor affecting the sales of a new business. We have priced our items and drinks in the same range as our competitors in the market. But the products which are only provided by us such as Code Blue Hookah will be a little costlier as more effort will be required for its preparation.

After you have understood how to open up a hookah bar you must plan your business strategy , you can take help from this sample business plan on how to open up a hookah lounge .

High Quality Business Plan and Professional Support

It was amazing to work with OGS Capital for our business plan. They promptly responded our enquires and delivered document on time.The document was well organized high quality and content.We succeded with Alex and his team support. We thank you guys again for professional approach and easy communication.

6.1 Competitive Analysis

Aladdin Hookah Bar will have a tough competition because there are thousands of already established hookah lounges in Miami. Moreover, people are always hesitant to try a restaurant business plan that’s why Gerrard has decided that Aladdin Hookah Bar will be decorated in a unique manner, to attract the customers for the first time.

Our biggest competitive edge is our location and the wide parking space for our customers. Lastly, we will provide our customers with the best standard and quality products in a healthy environment where we’ll do proper aeration system to purify the air from the smoke.

6.2 Sales Strategy

For attracting the majority of people in the startup of a business, Gerrard has planned some types of advertisements.

  • We’ll give free hookah drinks and salads till the third day of launch.
  • We’ll ensure that we have a wide range of hookah drinks, cigars, tobaccos, wines, non-alcoholic drinks and salads at all times.
  • We’ll provide an online table reservation facility for those who want to come in the form of a group with friends.
  • We’ll advertise our lounge and menu through our website and social media.

6.3 Sales Monthly

6.4 sales yearly, 6.5 sales forecast, personnel plan.

After a great research on how to start a hookah bar business , Gerrard has devised his personnel plan, which is given here for your help.

7.1 Company Staff

Stephen Gerrard will himself act as the Aladdin Hookah Bar Manager and will be responsible for the daily activities. The company will initially hire the following people:

  • 12 Bartenders for arranging glasses and bottles for attractive display and for mixing and serving drinks
  • 2 Cashiers to receive cash from the people
  • 1 Marketing Executive responsible for the marketing and advertising of the restaurant
  • 2 Chefs for making salads
  • 8 Cleaners to clean the dishes and other facilities at the restaurant
  • 2 Security Officers

To ensure the best quality service, all employees will be selected through vigorous testing and will be kept in check for their dealing with clients.

7.2 Average Salary of Employees

The following table shows the forecasted data about employees and their salaries for the next three years.

Financial Plan

You can never estimate how much is a hookah bar business profitable unless you devise its financial plan. As the last step of your business plan, you must prepare a financial plan, to manage your investments and profits.

Aladdin Hookah Bar will be solely financed by Mr. Gerrard and no equity funding or outside loan will be required unless the business expands faster than forecasted.

8.1 Important Assumptions

8.2 brake-even analysis, 8.3 projected profit and loss, 8.3.1 profit monthly, 8.3.2 profit yearly, 8.3.3 gross margin monthly, 8.3.4 gross margin yearly, 8.4 projected cash flow, 8.5 projected balance sheet, 8.6 business ratios.

Download Hookah Lounge Business Plan Sample in pdf

OGScapital writer specializes in business plan themes such as bouncy castle business plan , business plan for RV park , business plan for bowling alley , golf course marketing strategy , internet radio business plan , business plan for music festival and many others.

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