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How to Write a Winning Cocktail Bar Business Plan (+ Template)

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

A well-crafted business plan not only outlines the vision for your company but also documents a step-by-step roadmap of how you will accomplish it. To create an effective business plan, you must first understand the components essential to its success.

This article provides an overview of the critical elements that every cocktail bar business owner should include in their business plan.

Download the Ultimate Bar Business Plan Template

What is a cocktail bar business plan.

A cocktail bar 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 key document that will convince investors and lenders (if needed) that you are positioned to become a successful venture.

Why Write a Cocktail Bar Business Plan?

A cocktail bar 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 Cocktail Bar Business Plan

The following are the critical components of a successful cocktail bar business plan:

Executive Summary

The executive summary of a cocktail bar 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 cocktail bar  
• 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 began and provide a timeline of milestones your company has achieved.

You may not have a long company history if you are just starting your cocktail bar. 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 before or have been involved in an entrepreneurial venture before starting your cocktail bar company, mention this.

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

Industry Analysis

The industry or market analysis is an important component of a cocktail bar 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 cocktail bar 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 cocktail bar business’ customers may include:

• People who live or work near the bar
• People who frequent the area where the bar is located
• People who are looking for a specific type of bar (e.g., a sports bar, dive bar, etc.)
• Business professionals

You can include information about how your customers make the decision 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 cocktail bar services with the right marketing.

Competitive Analysis

The competitive analysis helps you determine how your product or service will be different 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/or 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 cocktail offerings here. Document their features and benefits.
• Price : Document your pricing strategy here. In addition to stating the prices for your cocktails and any food items, 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 bar business via word-of-mouth marketing or by hosting events.

Operations Plan

This part of your cocktail bar 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?

The operations plan is where you also need to include your company’s business policies. 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, in your Operations Plan, you will lay out 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 then each year for the following four years. Examples of milestones for a cocktail bar include reaching $X in sales. Other examples include increasing the number of regular customers by a certain amount or adding new menu items.

Management Team

List your team members here including their names and titles, as well as their expertise and experience relevant to your specific cocktail bar 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 on 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, as well as the cost of any equipment and supplies used to deliver the product/service offering.
• 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 Cocktail Bar

Balance Sheet

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

• Assets : All of the things 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 Cocktail Bar

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 cocktail bar .

Sample Cash Flow Statement for a Startup Cocktail Bar  

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/or grow your cocktail bar . 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 cocktail bar business plan is a must for any new business owner. It’s a great tool for attracting investors and keeping the company focused.  

Finish Your Cocktail Bar Business Plan in 1 Day!

Cocktail Bar Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business ideas » Food Industry » Wine Business ideas » Wine Bar

Are you about starting a cocktail bar? If YES, here is a complete sample cocktail bar business plan template & feasibility report you can use for FREE .

Okay, so we have considered all the requirements for starting a cocktail bar. We also took it further by analyzing and drafting a sample cocktail bar marketing plan template backed up by actionable guerrilla marketing ideas for cocktail bars. So let’s proceed to the business planning section.

Why Start a Cocktail Bar?

If you have eyes for good cocktail drinks, as well as a penchant for business, then you may want to think of starting your own cocktail bar business. The market for cocktail bar business has continued to soar because there will always be people who appreciate cocktail drinks.

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The cocktail bar business is one business that cannot go out of fashion because people would always appreciate good cocktail drinks. Depending on the scale you want to start, the startup capital for this type of business can range from small to moderate.

As a matter of fact, it is advisable to sell other alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks in your cocktail bar if indeed you want to maximize profits in this business.

If you are sure that this type of business is what you truly want to do after you must have conducted your market research and feasibility studies, then the next step to follow is to write a good business plan ; a detailed blueprint of how you intend raising your seed capital, setting up the business, managing the flow of the business, sorting out tax and marketing your services.

The truth is that it is one thing to have a fantastic business plan, it is entirely another thing for the business plan to translate to profits, that is why it is important to assemble a team of experts to work with if you want to be successful with your cocktail bar business. Below is a sample cocktail bar business plan template that will help you successfully write yours with little or no stress

A Sample Cocktail Bar Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

A cocktail bar is a bar or small restaurant where cocktail is the main drink available; a characteristic feature of many standard cocktail bars is a wide selection of assorted cocktail drinks. A cocktail is a mixed drink typically made with a distilled beverage (such as gin, brandy, vodka, whiskey, tequila, cachaça or rum) that is mixed with other ingredients.

If beer is one of the ingredients, the drink is called a beer cocktail. Cocktails contain one or more types of liqueur, juice, fruit, sauce, honey, milk or cream, spices, or other flavorings. Cocktails may vary in their ingredients from bartender to bartender, and from region to region.

Two creations may have the same name but taste very different because of differences in how the drinks were prepared. In the united states of America just like in any part of the world, the bar and nightclub industry that cocktail bar business is a part of is indeed a very lucrative industry.

In the United States alone, the bar and nightclub industry generate a whooping sum of $20 billion in revenue annually from about 45,000 established and recognized bars and night clubs in the US.

Although people still gather to socialize in bars just as they have always done in time past, but with factors such as driving while intoxicated and increase in crime rates, the drinking pattern in bars is being affected. Also, the growing concern as regards health and fitness toward the end of the 20th century was part of what redefined alcohol consumption in the US.

In essence, the rate at which people consumes beers and other drinks both alcoholic and non – alcoholic is what determines the growth of bar and nightclub industry.

Statistics has it that the Cocktail industry in the United States of America is worth $656 million, with an estimated growth rate of 4.1 percent.

There are about 1,151 legally registered and licensed cocktail bars scattered across the United States of America and they are responsible for employing about 11,504 people. The industry is an open industry hence a low level of market share concentration.

Any entrepreneur who wants to start a cocktail bar business in the US would definitely be confronted with tough competition.

The truth is that you will not only compete with cocktail bars in your location or city, but you would be competing with every other entertainment option such as wine bars, night clubs, restaurants, casinos et al where cocktails are retailed.

Lastly, it is important to state that as much as starting a cocktail bar business can be profitable and rewarding; the success of new cocktail businesses in the United States is not automatic. The chances of new cocktail bars to struggle within the first 6 months of launching can’t be ruled out.

As a matter of fact, it can take between two to five years before most cocktail bars can recover their initial investment. In order words, just like loads of new businesses, the statistics for cocktail bars do not favor startups, you just have to have a long term investment plan if you intend starting your cocktail bar business.

2. Executive Summary

Bennardo Paulo® Cocktail Bar is a neighborhood cocktail bar that will be located in Lake Street Petoskey, Michigan. Our facility is centrally located and it is close to a residential estate in the heart of the city. Lake Michigan community is one of the best small towns in the Midwest.

It scores a perfect 100 on walkability, a measure used by urban planners to reflect the ability to stroll to shops, restaurants, parks and other amenities. With mild, sunny summer weather, vacationers come from cities like Chicago, Detroit and St. Louis et al, to enjoy the cocktail bars, bookstores, coffee shops and boutiques.

We are set to make available assorted cocktails such as beer cocktail, cocktails with brandy and cocktails with cachaça, cocktails with gin, cocktails with ouzo, cocktails with rum, cocktails with sake, cocktails with tequila, cocktails with vodka, cocktails with whisky, cocktails with fortified wines, cocktails with champagne, cocktails with a liqueur as the primary ingredient and a host of other drinks and food, to all our customers in a conducive environment that is specifically designed for socializing and networking.

Our bar facility is centrally located in a busy street and it has the capacity to accommodate 100 people per time. Bennardo Paulo® Cocktail Bar is designed and constructed to meet both health and safety standards as recommended by the local authority.

Our customers are going to be treated with good music at all times. We have made provision for live band, karaoke, country side music and jazz etc. which will be played at the background to create the ambiance that our customers will cherish.

We are in business to make profits at the same to give our customers value for their money; we want to give people the opportunity to choose from the wide range of cocktails and other drinks that are manufactured in the United States of America.

Our goal is to make every day a day of celebration, networking and socializing for as many people that will patronize our cocktail bar.

No doubt, we will become the talk of town amongst socialites in Lake Petoskey – Michigan because we have put plans in place to make our cocktail bar lively 24 hours a day and 7 days a week and highly secured because we want to attract everybody (celebrity and non-celebrity alike).

We will ensure that all our employees are selected from a pool of customer centric people in and around Lake Petoskey – Michigan and also from any part of the United States. We will make sure that we take all the members of our workforce through the required training that will position them to meet the expectation of the company and to compete with other players in the United States.

Bennardo Paulo® Cocktail Bar is owned by Bennardo Paulo and his immediate family members. Bennardo has managed several bars and night clubs in Milan and Las Vegas prior to moving to Michigan to start his own cocktail bar. He is a member of the Bartender Association and a notable cocktail maker.

3. Our Products and Services

Bennardo Paulo® Cocktail Bar is in the cocktail bar industry to make profits and we will ensure we will make available a wide range of cocktail drinks to our customers. These are some of the products that will be found in our bar;

• Assorted cocktails such as cocktails with absinthe, beer cocktail, cocktails with brandy, cocktails with cachaça, cocktails with gin, cocktails with ouzo, cocktails with rum, cocktails with sake, cocktails with tequila, cocktails with vodka, cocktails with whisky, cocktails with fortified wines, cocktails with champagne, cocktails with a liqueur etc
• Alcoholic drinks
• Non-alcoholic beverages

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• Our vision is to establish a standard cocktail bar in Petoskey – Michigan that will be the melting pot of all lovers of cocktail drinks.
• Our mission is to establish a cocktail bar business that will make available a wide range of cocktails and other drinks at every given time to our highly esteemed customers and provide a place where people can network and socialize.

Our Business Structure

Bennardo Paulo® Cocktail Bar is established to be a pacesetter when it comes to how cocktail bars should be run in in the United States of America. We will assemble a team of dedicated workforce who will give our customers excellent service at all times, a team that will ensure that we will continue to have repeated customers and a team that will indeed make us the melting pot of cocktail lovers.

Will work hard to ensure that we only attract people with the right mindset to help us achieve our business goals and objectives in record time. Below is the business structure that we will build Bennardo Paulo® Cocktail Bar;

• Chief Executive Officer (Owner)
• Bar Manager
• Bartender/Baristas

Greeters/Customer Service Agent/Table Attendant

Security Officers

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Chief Executive Officer – CEO:

• Increases management’s effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results; developing incentives; developing a climate for offering information and opinions
• Responsible for providing direction for the business
• Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees
• Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
• Evaluates the success of the organization

Bar Manager:

• Responsible for managing the daily activities in the cocktail bar
• Ensures that the facility is in tip top shape and conducive enough to welcome customers
• Interfaces with vendors
• Attends to customers complains and enquiries
• Handles any other duty as assigned by the CEO

Bartenders/Baristas:

• Interacts with customers, take orders for cocktails and snacks.
• Plans and presents bar menu.
• Checks identification of guests to make sure they meet age requirements for purchase of alcohol and tobacco products.
• Mixes drinks, cocktails and other bar beverages as ordered and in compliance with hotel standard drink recipes.
• Arranges bottles and glasses to make attractive displays .
• Assesses customers’ needs and preferences and make recommendations.
• Makes lists of supplies in conjunction with the bar manager.
• Prepares inventory or purchase requisitions as needed to replenish supplies.
• Ensures that the assigned bar area is fully equipped with tools and products needed for mixing beverages.
• Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
• Provides managements with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports; analyzes financial feasibility for the most complex proposed projects; conducts market research to forecast trends and business conditions.
• Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
• Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting for one or more properties.
• Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
• Responsible for administering payrolls
• Ensures compliance with taxation legislation
• Handles all financial transactions for the company
• Serves as internal auditor for the company

Disc Jockey (DJ)

• Ensures that customers are entertained with the best of music per time
• In charge of music collections
• Responsible for mixing music tracks
• Opens door and welcome customers
• Ensures that customers feel relaxed and at home
• Handles customers’ enquiries
• Provide recommendations and suggestions to guest for choosing cocktail and snacks.
• Serves customers in a friendly manner.
• Determines when a customer has had too much alcohol and if required refusing any further serving in a polite way.
• Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of food and beverage products, menus and Promotions
• Handles any other duty as assigned by the bar manager
• Cleans up after customers
• Washes glassware and utensils after each use.
• Maintains a clean working area by sweeping, vacuuming, dusting, cleaning of glass doors and windows, etc. if required.
• Ensures that toiletries and supplies don’t run out of stock
• Handles any other duty as assigned by the bar manager.
• Ensures that the facility is secured at all time
• Controls traffic and organize parking
• Patrols around the building on a 24 hours’ basis
• Submits security reports weekly
• Any other duty as assigned by the bar manager

6. SWOT Analysis

Bennardo Paulo® Cocktail Bar is established with the aim of becoming the melting point of lovers of cocktail in Petoskey – Michigan which is why we have taken our time to conduct our SWOT analysis to be able to identify areas we need to work on if indeed we want to achieve our business goal.

No investor would want to invest his or hard earned money without assessing the risks involved in the venture and his or her capability to deliver and make profits from the business. The ability to make profits from any business and to favorably compete with competitors in the industry starts with the result you get from your SWOT analysis.

In view of that, Bennardo Paulo® Cocktail Bar hired a business to help conduct SWOT analysis for the business and below is a summary of the result that was generated.

Our strength as a company are excellent customer service, wide range of cocktails and assorted wines, beverages, tobaccos and food; excellent facility, excellent ambiance and perfect location for a bar in metropolitan city like Petoskey.

Our perceived weakness could be that we are new business, and we may not have the financial muscle to sustain the kind of publicity we want to give our business.

• Opportunities:

There are unlimited business opportunities available to cocktail bar businesses in busy cities like Lake Michigan community. It scores a perfect 100 on walkability, a measure used by urban planners to reflect the ability to stroll to shops, restaurants, parks and other amenities.

Another opportunity that we stand to leverage on is the fact that we can easily order any brand of drinks directly from the manufacturer with little or no stress.

Just like any other business, one of the major threats that we are likely going to face is economic downturn. It is a fact that economic downturn affects purchasing/spending power. Another threat that may likely confront us is the arrival of a new cocktail bar or even a wine bar , night club or restaurant in same location where our target market exist and who may want to adopt the same Business model like us.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

The societal shift away from alcoholic drinks toward healthier lifestyles is to a larger extent contributing to a steady decline in the amount of household spending allocated to trips to bars and nightclubs plus the fact that nobody wants to be caught driving while drunk

The recent market trend in the industry is the increase in the number of consumers choosing packaged beverages for home consumption rather than at bars or nightclubs. This trend is surely going to have lasting impacts on both the bar and nightclub business alike.

Even though the trend of cocktail bars in the United States was not well received in the 1980s, they began to gain popularity in the 90s.

In the early part of the millennium, cocktail bars became very popular and started popping up in many metropolitan neighborhoods across major cities in the United States of America. Cocktail bars now compete with the local hangouts such as coffee shops and local bars.

The cocktail bar sensation offers the taste before you buy philosophy. No doubt, cocktail bars put a new spin on cocktail tasting. They seek to remove the association of cocktail with high – end clientele and overwhelming wine lists and replace it with a more casual and relaxing atmosphere.

Many cocktail bars are furnished with cozy booths encased in rich colors and plush surroundings in hopes their guests will linger. The phlegmatic environment lends itself to a good socializing setting with a less crowded feel and more intimate appeal.

In recent time, cocktail bars have begun to incorporate a larger variety of food choices as part of their product offerings. Traditionally associated with cheeses and desserts, cocktail bars are looking to combine wine with appetizer-sized gourmet selections to increase the enjoyment their customers stand to gain when they patronize them.

The concept brings the tastes of fancy restaurants to a dressed-down setting. So also, it is now common to find restaurant owners and chefs take the opposite approach and use cocktail bars as an opportunity for expansion.

8. Our Target Market

Before starting our cocktail bar business in Petoskey – Michigan, we conducted a market survey and feasibility studies and we are certain that there is a wide range of people who would patronize our bar on a regular basis. In view of that, we have created strategies that will enable us reach out to various groups of people who are likely going to become our loyal customers.

Below is our target market;

• Corporate Executives
• Celebrities
• Taxi Drivers
• Business People
• Sports Men and Women
• College Students

Our Competitive Advantage

Competition in the cocktail bar industry will remain intense, stimulating industry consolidation. Major companies are expected to continue streamlining operations for cost savings. We are mindful of the fact that there are competitions in the cocktail bar industry in the United States of America; hence we have been able to hire some of the best business developers to handle our sales and marketing.

Our competitive advantages are control of distribution arrangements, aggressive marketing – given the high level of competition and economies of scale. Part of what is going to be our selling point in Petoskey – Michigan is the fact that we operate a standard cocktail bar, in a perfect location for the kind of business that we run and also the fact that our bar facility is highly secured.

Other factors that will give Bennardo Paulo® Cocktail Bar competitive edge is that we have enough parking space to accommodate the number of customers our bar can contain per time and secure payment platform. We are not ruling out the fact that we have a dedicated and customer centric workforce that are willing to go the extra mile to give our customers full value for their money and time whenever the patronize our cocktail bar.

We are not ignoring the fact that we are among the few neighborhood cocktail bars in downtown Lake Michigan that sells almost all the types of cocktails and the brands of wines available in the United States of America, and that will surely count in our advantage in the market place and also the robust experience of our CEO and the bar manager is also a positive for Bennardo Paulo® Cocktail Bar.

Lastly, our employees will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category in the industry meaning that they will be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and objectives.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Sources of Income

Bennardo Paulo® Cocktail Bar is established with the aim of maximizing profits in the cocktail bar industry and we are going to go all the way to ensure that we do all it takes to attract our target market. The sources of income for Bennardo Paulo® Cocktail Bar are stated below;

• Assorted cocktails such as cocktails with absinthe, beer cocktail, cocktails with brandy, cocktails with cachaça, cocktails with gin, cocktails with ouzo, cocktails with rum, cocktails with sake, cocktails with tequila, cocktails with vodka, cocktails with whisky, cocktails with fortified wines, cocktails with champagne, cocktails with a liqueur
• Non – alcoholic beverages

10. Sales Forecast

One thing is certain when it comes to cocktail bars, if your cocktail bar is well stocked and centrally positioned, you will always attract customers cum sales and that will sure translate to increase in revenue generation for the business.

We are well positioned to take on the available market in Petoskey – Michigan and we are quite optimistic that we will meet our set target of generating enough profits from our first six months of operation and grow the business and our clientele base.

We have been able to critically examine the cocktail market we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast. The sales projections are based on information gathered on the field and some assumptions that are peculiar to startups in Petoskey – Michigan.

• First Fiscal Year: $250,000
• Second Fiscal Year: $500,000
• Third Fiscal Year $900,000

N.B : This projection was done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown and there won’t be any major competitor offering same products and customer care services as we do within same location. Please note that the above projection might be lower and at the same time it might be higher.

• Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

Top of the list on our marketing and sale strategy document is generating a buzz for our cocktail bar via word-of-mouth and leveraging on road show.

The model of cocktail bar we intend running is a neighborhood bar hence we are not going to rely only on the conventional ways of marketing. We don’t have the plans to run paid adverts on Local TV and radio stations or even local newspapers but we will sure maximize every other available means to promote our business.

Our unique selling proposition is that we have a collection of almost all cocktail options in our bar, we have assorted drinks and tobaccos et al. In view of that, we are going to adopt the following marketing strategies to ensure that we do not only attract customers but generate repeated sales from them. Part of the marketing and sales strategies that we will adopt are;

• Open our cocktail bar in a grand style with a party for all.
• Introduce our cocktail bar by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to organizations, households and key stakeholders in Petoskey – Michigan
• Ensure that we have a wide range of cocktails, wines, beers, liquors, distilled spirits, martinis and non-alcoholic drinks at all times.
• Make use of attractive handbills to create awareness and also to give direction to our bar
• Position our signage / flexi banners at strategic places
• Position our greeters to welcome and direct potential customers
• Create a loyalty plan that will enable us reward our regular customers
• Engage in roadshows within our neighborhood to create awareness for our bar

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

Bennardo Paulo® Cocktail Bar is a neighborhood bar and we will ensure that we create the buzz that will make people in our area know about us and what we do. We are quite aware that one of the effective ways of promoting our bar is to create special internal promotions which in turn will help us achieve our aim of leveraging on word of mouth publicity.

Here are the platforms we intend leveraging on to promote and advertise Bennardo Paulo® Cocktail Bar;

• Encourage the use of word of mouth publicity from our loyal customers
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Google+ and other platforms (music online forums) to promote our business.
• Ensure that our we position our banners and billboards in strategic places all around Petoskey – Michigan
• Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas in and around our neighborhood
• Advertise our cocktail bar business in our official website and employ strategies that will help us pull traffic to the site
• Brand all our official cars and vans and ensure that all our staff members and management staff wears our branded shirt or cap at regular intervals.

12. Our Pricing Strategy

The prices of our cocktails and other products that we sell will be what is obtainable in the market. In fact, we will try as much as we can to sell below the industry’s average so as to attract loads of customers. We also have plans in place to discount our products once in a while and also to reward our loyal customers.

• Payment Options

The payment policy adopted by Bennardo Paulo® Cocktail Bar is all inclusive because we are quite aware that different customers prefer different payment options as it suits them but at the same time, we will ensure that we abide by the financial rules and regulation of the United States of America.

Here are the payment options that Bennardo Paulo® Cocktail Bar will make available to her clients;

• Payment with cash
• Payment via credit cards/Point of Sale Machines (POS Machines)
• Payment via online bank transfer
• Payment via check
• Payment via mobile money transfer

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will enable our clients make payment for the purchase of our cocktails and other drinks without any stress on their part.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

In setting up any business, the amount or cost will depend on the approach and scale you want to undertake. If you intend to go big by renting a place, then you would need a good amount of capital as you would need to ensure that your employees are well taken care of, and that your facility is conducive enough for workers to be creative and productive.

The tools and equipment that will be used are nearly the same cost everywhere, and any difference in prices would be minimal and can be overlooked. As for the detailed cost analysis for starting a cocktail bar business; it might differ in other countries due to the value of their money. This is what it would cost us to start Bennardo Paulo® Cocktail Bar in the United of America;

• The Total fee for registering the business in the United States of America – $750.
• Legal expenses for obtaining licenses and permits as well as the accounting services totaling – $1,200.
• Marketing promotion expenses (2,000 flyers at $0.04 per copy) for the total amount of $3,580.
• Cost for hiring business consultant – $2,500.
• Insurance (general liability, workers’ compensation and property casualty) coverage at a total premium – $2,400.
• The cost of accounting software, CRM software and Payroll Software – $15,000
• The cost for payment of rent for 12 months at $1.76 per square feet in the total amount of – $105,600.
• The cost for facility remodeling – $25,000.
• Other start-up expenses including stationery – $500
• Phone and utility deposits – ( $2,500 )
• Operational cost for the first 3 months (salaries of employees, payments of bills et al) – $60,000
• The cost for Start-up inventory (purchase of assorted alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, sparkling water, energy and sports drinks and mixers) – $16,027
• Storage hardware (bins, utensil rack, shelves, glasses case) – $3,720
• The cost for counter area equipment (counter top, sink, ice machine, etc.) – $9,500
• The cost for serving area equipment (glasses, flatware) – $3,000
• The cost for store equipment ( cash register , security, ventilation, signage) – $13,750
• Office equipment and furniture – $3,600
• The cost for the purchase of furniture and gadgets (Computers, Printers, Telephone, TVs, Sound System, tables and chairs et al) – $4,000.
• The cost of Launching a Website – $600
• The cost for our grand opening party – $5,000
• Miscellaneous – $2,500

From our market survey conducted, we would need an estimate of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars ( $250,000 ) to successfully launch our cocktail bar in downtown Petoskey – Michigan.

Generating Startup Capital for Bennardo Paulo® Cocktail Bar

Bennardo Paulo® Cocktail Bar is a private business that is owned by Mr. Bennardo Paulo and his immediate family members and they intend to finance the business alone.

Although they have plans to make the bar manager part owner of the business after 5 or 7 years of services, but that does not stop him from reserving well over 80 percent stake of the business for himself and his family. Since they are the sole financier of the business, they have decided to adopt the following means to generate startup capital for the business;

• Generate part of the startup capital from his personal savings and sale of his stocks
• Source for soft loans from family members and friends
• Apply for loan from the banks

N.B: Mr. Crespo Columbus and his wife have been able to generate $100,000 the breakdown shows that they generated $80,000 from their personal savings and sale of their stocks and they generated $20,000 soft loans from their family members and friends.

The balance of $150,000 will be generated as loan facility from his bank. All the papers and documents have been signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited with the amount.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

The future of a business lies in the number of loyal customers that they have, the capacity and competence of the employees, their investment strategy and the business structure. If all of these factors are missing from a business, then it won’t be too long before the business close shop.

One of our major goals of starting Bennardo Paulo® Cocktail Bar is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without the need for injecting finance from external sources once the business is officially running.

We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers over is to retail our cocktails a little bit cheaper that what is obtainable in the industry and properly position our cocktail bar, ensure adequate security, availability of various cocktails and brand of wines and excellent customer service et al.

Bennardo Paulo® Cocktail Bar will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of. Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and retraining of our workforce is at the top burner.

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of three years or more. We know that if that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams.

Check List/Milestone

• Business Name Availability Check: Completed
• Business Registration: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts: Completed
• Securing Point of Sales (POS) Machines: Completed
• Opening Mobile Money Accounts: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Purchase of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Renting of facility and remodeling the facility: In Progress
• Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
• Generating capital from family members: Completed
• Applications for Loan from the bank: In Progress
• Writing of Business Plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents and other relevant Legal Documents: In Progress
• Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
• Printing of Promotional Materials: In Progress
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Purchase of the Needed furniture, electronic appliances, office appliances and bar accessories: In progress
• Creating Official Website for the Company: Completed
• Creating Awareness for the business both online and in the neighborhood: In Progress
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement (License): Secured
• Opening party/launching party planning: In Progress
• Establishing business relationship with vendors – suppliers of all our needed wine, alcoholic and non – alcoholic drinks, tobacco and small chops: In Progress

• Restaurant Website Builder

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 , wine 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 Much Does It Cost to Start a Bar? Estimating the cost to open a bar is crucial for potential owners. Starting a bar business can cost anywhere from $100,000 to $800,000. The variance in cost can depend on numerous factors. For instance, the physical location of the bar can significantly influence the cost. A prime city center location might require a heftier initial investment than a suburban spot. Additionally, the floor plan and the design aesthetics you plan to implement can also affect the expenses. Furthermore, acquiring the necessary business licenses to operate your bar legally is another cost element that shouldn’t be overlooked. With a lot of bar competition out there, ensuring you have the key elements to include in your initial investment can set you up for success. 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. (Consider using a bar name generator  for more ideas)
• 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. (Check out this article to understand the distinction between pubs and bars )
• 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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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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

The Ultimate Guide to Crafting a Business Plan for Your Cocktail Bar

By alex ryzhkov, get full bundle.

Launching a successful cocktail bar requires meticulous planning and preparation. Before diving into the business plan, entrepreneurs must navigate a crucial 9-step checklist to ensure their venture is poised for success. From conducting comprehensive market research to assembling a skilled team of bartenders and service staff, this guide outlines the essential steps that will lay the groundwork for a thriving cocktail bar business.

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Steps Prior To Business Plan Writing

Conduct Thorough Market Research and Analysis

Before embarking on the journey of opening a cocktail bar, it is crucial to conduct a comprehensive market research and analysis. This step lays the foundation for a well-informed business plan, ensuring that your cocktail bar concept aligns with the preferences and demands of your target audience.

Begin by examining the local market and understanding the current trends, consumer behavior, and competitive landscape. Gather data on the size and growth potential of the cocktail bar industry in your area, as well as the demographics and psychographics of your target customers. Identify the popular drink preferences , price points, and the overall customer experience that patrons seek in a cocktail bar setting.

• Utilize a mix of primary research methods, such as surveys, interviews, and focus groups, to gain insights directly from potential customers.
• Analyze secondary data sources, including industry reports, market research studies, and local economic data, to supplement your findings.
• Carefully examine the competitive landscape , identifying the strengths, weaknesses, and unique offerings of existing cocktail bars in your target area.

Once you have a comprehensive understanding of the market, use this information to refine your cocktail bar concept and develop a unique value proposition. Identify the unmet needs in the market that your cocktail bar can address, and determine how you can differentiate your offerings from the competition.

By conducting thorough market research and analysis, you can make informed decisions about your cocktail bar's target market, pricing strategy, product mix, and overall business strategy. This foundational step will help you create a compelling and competitive business plan that sets your cocktail bar up for success.

Identify Your Target Audience and Their Preferences

Identifying your target audience and understanding their preferences is a crucial step in developing a successful business plan for your cocktail bar. By clearly defining your target market, you can tailor your offerings, ambiance, and overall experience to meet their specific needs and preferences, ultimately driving customer loyalty and profitability.

To identify your target audience, start by conducting thorough market research. Analyze demographic data, such as age, income level, occupation, and lifestyle preferences, to paint a detailed picture of your ideal customers. Consider factors like their preferred drink choices, the occasions they visit cocktail bars, and their expectations for the overall experience.

• Utilize online surveys, focus groups, and customer interviews to gather first-hand insights into your target audience's preferences and pain points.
• Analyze industry trends and competitor data to understand the evolving preferences and behaviors of cocktail enthusiasts in your local market.
• Leverage social media and online reviews to gain a deeper understanding of your target audience's interests, communication channels, and decision-making processes.

Once you have a clear understanding of your target audience, you can develop a unique value proposition and brand identity that resonates with them. This may involve curating a specialized cocktail menu, designing an ambiance that aligns with their preferences, and offering personalized service and experiences that set your cocktail bar apart from the competition.

According to a recent industry report, 64% of cocktail bar customers are millennials, seeking unique and Instagram-worthy experiences. Additionally, 75% of cocktail enthusiasts prioritize quality ingredients and craft-focused cocktails over price. By catering to these preferences, you can position your cocktail bar as a premier destination for your target audience.

By deeply understanding your target audience and their preferences, you can create a compelling business plan that positions your cocktail bar for long-term success. This strategic approach will help you make informed decisions about your menu, ambiance, marketing, and overall operations, ensuring that you deliver an exceptional experience that resonates with your customers.

Develop a Unique Value Proposition and Brand Identity

In the competitive cocktail bar industry, establishing a strong and distinctive brand identity is crucial for success. Your value proposition must clearly communicate what sets your establishment apart and why customers should choose 'The Mixologists Haven' over other options. This strategic branding exercise will guide every aspect of your business, from the bar's ambiance and menu offerings to your marketing and customer service approach.

Start by thoroughly researching your target audience and their preferences. Understand their demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, and cocktail consumption patterns. This knowledge will inform the development of your unique value proposition and help you craft a brand that resonates with your desired clientele.

• Conduct focus groups or surveys to gather in-depth insights about your target customers' needs, pain points, and aspirations when it comes to the cocktail bar experience.
• Analyze industry trends and emerging preferences to identify opportunities for innovation and differentiation.
• Carefully consider the atmosphere, ambiance, and overall vibe you want to create at your cocktail bar to attract your target market.

With a clear understanding of your target audience, you can then define your unique value proposition. This should articulate the specific benefits, experiences, and emotional connections you will provide to customers. According to a recent industry report, 63% of cocktail bar patrons prioritize unique, hand-crafted cocktails and a sophisticated ambiance over price or location. Leverage this insight to develop a value proposition that emphasizes your commitment to exceptional, innovative cocktails and a refined, yet welcoming, atmosphere.

Translating your value proposition into a cohesive brand identity is the next critical step. This encompasses your bar's name, logo, color scheme, typography, and overall visual aesthetic. Studies show that 85% of consumers cite visual appearance as a key factor in their purchasing decisions. Ensure that your brand identity effectively communicates the essence of your cocktail bar and resonates with your target audience.

• Collaborate with a branding professional or design agency to create a visually striking and memorable brand identity for your cocktail bar.
• Carefully consider how your brand will be expressed across all touchpoints, from your website and social media to your physical space and staff uniforms.
• Develop a clear brand positioning statement that encapsulates your unique value proposition and guides all marketing and operational decisions.

By meticulously crafting your value proposition and brand identity, you will establish a strong foundation for your cocktail bar's success. This strategic groundwork will not only attract your target customers but also inspire loyalty and advocacy, setting your business up for long-term growth and profitability.

Determine the Optimal Location for Your Cocktail Bar

The location of your cocktail bar is a critical factor that can make or break your business. Choosing the right spot can attract a steady stream of customers and contribute to the overall success of your venture. As you embark on your journey to open The Mixologists Haven , carefully evaluating potential locations should be a top priority.

When selecting the perfect location for your cocktail bar, consider the following key factors:

• Demographics : Analyze the target demographic in the area, including age, income level, and lifestyle preferences. Ensure that your chosen location aligns with the clientele you aim to attract for The Mixologists Haven .
• Foot Traffic and Visibility : Opt for a location with high foot traffic and excellent visibility to maximize your exposure and attract spontaneous customers. Consider areas with a vibrant nightlife scene or near popular dining and entertainment destinations.
• Competition : Assess the competitive landscape in the area, taking note of the number and quality of existing cocktail bars. Aim to find a location that offers a unique proposition and complements, rather than directly competes with, the offerings of your competitors.
• Accessibility and Parking : Ensure that your cocktail bar is easily accessible by both public transportation and private vehicles. Adequate parking options, or the availability of nearby garages or lots, can greatly enhance the customer experience.
• Local Regulations and Zoning : Research the local zoning laws and regulations governing the operation of cocktail bars in your desired location. Familiarize yourself with any licensing requirements, noise ordinances, or other restrictions that may impact your business.
• Consider conducting a feasibility study to thoroughly assess the potential of different locations and identify the most promising option for The Mixologists Haven .
• Engage with local authorities and community stakeholders to understand the unique characteristics and dynamics of the area, which can help you make an informed decision.

By carefully evaluating these factors and conducting a comprehensive analysis, you can increase your chances of finding the optimal location for The Mixologists Haven . A well-chosen location can contribute to the overall success of your cocktail bar, attracting a loyal customer base and positioning your business for long-term growth.

Assess the Competition and Differentiate Your Offerings

In the highly competitive cocktail bar industry, standing out from the crowd is crucial for success. To assess the competition and differentiate your offerings, you'll need to conduct a thorough competitive analysis. This process will help you identify your unique value proposition and develop strategies to position your cocktail bar as the preferred destination for discerning customers.

Begin by researching the existing cocktail bars in your target market. Examine their menus, pricing, ambiance, and customer reviews to understand their strengths and weaknesses. Pay close attention to the types of cocktails they offer, the quality of ingredients used, and the overall customer experience they provide.

Next, consider how you can differentiate your cocktail bar from the competition. This may involve offering a unique selection of craft cocktails, using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, or creating a distinctive atmosphere that caters to your target audience. According to a recent industry report, 72% of cocktail bar customers are willing to pay a premium for a unique and memorable experience.

• Leverage your market research to identify unmet needs or gaps in the local cocktail bar landscape.
• Develop a strong brand identity that resonates with your target audience and sets you apart from the competition.
• Continuously monitor industry trends and customer preferences to stay ahead of the curve and adapt your offerings as needed.

Additionally, consider forming strategic partnerships with local suppliers, distilleries, or even other complementary businesses to further enhance your unique value proposition. Studies show that cocktail bars that collaborate with local partners and source ingredients locally can increase their revenue by up to 18% compared to those that do not.

By thoroughly assessing the competition and developing a clear strategy to differentiate your cocktail bar, you'll be well on your way to attracting a loyal customer base and achieving long-term success in this dynamic industry.

Secure Necessary Licenses, Permits, and Insurance

Opening a cocktail bar requires navigating a complex web of legal and regulatory requirements. Failing to obtain the proper licenses, permits, and insurance can jeopardize the entire operation, leading to costly fines, legal battles, and even forced closure. As such, this step is critical in the business plan for cocktail bar development process.

The specific licenses and permits needed will vary depending on your location, but typically include a liquor license, food service permit, business license, and any necessary zoning or building permits. Securing a liquor license can be a particularly arduous and time-consuming process, often taking several months to obtain. It's essential to research the local requirements and begin the application process well in advance of your planned opening date.

• Consult with local authorities to determine the exact licenses and permits required for your cocktail bar startup .
• Factor in the time and costs associated with obtaining these documents when creating your cocktail bar financial planning and budgeting .
• Consider hiring a legal or regulatory compliance professional to guide you through the process and ensure you meet all necessary requirements.

In addition to licenses and permits, it's crucial to obtain the appropriate insurance coverage for your cocktail bar operations . This may include general liability insurance, liquor liability insurance, workers' compensation, and property insurance, among others. The specific coverage needed will depend on factors such as the size of your establishment, the number of employees, and the risks inherent to your business.

According to the Cocktail Bar Industry Trends report, the average cost of comprehensive insurance coverage for a cocktail bar can range from $5,000 to $15,000 per year , depending on the size and scope of the business. Failing to maintain adequate insurance can expose the business to significant financial risks in the event of an accident, injury, or other unexpected incident.

• Work with an experienced insurance broker to identify the appropriate coverage for your cocktail bar startup .
• Review your insurance policies regularly and adjust coverage as your business grows or changes.
• Ensure that all employees are properly trained and adhere to safety protocols to mitigate risks and keep insurance premiums low.

By meticulously addressing the legal and regulatory requirements for opening a cocktail bar, you can lay the foundation for a successful and compliant business. Investing the time and resources needed to secure the necessary licenses, permits, and insurance coverage will help you avoid costly pitfalls and focus on delivering an exceptional customer experience.

Estimate Startup Costs and Ongoing Operational Expenses

Establishing a successful cocktail bar requires a thorough understanding of the financial implications involved. Before embarking on your business venture, it is crucial to carefully estimate the startup costs and ongoing operational expenses associated with running a cocktail bar. This comprehensive financial planning will not only help you secure the necessary funding but also ensure the long-term sustainability of your business.

When estimating the startup costs for your cocktail bar, consider the following key factors:

• Lease and Renovation: The cost of securing a suitable location, negotiating the lease terms, and completing any necessary renovations to transform the space into a visually appealing and functional cocktail bar.
• Equipment and Furnishings: The investment required for purchasing essential bar equipment, such as glassware, ice machines, blenders, and other specialized tools, as well as furnishings to create the desired ambiance.
• Inventory and Supplies: The initial investment in a diverse selection of premium liquors, mixers, garnishes, and other bar supplies to stock your cocktail menu.
• Licensing and Permits: The fees associated with obtaining the necessary liquor licenses, business licenses, and any other regulatory permits required to operate a cocktail bar in your local jurisdiction.
• Marketing and Branding: The costs of developing a strong brand identity, creating a website, and implementing a comprehensive marketing campaign to attract your target audience.
• Staffing: The initial investment in hiring and training a team of skilled bartenders, servers, and other support staff to ensure exceptional customer service.
• Allocate a contingency budget of at least 20% of your total startup costs to account for unexpected expenses or unforeseen circumstances.
• Research industry benchmarks and consult with experienced professionals in the cocktail bar industry to ensure your cost estimates are accurate and comprehensive.

In addition to the startup costs, it is crucial to estimate the ongoing operational expenses associated with running your cocktail bar. These expenses may include:

• Rent and Utilities: The monthly or annual costs of maintaining the leased premises, including rent, electricity, water, and other utility bills.
• Inventory Replenishment: The ongoing investment required to maintain a well-stocked bar and ensure a consistent supply of premium liquors, mixers, and other bar supplies.
• Labor and Payroll: The ongoing costs of employing a team of skilled bartenders, servers, and support staff, including wages, benefits, and payroll taxes.
• Insurance: The premiums for comprehensive insurance coverage, such as liability, property, and workers' compensation insurance, to protect your business and assets.
• Marketing and Promotions: The ongoing expenses associated with maintaining a robust marketing strategy, including advertising, social media, and event promotions to attract and retain customers.
• Maintenance and Repairs: The costs of regular maintenance, repairs, and replacements for your bar's equipment, furnishings, and facilities.
• Benchmark your projected operational expenses against industry averages to ensure your estimates are realistic and competitive.
• Allocate a portion of your revenue to a reserve fund to cover unexpected expenses or periods of lower sales.

By carefully estimating both the startup costs and ongoing operational expenses, you can develop a comprehensive financial plan that will not only guide your initial investment but also help you manage the long-term financial viability of your cocktail bar. This detailed financial analysis will be a crucial component of your business plan, demonstrating your understanding of the financial requirements and your ability to operate a sustainable and profitable cocktail bar.

Assemble a Skilled Team of Bartenders and Service Staff

Building a talented and dedicated team is crucial for the success of any cocktail bar. The bartenders and service staff you hire will be the face of your establishment, responsible for crafting exceptional drinks and delivering exceptional customer service. To assemble this skilled team, consider the following key steps:

• Recruitment and Hiring : Seek out bartenders with extensive experience in mixology, a keen understanding of flavor profiles, and a passion for creating innovative cocktails. Look for service staff who are outgoing, attentive, and committed to providing a memorable experience for your guests.
• Training and Development : Invest in comprehensive training programs to ensure your team is well-versed in your bar's signature offerings, brand standards, and customer service protocols. Ongoing training and skill-building opportunities will help your staff stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices.
• Compensation and Incentives : Offer competitive wages, benefits, and performance-based incentives to attract and retain top talent. Providing a rewarding work environment can help you build a loyal and motivated team that takes pride in their contributions to the success of your cocktail bar.
• Empowerment and Autonomy : Empower your staff to take ownership of their roles and make decisions that enhance the customer experience. Encourage them to provide input, suggest new cocktail ideas, and take an active role in shaping the bar's operations and culture.
• Utilize industry-specific job boards and networking events to source talented bartenders and service staff.
• Consider offering comprehensive training and certification programs to differentiate your team and demonstrate their expertise.
• Implement a robust employee recognition program to celebrate exceptional performance and foster a positive, collaborative work environment.

By assembling a skilled and dedicated team, you can ensure your cocktail bar delivers a consistently exceptional experience that keeps customers coming back. The quality of your staff can make all the difference in the success and reputation of your establishment.

Establish Strategic Partnerships with Local Suppliers

Establishing strategic partnerships with local suppliers is a crucial step in the successful launch and ongoing operation of your cocktail bar. By forging strong relationships with nearby vendors, you can not only secure high-quality ingredients and materials but also cultivate a sense of community and support that can be invaluable for your business.

One key advantage of local supplier partnerships is the ability to source fresh, seasonal ingredients that can elevate the quality and uniqueness of your cocktails. According to industry data, 78% of consumers prefer cocktails made with locally-sourced produce , which can help you differentiate your offerings and appeal to the growing demand for hyper-local, craft-focused beverages.

• Prioritize partnerships with local distilleries, breweries, and specialty spirit producers to offer a diverse selection of premium, artisanal liquors.
• Collaborate with nearby urban farms, orchards, and specialty food purveyors to source the freshest fruits, herbs, and garnishes for your cocktails.
• Explore opportunities to work with local glassware, barware, and specialty equipment suppliers to ensure a cohesive, elevated aesthetic for your cocktail bar.

In addition to sourcing high-quality ingredients, strategic local partnerships can also provide invaluable operational support. By aligning with nearby distributors, you can optimize your supply chain, reduce transportation costs, and ensure timely deliveries – all critical factors for maintaining a well-stocked bar and delivering a seamless customer experience.

Furthermore, establishing relationships with local suppliers can open the door to unique cross-promotional opportunities. By co-hosting events, offering joint specials, or collaborating on signature cocktails, you can tap into each other's customer bases and foster a sense of community engagement that can significantly boost your bar's visibility and appeal.

As you develop your cocktail bar business plan, be sure to dedicate ample time and resources to researching, vetting, and securing strategic partnerships with local suppliers. This investment will not only enhance the quality and authenticity of your offerings but also lay the foundation for a thriving, community-focused business that can stand out in the competitive cocktail bar landscape.

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Bar owners' guide to creating a business plan

Claim your free Nextdoor business page

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Behind every great bar is a great bartender. Behind them, is a bar business plan that sets your establishment up for a successful launch and long-term success. Whether you’re setting out to open your own spot or expanding into a new neighborhood with another location, your first step is laying out your plan. An effective bar restaurant business plan covers everything from financial goals to local business marketing strategies , all detailed in this 6-step guide.

1. Executive summary

A well-constructed bar business plan can be your roadmap, helping guide and establish your business’s operations and reputation. Not only is it an essential document if you’re raising funds, but it’s also a helpful way to organize thoughts and plans for yourself and to share them with employees.

Start every business plan with a summary to hook the reader to learn more about your company and your proposal. Think of it a little like a sales pitch for your bar, and a preview of everything you lay out inside your business plan. Be sure to include:

• Mission statement – Be both ambitious and realistic with how you position yourself and your bar with a mission that answers the question, “who are you and what do you do?” This should touch on why you’re opening this business and what you hope to accomplish in doing so. 
• Concept – Whether you picture your bar as a high-end cocktail lounge or a family-friendly brewery, share what will make your place unique. Get specific on how it will compete in the neighborhood you’re opening in, touching on the local demographic and other establishments.
• Operations – Briefly summarize how your business will function, whether you’ll be open late, serving food, or offering a retail selection. Detail the general structure of owners, managers, and employees.
• Value propositions - Highlight the value of your bar and what sets it apart from others in the area. Turning her food truck Yolos into a brick-and-mortar location, in Amarillo, TX, restaurant owner Yolanda Grazier offers an escape for the local lunch crowd: “​​We're really hoping to bring a good place where people are comfortable to come and sit down, enjoy a meal with their coworkers, [and] get a little rest and relaxation before they go back to work.”

You can also include your experience, industry trends, and more about the local market to show how your neighborhood bar will meet your goals. 

2. Location and design

Your bar’s physical location, inside and out, is important for business and your business plan. Use this section to connect your location to how it will influence your bar’s success. It should be clear to potential investors that you’ve done your research and see what will make it special based on the neighborhood it’s in. Share details on:

• Access to public transit – An accessible location near a bus or metro stop will make it easier for customers to come and go from your bar safely. 
• Neighborhood – Location may influence the type of bar you open, and vice versa. Share more about the area you’re located in and how you’re filling a need there. You can include what kind of foot traffic your location gets and demographic information of clientele, like age, income, lifestyle details, and employment information. 
• Interior design – From the back bar to your floor plan, establish plans for what your bar will look like inside. Include diagrams and renderings that will illustrate your vision. List amenities, like kitchen appliances and bathroom, plus any plans for remodeling.

3. Inventory and menu planning

Whether you’re serving local craft beer or a selection of wine from around the world, this is your opportunity to get specific about what neighbors at your bar will be saying “cheers!” with. 

Include inventory needs and menu planning details, like:

• Menu options – The more details you can provide about your upcoming specialties, the better. Share your menu, with price points and seasonal variations, as well as plating and glassware.  
• Ingredient lists – Provide the ingredients you plan to use and where you’ll source them. Share distributors for liquor, beer, and wine, and don’t forget mixers and garnishes.
• Miscellaneous items – Bar napkins, glassware, straws, cleaning supplies, and towels are necessary for most bars. Estimate weekly ordering needs and identify suppliers to ensure everything is accounted for.

Since the investors, lenders, or partners reviewing your bar business plan may not have the opportunity to test everything on your future menu, get detailed on flavor profiles, tasting notes, and descriptions to help them preview the experience of ordering at your bar. 

4. Research and marketing strategy

To build buzz for your local bar or restaurant, try a mix of traditional print advertising and online marketing. Get to know your local and target demographics to decide where and how to reach them. 

In the marketing section of your bar business plan, provide details on:

• Demographics -  Are you near a university, a hospital, or a hotel? Include neighborhood demographics and how you plan to serve locals what they’re thirsty for. With 22.9% of bar revenue coming from customers between the ages of 21 and 34 , age and income level can be factors worth highlighting. 
• Neighborhood specifics -  Tap into the interests and needs of the community you’re opening your doors in Speak directly with your bar’s new neighbors and connect with fellow businesses with a free Nextdoor business page that gives you instant access to everyone within two miles. 
• Traditional and digital marketing – Share your marketing plans, which should consider industry trends, print, and local advertising, partnering with other local businesses, and building a digital presence. Your bar should have a website, Nextdoor business page, and other social media so your information is readily available, easily searchable, and stands out as neighbors scroll for where to go this weekend.

Make marketing more effective by keeping both larger industry trends and your local demographic in mind as you plan to drive and build awareness for your bar.

5. Financial plan

The financial section of your bar business plan covers your financial history with potential for profit and your plan for obstacles that may come up. This is important for your business strategy, as well as for potential lenders, investors, or partners to see. 

Develop your bar’s financial plan with information on the following:

• Overhead costs – Price out liquor licenses, business licenses, and any associated fees with starting your bar restaurant. Note any equipment or training required to open. 
• Financial projections – Estimate your cash flow and the revenue for the first few years of your business, sharing when you expect your bar to break even.  
• Capital investment – Note your inventory, staff, and real estate costs, plus taxes and insurance costs. Assess what type of funding you need, if any, and what you’ll do with — and how you’ll pay back — any investment. Note any money that is set aside to cover unexpected fees and incidentals.

If you have unique plans to drive additional revenue, include them here in the financial section. Pa-Nash Restaurant, Bar & Lounge in Queens, NY, found new opportunities in catering and deliveries. Event buyouts or private dining options could be a secondary way for your bar to make money. 

Consider hiring experts, like an accountant, to help you with this stage of the process, especially if they have advised other local bars or restaurants in your area.

6. Daily operations

Any potential investors or partners will need to get a sense of your day-to-day operations. Even if you change specific details once your bar is open, going in with an idea can make your first weeks easier for you and your team.

Daily operations for a bar owner can include:

• Service style – Whether you’re opening a smaller bar with a single rail or a massive bar restaurant with tables and servers, explain how service will run. Detail and define POS systems, tickets, and customer comps.
• Chain of command – Delineate staff responsibilities, as well as the general chain of command for managers and operators. Everyone should know their exact role and responsibilities when they walk into work each day. 
• Company policies – Sick leave, paid time off, and general company policies can be established in this section. Consider creating a separate employee handbook for easy reference as you onboard team members. 

Even a busy bar can feel like a well-oiled machine if its daily operations are established on day one. Prepare for success and help eliminate unnecessary stress when your bar finally opens its doors. 

Open shop on Nextdoor 

An effective bar business plan will help guide you on the path toward success. As a local establishment, another key element to a bright future for your bar is in making it a neighborhood favorite. With one in three households on Nextdoor, there are potential customers right around the corner who can help. Invite neighbors in when you claim your free Nextdoor Business Page . Build buzz for your opening, share local deals, and give your neighborhood something to cheers to. 

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How to Start a Cocktail Bar: 6 Keys to Building a Business

Whether you’re a budding bar owner or someone who is curious about cocktail bars, you may be thinking about how to start a cocktail bar-similar to an old-fashioned speakeasy . Opening up a bar takes a lot of work, cocktail or not. The process of how to open a bar includes:

• Creating a business plan and learning how much do bars make
• Finding a location
• Raising funds (the cost to open a bar is high, it includes the bar manager salary )
• Choosing a theme and bar equipment layout

… and much more! Luckily, there are plenty of resources available, from the best bar books to guides on bar planning. 

Outside of opening a cocktail bar for commercial use, you may be interested in how to make a home cocktail bar to make use of your many collected types of rum . That’s a far easier endeavor, with fewer steps and more personal choices. 

You may be looking to open a cocktail bar to bring in customers. You may just want to create a cocktail space in your own home to enjoy some vegan drinks , gluten-free cocktails , or regular drinks with alcohol and tonic water . Either way, there’s a lot to learn about creating a spot for cocktail fans.

Knowing how to start a cocktail bar goes beyond great cocktail recipes and garnishes to stock up on. It's about so much more than knowing your cocktail ingredients . It may seem daunting at first, but with this guide, you’ll be entertaining your guests of choice in no time.

Opening Up A Bar

There are many aspects of how to start a cocktail bar that are part of how to open up a bar in general. We have several guides and templates to help you open up a bar, including a how to open a bar checklist and a bar inventory spreadsheet . Within those resources, you’ll find the ultimate guide to everything you need as you open up your own cocktail bar. 

For now, we’ll give you a full list of everything you’ll need. Your cocktail bar opening checklist includes:

• A bar business plan
• A location that suits your bar plan
• A liquor license–whichever one(s) you may need
• A funding plan
• A hiring plan
• Inventory–and a bar inventory app (or even a barcode scanner app for inventory )
• A budget and accounting overview
• A marketing plan
• POS software
• A bar design plan
• A plan for how to price your food menu

Depending on your location and your exact bar plan, there will be other things you need to consider. You can do research for your own location by visiting the site of The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). The TTB is a good place to learn about rules and regulations surrounding alcohol sales and service.

How to Make A Home Cocktail Bar

If your plan for opening up a bar is only for personal enjoyment, you’ll find the road ahead to be much simpler. The question of how to make a home cocktail bar can be as elaborate or as simple as you like. You can make your home cocktail bar feel like a true cocktail lounge, with:

• Soft lighting
• Decked-out bar design
• Booth seating

You could also go for a simple home bar setup that just happens to be your own cocktail space. For either a simple home bar or something a bit fancier, the items you’ll need are:

• A bar cart, shelving, or display cabinets
• Drink mixing tools, like a shaker, jigger, and a variety of glassware
• Liquor options, including the basics for most cocktails, and any liquors you personally love
• Garnishes for your favorite drinks, plus bar snacks 
• Great cocktail books to mix up new drinks whenever you want something different
• Seating options, with room to spare for any home-bar patrons you may have

Creating a home cocktail bar gives you all the fun of designing a bar without the work of opening a bar as a business. 

4 Things Every Cocktail Bar Needs

A lot of what goes into opening up a bar is the same for any bar–cocktail or otherwise. The specifics of a cocktail bar are less about the business aspect and more about the aesthetics of the bar. Any bar can serve cocktails, but the term cocktail bar generally refers to a place that has an atmosphere of cozy sophistication. Of course, for a cocktail bar you’ll need everything you need for any bar, but here are your specific needs:

• Bartenders who know how to mix up some great drinks
• Some of the best cocktail recipe books of all time, to help your bartenders learn even more
• A bar equipment layout and design plan that suits the mood
• A prominently displayed liquor collection

If you can strike the balance between a practical bar and a space that embodies everything people love about cocktails, you have done well. An extra tip is, a lot of cocktail bars do well with a menu fitting the a la carte meaning , as individual bites go well with drinks.

The Best Cocktail Bars

If you’re looking for inspiration on how to set up your cocktail bar, you can always look to current successful cocktail bars. There are several cocktail bars across the world, taking numerous actions to stand out and draw in the crowds.

While this competition is daunting for new bar owners, it’s also helpful. While you may have plenty of ideas on what you want for your bar design, it never hurts to see what others are up to. 

There are cocktail bars out there covering a range of options. The question “What is a cocktail bar?” generally conjures up images of a smoky lounge. That said, a cocktail bar can be any type of bar. You can search for inspiration in:

• Themed bars
• Live music bars
• Nostalgia bars

You can also draw from your favorite bars, or look into the best bars in the country to see what is already working. When it comes to finding inspiration for your cocktail bar, the list is endless.

The Best Cocktail Bars NYC

New York City is a good place to start looking at the most diverse cocktail bars. The bar scene in New York is often in flux, as new places open and marketing approaches change old spots. Eater NY took a look at the best cocktail bars NYC has to offer for 2022, and their list stands as follows:

• Bar Chrystie
• Philomena's
• Sunken Harbor Club
• All Night Skate
• El Pingüino

If you live in New York, you may have your own locations to add to that list. Overall, the list shows that there are plenty of options for inspiration out in the Big Apple.

Cocktail Bars Chicago

New York is consistently hailed as a place with everything you could want when it comes to places to visit. However, there are lots of interesting spots in the US that offer just as much diversity in cocktail bars.

One such place is Chicago. Chicago is known for its variety of places and people, and that is reflected in the Chicago cocktail bar scene. Eater Chicago has their own list of the best cocktail bars in the Windy City. That list includes:

• Billy Sunday
• Todos Santos
• The Whistler
• Weegee's Lounge
• The Violet Hour
• Sportsman's Club
• The Matchbox
• The Drifter
• Sable Kitchen & Bar
• Three Dots and a Dash

This list of Chicago’s best cocktail spots showcases the personality you find on the streets of Chicago. When it comes to your own cocktail bar, it’s a good idea to consider the personality of your location.

From there you can choose some bar design elements that suit your city. Your theme can be based on the history of your city, or on small design details that only locals would notice. Whatever you choose, showing some locational personality will suit any cocktail bar. 

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Start A Cocktail Bar

Starting a bar is a lot of work in general, and that applies to cocktail bars as well. A lot of what you need to know has already been answered in this article, but you may have more questions. A few commonly asked questions include:

What Makes A Cocktail Bar?

A cocktail bar is made great by excellent customer service, great cocktails for a great price, and a cozy atmosphere. Excellent customer service includes the standard for customer service, as well as bartenders who are knowledgeable about cocktails.

Great cocktails for a great price? That’s an easy one. That said, make sure you invest in your cocktail development at the beginning to impress patrons right off the bat.

A cozy atmosphere is the best feeling for a cocktail bar. It makes people want to hang out and have a few drinks in a comfortable environment. Creating a great bar layout should be one of your top priorities.

What Equipment Do You Need for A Cocktail Bar?

The equipment you need for a cocktail bar includes drink-making equipment and general bar tools. We have a free bar equipment list that tells you everything you need for a good bar. Some of the basic needs specific to a cocktail bar are:

• Glassware for the cocktails you serve
• Drink-making equipment, like shakers, jiggers, and cocktail spoons
• Garnish trays and items like toothpicks and tiny umbrellas

Our bar equipment list includes the rest of the items you should obtain. 

How Profitable Is Owning A Bar?

Owning a bar is profitable, as the average gross profit margin for a bar is between 70 and 80%. When people start to plan their bar, one of the most common questions asked is “ Are bars profitable ?” The answer is yes.

The potential to make money on alcohol sales is huge. This is because the cost of liquor for a bar is so low compared to the average cost of a drink. On average, the annual profit of a bar comes out to about $39,600 after all costs have been factored in. Of course, there are always ways to increase bar profits beyond drink sales.

How to Start a Cocktail Bar: Time To Put The Lime In The Coconut

Now you know how to start a cocktail bar, but there will always be more to learn as you open and operate your bar. From learning about well liquor to mastering popular cocktail names , come back to the BinWise blog whenever you find yourself needing to learn more. Don't forget to spend some time studying up on great bartender cover letter options, as hiring great staff should be top of mind as well.

Bar Business Plan

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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How to set up your own Gin Bar

One spirit, many tastes.

The joy of gin is that no two are alike. Some people believe that no gin can beat a faithful London Dry – bursting with juniper, coriander and liquorice. Others are embracing the modern world of exotic fruits and unique herbs – last year flavoured gins took a 40% share of the entire market, accounting for over Åí500 million.

As Pritesh Mody, from pre-mixed cocktail maker World of Zing, says: “Gin has become about discovery for consumers, whether that’s new brands and flavours or cocktail serves.”

“Cocktails now account for one in ten alcoholic drinks consumed in foodservice,” says Stephen Warnham, Key Accounts Manager at CCEP. “By having an innovative and exciting cocktail menu, you can drive consumer spend.”

New flavour trends

Liverpool Gin Distillery is launching a small batch ‘Experimental Series’, to push the boundaries on what is considered a ‘traditional gin flavour’. “We are distilling with some exciting ingredients, including miso, olive and yuzu with fantastic results,” says Matt Haycox, Bar Manager at the Liverpool Gin Distillery.

The team at the City of London Distillery has also been experimenting, and has launched Whitley Neill Oriental Spiced Gin, full of savoury notes including cardamom, coriander, turmeric, ginger and chilli. Be sure to have spicy snacks on offer and on show at the bar to complement the flavours.

“4.9% Growth forecast for gin globally by 2028”

Choose a spot

During the summer months, you may wish to create a gin bar in the garden – think converted garden shed, dressed in fairy lights. Show off all the bottles and add signage or if you don’t have the outdoor space, create a highly visible area behind the bar exclusively for your gin collection.

Select your gins

Customers want to see gin with local provenance and exciting, unique blends. Do your research, find out where the closest distilleries are, then add a selection of New World gins. And don’t forget to put some sloe gins in there too, or McQueen Scottish Gin if you can get your hands on it, which changes colour when you add the tonic water.

Offer insight

To create a full gin experience, people want to know where they came from and how they’re made. Provide the information on tasting cards and train your team on each gin, so they have the knowledge to recommend different blends.

Presentation

How a drink looks is just as important as how it tastes. Make sure you choose the appropriate glassware, use the right ice (eg a Negroni requires just one or two large ice cubes), and use fresh garnishes that bring out the flavours of the gin.

Tell the world

Spread the word about your gin bar.

• Use social media and point of sale inside and outside of your venue

• If you have a customer database, take advantage of that too and alert your customers via email.

• Think about a ‘gin of the week’ campaign, which will give you valuable content for your social media and online channels.

Create a gin menu

All gins are different and your menu should reflect this. If you have a mixologist, put together your own menu and be sure to feature some popular classics such as Negroni. If you don’t have a mixologist, follow our guide overleaf to create an exciting, inspirational menu.

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Distillery Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Distillery Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your Distillery business plan.

We have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their Distilleries.

Below is a template to help you create each section of your Distillery business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

Ironstone Distillery is a startup company located in Austin, Texas. The company is founded by Terrence Downery, a distillery manager who has amassed twenty years of experience in the art of whiskey-making. Terrence has a passion for spirits and is dedicated to excellence in producing every casket of the liquid gold called, “whiskey.” With the vast wealth of experience accumulated, Terrence Downery is partnering with John and Margery Thatcher, former distillery owners from Scotland, to produce a distillery that will specialize in small-batch, handcrafted spirits, including whiskey and rum. The company will use locally-sourced ingredients and spirit-making secrets and methods to align the flavor and spirit distillation with the high quality and standards. In addition to the production and distillery areas, Ironstone Distillery will feature a welcoming tasting room, where customers can enjoy samples of the spirits firsthand.

Product Offering

The following are the products and services that Ironstone Distillery will provide:

• Distilled spirits, including whiskey, gin, vodka and rum
• Distillery distinguished member club
• Tasting room open every day
• Distillery tours for guests
• Distillery spirits and related gift items
• Event venue and catering experiences

Customer Focus

Ironstone Distillery will primarily target all adults in the Austin regional area, and secondarily the adult population of Texas. They will target small companies who need distillery services to age spirits. They will also target adults who enjoy winery membership clubs. They will target corporations and associations to utilize the distillery as an event venue with catering services.

Management Team

Ironstone Distillery is owned and operated by Terrence Downery, in a corporate partnership with John and Margery Thatcher, former owners of a distillery in Scotland. Terrence and the Thatchers have recruited a former associate, Thomas Duggery, to be the Distillery and Tasting Room Manager.

Terrence Downery is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, where he graduated with a bachelor of science degree in distillation. He has been the distillery manager for a company based in Dallas for over ten years, with extensive experience in the science of and distillation of spirit-making.

John and Margery Thatcher formerly owned a distillery in Scotland, which was focused on the making of whiskey and rum. The company was in business for twenty years, before being purchased by a large conglomerate whiskey producer.

Thomas Duggery, a former associate and distillery manager for the Thatchers for over fifteen years, is dedicated to the art of spirit-making and is well-experienced in the process of producing fine spirits. He will be the Distillery and Tasting Room Manager.

Success Factors

Ironstone Distillery will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

• Friendly, knowledgeable, and highly qualified team of Ironstone Distillery personnel.
• Excellent whiskey and rum products, packaged in gift sets and in carton pricing.
• Whiskey club memberships with exclusive offers and whiskey-tasting experiences.
• Partnering with smaller enterprises to distill spirits; retail sales to customers for that product.
• Ironstone Distillery a reasonable pricing structure for exclusive whiskey and rum products, packages and related gift items. There is little competition in the state.

Financial Highlights

Ironstone Distillery is seeking $200,000 in debt financing to launch its Ironstone Distillery. The funding will be dedicated toward securing the distillery and tasting room spaces and purchasing office equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated toward three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff, rent, and marketing costs for the print ads and marketing costs. The breakout of the funding is below:

• Distillery and tasting room build-out: $20,000
• Office equipment, supplies, and materials: $10,000
• Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, rent, utilities): $150,000
• Marketing costs: $10,000
• Working capital: $10,000

The following graph below outlines the financial projections for Ironstone Distillery.

Company Overview

Who is ironstone distillery.

Ironstone Distillery is a newly established, full-service distillery and tasting room in Austin, Texas. Ironstone Distillery will be the superior choice for whiskey and rum production and tasting in Austin and the surrounding communities. Ironstone Distillery will provide a select menu of whiskey and rum products, packages and membership opportunities for any adult or corporate experience desired. Their full-service approach includes a beautiful tasting room setting, in addition to a dining area and catering services.

  Ironstone Distillery will be operating in the production of whiskey and rum on the premises and will also distill small batch orders from neighboring producers in the state. The team of professionals are highly qualified and experienced in measuring, mixing, preparation and distilling of spirits. Ironstone Distillery will assist whiskey and rum aficionados with the tasting room and distillery services close at hand in Austin, along with offers of premium gift packages and club membership services available. The dining area and tasting room will also be available as an event venue and catering area. Delivering the best customer service is of paramount importance to the staff of Ironstone Distillery and every selection of spirits comes with conversation and encouragement from the Distillery staff.

Ironstone Distillery History

Ironstone Distillery is owned and operated by Terrence Downery, who is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, where he graduated with a bachelor of science degree in distillation. He has been the distillery manager for a company based in Dallas for over ten years, with extensive experience in the science of and distillation of spirit-making. Terrence is a partner of John and Margery Thatcher, who legally formed a partnership with him to create the Ironstone Distillery.

John and Margery Thatcher, partnering with Terrence Downery, formerly owned a distillery in Scotland, which was focused on the making of whiskey and rum. The company was in business for twenty years, before being purchased by a large conglomerate whiskey producer.

Since incorporation, Ironstone Distillery has achieved the following milestones:

• Registered Ironstone Distillery, a legal partnership, to transact business in the state of Texas.
• Has a contract in place at the distillery and adjoining buildings; will set up its 5,000 square foot office.
• Reached out to numerous contacts to include advisors and associates to help in making decisions regarding Ironstone Distillery.
• Began recruiting a staff of customer service employees and distillery workers, with office personnel included.

Ironstone Distillery Services

The following will be the services Ironstone Distillery will provide:

Industry Analysis

The production of spirits and distillery industry is expected to grow over 3% during the next five years to over $24 billion. The growth will be driven by increased interest in small batch craft spirits, especially in small distilleries and produced by experienced distillery workers. The growth will also be driven by increased consumption of spirits, as the markets for wine and beer continue to give way to upscale spirits and the experiences that go with them. Costs will likely be reduced as the supply chain of wood for caskets and barrels is increased, along with robotic bottling processes for the spirits increase. The economy will continue to grow, which will indicate leisure time for many individuals who will want to indulge in finer beverages than beer or wine; looking toward spirits to enhance those experiences.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

Ironstone Distillery will target those individuals who are looking for small batch, craft spirits and those groups seeking an event venue or distillery experience in Austin, Texas. They will target .

Customer Segmentation

Ironstone Distillery will primarily target the following customer profiles:

• Adults in the Austin regional area
• Liquor distributors and liquor chain stores in Texas
• Restaurants and bars in the regional area
• Small companies who need to lease distillery services to age spirits.
• Adults who enjoy winery membership clubs.
• Corporations and associations seeking an event venue with catering services.

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Ironstone Distillery will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor company is below.

Oak Knoll Distillery

Oak Knoll Distillery is a direct competitor owned and operated by Jay Ramison, who established the distillery in 2022 in Dallas, Texas. The distillery is operating; however, it has not yet produced the first batch of spirits. In the meantime, the distillery is offering gift packages for November and December 2023, as an introductory gift set for the holidays. The distillery is capable of distilling up to 100 cases of whiskey, rum, vodka and gin per year. The handcrafted spirits are priced on the high side of the index due to the limited quantity and highly-desirable handcrafting method used to distill the spirits.

Oak Knoll Distillery has created a collaborative agreement with a neighboring winery, Silver Sands Winery, to produce events together, including country folk fairs, musical concerts, outdoor barbecues and other entertainment for the general public on the property of Silver Sands Winery. Oak Knoll spirits and Silver Sands wines will be sold and served to attendees, along with package pricing for spirits and wines sold by the case.

Gold Rock Beverage Distributors

Gold Rock Beverage Distributors is an indirect competitor to Ironstone Distillery, with thirteen employees and 34 drivers who distribute alcoholic beverages throughout Texas. Headquartered in Dallas, the company has been in business for 10 years and is owned by Ray and Hollis Somers, brothers and business partners.

The beverage distributors service every city in Texas over the population size of 800 individuals, traveling throughout the state to stock inventory in bars and liquor stores on delivery schedules. Spirits include those big name brands that are distilled on large corporate properties. The pricing of these spirits is lower than those of the handcrafted, small-batch spirits; however, the results indicate the price difference and point toward the best flavor profile in the small-batch spirits.

Travis & Hitch Distillery

Travis & Hitch Distillery are direct competitors to Ironstone Distillery with a few exceptions. The distillery is owned by the Pearson Family Trust, which has overseen the operations and all business matters for over 75 years. The only spirits produced on the property are whiskey in a variety of flavor profiles. Batches are limited to 100 casks each and are only produced once every five years, making these spirits highly sought-after for special occasions and events that carry a very high price tag.

The Pearson Family Trust, currently run by David and Tristen Pearson, is in negotiations to be bought by Langley Wine & Spirits, one of the largest distilleries in the U.S. If the offer is accepted, this distillery location will be closed and the spirits from this distillery will be produced on site at the main headquarters in Dallas. Failing that, the ingredients of the spirits will be altered and made suitable for mass production at the larger distillery, optimizing the name and reputation of the Travis & Hitch Distillery, while reducing costs in the production of inferior spirits.

Competitive Advantage

Ironstone Distillery will be able to offer the following advantages over their competition:

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

Ironstone Distillery will offer the unique value proposition to its clientele:

• Highly-qualified team of skilled employees that is able to provide distinctive distillery production of whiskey and rum in handcrafted, small-batch casks or caskets.
• Facilities large enough to offer to smaller, regional spirit producers who need distillery services. Distillery tours
• Distillery, dining area, and tasting room event venues, including catering services
• Handcrafted, small-batch spirits with justifiable higher-price ranges, due to the quality of creation, preparation and distillation of whiskey and rum.

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for Ironstone Distillery is as follows:

Word of Mouth/Referrals

Terrence Downery has built up an extensive list of contacts over the years by providing exceptional distillery service and expertise for his customers. In addition, co-owners John and Margery Thatcher have also built up a significant number of contacts, both in the U.S. and Scotland, who will want to know of and sample the new distillery spirits. With the referrals and word of mouth communication, there will be a certain amount of publicity and attention given to the Ironstone Distillery upon opening.

Professional Associations and Networking

Terrence Downery, along with John and Margery Thatcher, will represent Ironstone Distillery at the national and international associations that are directly connected to the distillery industry. They will network with other members to spread the word and offer invitations to visit and tour the facilities.

Print Advertising

Print advertising will be conducted through premier upscale magazines and the Wall Street Journal’s Friday Magazine , which outlines upscale lifestyles, food and trends. In addition, whiskey aficionado magazines and periodicals will be targeted for introductory specials and packages for the first three months of business.

Website/SEO Marketing

Ironstone Distillery will utilize a developer and designer to create their website and embed it with SEO optimization. The website will be well organized, informative, and list all their services that Ironstone Distillery is able to provide, including the event venues and catering available for those events. The website will also list their contact information and offer reservation times for tours and holiday events.

The pricing of Ironstone Distillery will be in the expensive range and on par with competitors so customers feel they receive excellent value when purchasing their services.

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for Ironstone Distillery. Operation Functions:

• Terrence Downery will be a Partner and President of the company. He will oversee all staff and manage client relations.
• John Thatcher will be a Partner and Vice President of the company. John will spend much of the time overseeing the distillery and operations on the grounds.
• Margery Thatcher will be a Partner and Staff Accountant. She will manage the office administration and all financial administration.
• Thomas Duggery, a former associate and distillery manager for the Thatchers for over fifteen years, will be the Distillery and Tasting Room Manager.

Milestones:

Ironstone Distillery will have the following milestones completed in the next six months.

• 5/1/202X – Finalize contract for distillery and adjoining buildings
• 5/15/202X – Finalize personnel and staff employment contracts for the Ironstone Distillery
• 6/1/202X – Finalize contracts for Ironstone Distillery distributors
• 6/15/202X – Begin networking at industry events
• 6/22/202X – Begin moving into Ironstone Distillery distillery and office
• 7/1/202X – Ironstone Distillery opens its tasting room for business

Ironstone Distillery is co-owned and operated by Terrence Downery, who is in a corporate partnership with John and Margery Thatcher, former owners of a distillery in Scotland. Terrence and the Thatchers have recruited a former associate, Thomas Duggery, to be the Distillery and Tasting Room Manager.

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

The revenue drivers for Ironstone Distillery are the revenues they will receive for their products and services.

The cost drivers will be the overhead costs required in order to lease and install the Ironstone Distillery. The expenses will be the payroll cost, rent, utilities, office supplies, and marketing materials.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Ironstone Distillery is seeking $200,000 in debt financing to launch its distillery and tasting room business. The funding will be dedicated towards securing the distillery and office space and purchasing office equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated toward three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff, rent, and marketing costs for the print marketing and association memberships. The breakout of the funding is below:

Key Assumptions

The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and in order to pay off the startup business loan.

• Number of Distillery Customers Per Month: 900
• Average Revenue per Month: $195,000
• Distillery and Tasting Room Lease per Year: $100,000

Financial Projections

Income statement.

Balance Sheet

Cash Flow Statement

Distillery Business Plan FAQs

What is a distillery business plan.

A distillery business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your distillery 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 Distillery business plan using our Distillery Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of Distillery Businesses? 

There are a number of different kinds of distillery businesses , some examples include: Micro distillery, Craft distillery, Gin distillery, Vodka distillery, Whiskey distillery, and Tequila distillery.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Distillery Business Plan?

Distillery businesses are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding.

What are the Steps To Start a Distillery Business?

Starting a distillery 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.

1. Develop A Distillery Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed distillery business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast.

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your distillery business. 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 distillery business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Distillery Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your distillery business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws.

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your distillery business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms.

5. Choose a 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 operations.

6. 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.

7. Acquire Necessary Distillery Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your distillery business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation.

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your distillery business. This includes 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 successful distillery business:

• How to Start a Distillery

Creating A Craft Gin Business - Pipehouse Gin

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How to start a mobile bar business

Last Updated on January 26, 2023 by Mark Norman

From my experience at both indoor and outdoor events many lend themselves perfectly to having mobile bars serving at them. The expectation now, when going to an event, often is that there will be a range of food and drinks on hand to buy.

Mobile bars are perfect for ad-hoc events or venues where there are limited existing facilities to serve drinks. Mobile bars are often useful at things like beer or gin festivals, I wrote this other post on how to organize one of those   

There are a number of things you will need to start a mobile bar business. These include:

• A solid business plan
• A truck/stall/mobile bar 
• Cold storage
• Licensing arrangements

Licencing is the key legality you need to adhere to when starting and managing your own mobile bar business. It can often feel confusing. Therefore, in this post, I will go into what licences you need and any key things to note.

*Just to flag, this post is aimed at the UK market and based on British legislation and licencing only. If you are based outside of the UK, please consult local guidance in your region .

What do I include in my mobile bar business plan?

Any business owner, irrelevant of the business type, will advise you the best place to begin when starting a mobile bar business is with your business plan. 

This will help you to really think about what your business means, does and how it will operate logistically and financially before you dive in and waste precious time and money.

A business plan also will be requested by any investors or banks who you are trying to get to input money. They want to be able to see that it is a viable business before they invest in it.

So where do you start with the business plan? There are plenty of templates out there online that you can use as a structure for ideas. To help you out, I have listed out a few headers and sub-headings for you to think about when writing your business plan. 

Do not feel you have to structure it all in the same order. Do what works for you!

Mobile Bar Business Plan Checklist

• Business overview
• What you are/sector/purpose
• Aim of starting the business e.g. to make profit, follow passion/skills etc.
• What are the products or services I plan to offer
• Vision/mission statement 
• Roles and responsibilities
• SWOT analysis
• My Strengths
• My Weaknesses
• External Opportunities
• External Threats
• Market analysis
• Market trends (backed up by research)
• Suggested target Market
• Competitive advantages to stand out in the current market. What makes your mobile bar different?
• Financial Plan
• Sources of income
• Sales forecast
• Sales strategy
• Pricing strategy
• Payment options
• Start-up costs
• Business forecast
• Where do you see the business in 6, 12 months, 2, 4 years etc.
• Expansion/reinvestment plans

How do I set up a mobile bar business?

Once you have your business plan mapped out, you are in a great position to start setting up your mobile bar business. 

So, where do you start? There isn’t really a right or wrong place to start as it depends on the individual and what skills/resources you have available. I have, however, broken down the set-up process in some bullet points to help keep you on track:

Mobile Bar Business Registration

There are a few key things to register and apply for when starting up your business:

• Register your Business (Partnership, limited company, or sole trader)
• Register with the counci l (as a new business you need to do this locally to where you run).
• Register with HMRC (Either as a limited company or a self-employed basis)
• Public Liability Event Insurance (cover for any claims against the business)
• Insurance (to cover your assets/set up if it were stolen or damaged)

Small Business Banking

It’s advisable to keep both your personal and business finances separate. The best way to ensure this is to set up separate accounts for business and personal.

• This protects your own assets in the event of issues with the business.
• It makes tax filing and accounting easier
• A business credit card will help you spread expenses rather than having to pay everything all at once (especially if you have to do all your spending pre-event and may only get 50% payment until event completion).
• Having a credit card builds your business’s credit rating, which works favourably when getting loans or investments.
• Keep notes/receipts of all expenses as some of these can be deducted when filing tax. It also helps when cost tracking. 

For my event business, I’ve been using a Monzo business bank account for the last four years. I found it super easy to set up, and there were minimal credit checks, unlikely the major high street banks. I’ve no complaints and would highly recommend them. You can sign up here; this isn’t an affiliate link. I find the service super easy to use!

Insurance for a mobile bar

In the UK, there are generally THREE types you would want to consider for a mobile bar

• Employers Liability, this covers any staff or volunteers who work for you and is a legal requirement in the UK.
• Public Liability covers accidents or damages caused in the public domain (non-staff). This protects your business from claims made by members of the public.
• Equipment Insurance. Worth looking at to protect against any loss through accident or theft that could impact your business. 

Check out this full article we wrote on event insurance , but that can be mainly for organisers of events.

If you are running the mobile bar as a small business, I’ve used Hiscox Insurance in the past. You can get a free online quote on there website here .

This is an affiliate link, so if you do go ahead with purchasing the insurance with them, Eventunity receives a small referral fee that helps keep the lights on around here! It won’t mean you pay a higher amount.

What license do you need for a mobile bar business?

Your first starting point is getting yourself a Personal License. These can be obtained in the UK and require you to pass an exam by an accredited board to receive your licence. The exam is in place to ensure licence holders are aware of both the licencing law as well as the social responsibilities that go hand in hand with selling alcohol to people.

So what does this cost?

• Temporary events notice (per event/notice) £21
• Personal Licence £37
• BIIAB or CIEH level 2 Award (needed to gain a personal licence – only needs to be obtained once) £150 – £200.

Where do I take the test?

• The GOV.UK website shows a list of accredited training providers where you can sign up for one to suit you.

How do I obtain my Personal licence once I pass?

• Once you pass, you will need to send a copy of your certificate as well as an up-to-date basic disclosure check (around £25) to confirm you have no criminal record.
• You then need to send these to your local authority (where you live) along with a passport-style photo and £37
• You will then get your licence card which you should have on you when selling/serving alcohol.

How do I apply for a temporary event notice (TEN)?

• Once you have your licence, you can fill in an online form on the GOV.UK website to obtain your TEN (temporary event notice). 
• You will then need to send your £21 fee and a copy of the TEN to the local licencing authority.
• The local police
• A local environmental health officer

You can find their details on your local authority’s website.

Top things to know about the TEN:

• As a personal licence holder, you can apply for up to 50 TENs a year (at £21 per TEN)
• There must be at least 24hrs between TENs at the same location
• Each event notice can last up to 168hrs (7 days)
• Each location can have 12 TENs a year
• Any one event can have up to 500 at all times on site (including staff)

What mobile bar equipment do I need?

Aside from your main bar asset/set-up (whether that be a horsebox, airstream, gazebo and table or truck) it’s easy to forget the minor details. Below is a checklist of things that come in useful.

• Bottle openers & corkscrews (easy to put one down or misplace so have a few)
• Chopping boards and knives
• Cocktail shakers
• Stirring spoons
• Glassware (a range of shapes and sizes)
• Cloths for cleaning spillages
• Lights (if it’s an evening or dark a day)
• Extension cables for power
• Waste and recycling bins (make sure these are hidden as they are unsightly)
• Ice, ice buckets and tongs
• Jugs and strainer
• Straws or garnish/drink décor
• Payment system /till*
• Pen & paper to take orders if needed
• Notes of drinks and how to make them
• Menus/signs
• Fridges or buckets to chill drinks with ice

You can buy most of the equipment you need from a professional catering company like Nisbets

There are also a few extra things to consider when designing your bar set-up:

• A place to store clean glasses
• Area to put dirty glasses
• Glasswasher(s)
• General bar decoration, e.g. lights, prints etc.

*Payment Machine

You will almost certainly need the ability to take payment by contactless or card. Most people (especially since the Coronavirus pandemic) will expect this. Luckily, this has become much easier in recent years and you can invest in a system for less than £30. Systems such as Zettle and Sumup in the UK use a small Bluetooth contactless device that connects to an app on your phone or tablet, see my other post on this here . You will have to pay a small commission on money taken, but it’s likely customers will expect this service.

Marketing and promoting your mobile bar business

If you are looking to set up a serious business rather than just a hobby, having a website and presence on social media channels will really help take your business to the next level. Having an online presence gives your business legitimacy, helps people to find you and acts as a good segway to direct potential customers too.

To make a start, it would be advantageous to have the following:

• For website hosting, I use Siteground, which has been amazing for this website but Bluehost is also recommended for ease of use.
• With a content plan (images of work, contact details, upcoming events etc.)
• Instagram 
• Get yourself on preferred events suppliers, e.g. event/wedding planners (networking will help with this).

A top tip is to make sure you regularly update and post content. There is nothing worse than when, as a consumer, you go on an Instagram or Facebook page giving minimal information on and where nothing has been posted in months. 

One other top tip is to get some professional photos (or take some good quality ones on your phone) with your bar dressed and with a nice background. When we have nothing else to judge but an image aesthetic is everything!

So how do you promote your mobile bar?

• As mentioned above, online presence is key! More and more use just search engines and social media to find people/businesses.
• Networking! It’s a free and easy marketing tool. Get to know party planners and venues. It may even lead to a partnership!
• Local print/flyers in an area to promote your business
• Word of mouth. Doing a great job can get you far. Although it can take time this can cause a great snowball effect when word gets around.
• Look online for Facebook groups that allow traders and organisers to connect.

Who is the target market

As a start-up business having a well-defined target market is key in order to help compete with larger and more established businesses. This is where having a niche (whether that’s brand, name, drinks etc.) will be the thing that helps you stand out here.

So where do you start?

• Who are their customers?
• What do they do well and what are they missing?
• What are the benefits of your business to them?
• Next identify the people who have a need for these benefits 
• Marital/family status
• Ethnic background/culture
• Values & attitudes
• Interests/hobbies

Once you have collated this information on your target it’s key to then ask yourself the following questions in order to help make sure you are targeting the right people:

• Can they afford what I am offering?
• Will they benefit from what I am offering?
• Are they easily accessible/reachable?
• Do I know what drives my target audience?
• Are there enough people who fit my criteria?

Top tip: 

• Remember you can have more than one target market, but make sure you don’t try and target all!
• An online search, face to face research and other print/media are great ways to help you research your target audience.

Staffing your mobile bar

When you start off it is likely that you will be a jack of all trades and likely responsible for the setup, running and take down of the bar. You need to be prepared to roll up your sleeves and get hands on with everything. If you are new to bartending, it’s well worth going on a course to help increase your skills and therefore product.

Once your business is more established you will need to consider building a team. As a general rule of thumb, it would be advantageous to work to the following:

• 1 bartender for every 75 guests (when only serving beer and wine)
• 1 bartender for every 50 guests (for a full bar)
• It’s worth considering an extra member of staff if you have a complex menu e.g. cocktails.

How much do mobile bars make?

Firstly, mobile businesses selling drinks, as opposed to food, are often on to a higher profit margin, with less waste (due to a less perishable product), little preparation time involved and your immunity to seasonality (you can sell alcohol all year around, summer, Christmas is also a bumper time). On top of that, typically if you are savvy, you are looking at 50-70% profit margin per unit.

As with most events there is no one specific answer on how much a mobile bar makes as the cost will depend on the type of setup you have and the audience you serve, more on this below.

However, on average, with good planning and some tips and tricks, you will be looking at a profit typically in the higher hundreds or low thousands. In the below I have set out some examples to help you cost up and calculate how much you could make at a festival with a mobile bar for example.

A few quick sums will help you to have a clearer picture of how much money will be going out, how much resource you might need, how much money you could make and how much you will need to break even.

It can feel like plucking figures from air at times when you are starting off, as often experience is what guides you here. Below I have broken down a simple way for working out skeleton profitability.

*please note this is an example using experience and will vary depending on the event you go to and your bar set up.

Equally as important is working out your projected sales:

A great starting point is by compiling these details:

• How many hours you want to serve each day?
• How much are you charging per item?
• How many staff do you plan to take?

So, what other factors affect profit? What other things should I consider? 

When it comes down to how much mobile bars actually make it’s totally dependent on a series of factors. Depending what you are serving (the more unique the better off), along with a few other key factors, will ultimately determine your success. Below there are some things to consider to help increase your chances of profit.

Site location:

• Being in a busy area is always desirable, but more expensive, as you will have a high footfall passing the stand. 
• Make sure you aren’t in a dead end or by the toilets – often people won’t walk past in volume or tend to dwell in these areas for long.

Target Audience:

• Are you providing a product that the festival goers will want?
• Research your audience and cater to their budget, tastes and needs.

Weather: Be reactive to this uncontrollable factor.

• Offer something useful e.g. if it’s raining buy drinks from us and get a free branded poncho (easy to buy and store if the weather breaks!).

Up your truck look/design:

• Colour, props and fun décor can really help you to stand out and look the part. If you are at an event with competition having something like a great design can help draw them in and give them focus over others.
• Staff uniform is a key part of the design. Make these comfortable, clean looking but with a fun element, again to match the bar theme. You will be surprised how much we make decisions based just on looks. 

Develop your truck’s brand/reputation:

• Smile! It is true when they say people buy people! Some small talk, happy faces and upbeat energy can go a long way bringing people back and leaving lasting positive memories – after all you never know who you are serving (someone might ask you to another event or festival).
• Utilise your marketing opportunity. Stamp or print your logo and social media accounts on your cups etc. If you want to go one step further perhaps offer a competition or incentive if they follow your social channels. E.g. follow us and get 10% off.

A few tips to help you stand out at events where there is competition:

Don’t hide your prices away ! Make them really easy and clear to read. If hidden, an instant assumption is you’re too expensive and puts people off. 

Take lots of change! If you sell anything e.g. £5.50 take lots of 50p’s! There is nothing worse than scrabbling for change during a big influx of orders.

Take card payments . So many people hate carrying cash. They are cost effective, easy and a safe way to charge people. Less cash on site also makes it safer for you! Check out this article we wrote on Bluetooth card machines .

Samples. Everyone loves a freebie! This is a great marketing technique, encouraging people to come back or try something off the menu next time they fancy a drink.

Mobile Bar Drinks Pricing

So how much can I charge?

It goes without saying, you need to price each drink/drinks package so you at least break even.

There are a couple of ways to approach costing:

• Make sure you do your research for what your competition does (you don’t want to overprice yourself nor undercut yourself too much)
• Charge as a drinks package e.g. £30 per head for 4 drinks etc.

Mobile bar ideas

One of the advantages of having a mobile bar means that you can move to where the events are and are not fixed in one area. Another great thing is that you need less equipment to run and have everything compactly at your fingertips!

There are a range of different approaches you can take when setting up, styling and serving from your bar. Trends change quickly so one advantage of a mobile bar is that you can usually quite easily, and cost effectively, change your bar to meet demand, keep up with trends and stay ahead of the curve.

To give you some inspiration on ways to serve from your bar I have listed a few things that prove popular:

• Beer bar (independent brewers)
• Cocktail & Mocktails
• Prosecco/bubbly bar

On top of deciding what you choose to stock and sell, there are also a range of different and innovative ways you can create and repurpose everyday items into your bar. Below are some good examples of different types of mobile bars, although the world is your oyster when it comes to set up, style and bar unit.

Bar on a bike 

The Cargo Bike Company created the below cocktail bar. A simple, head turning spin on a classic.

Some advantages of this bar

• Easy to move around (can quite literally pedal to the people)
• Small and compact to store
• Eye catching 
• Small site space (so cost effective if you go to an event)

Some downfalls

• Limited storage for ingredients
• Can get lost in the background at some events
• Limited area to chill drinks

Horsebox 

Blinkers Horsebox Bar (in picture) shows a unit that has everything at your fingertips. Easy to move to events on the back of a car as well as a quirky yet attractive addition to the aesthetics of an event.

• Easy to move around 
• Compact, which cuts down set up time
• Require vehicle to tow it to events
• Can be restrictive in space

The Bus Bar Company’s fun, unique and quintessentially British bar that has the advantage of both indoor and outdoor serving space to suit all weathers!

• Easy to move around/drive
• Striking and a good decorative for the event
• Size can make it hard to park/get into some event sites
• Site space is expensive for something this size if you go to paid for events

These can be set up and designed to suit what drinks you are serving and who you are serving. Colour, decoration and set up can easily be changed as demands dictate.

Free standing bar

• Can fit around space you have available
• Can be easily transported
• Having lots of things next to the bar, e.g. bins, spare stock etc., can look messy

As you can see there are a range of ways you can design and set up a mobile bar. There is no right or wrong way as long as it’s safe and functional for your needs. 

I hope that this post has helped you in the initial steps of setting up a mobile bar and wish you the best of luck with your project and business!

Dobbernation Loves

Moscow Mule with Gin Cocktail Drink Recipe

Looking to learn how to make the best Moscow Mule with Gin cocktail recipe?

Our quick & easy Gin Moscow Mule recipe features premium gin, Caribbean Ginger Beer, lime juice, simple syrup and freshly plucked herbaceous mint leaves.

We love serving our Moscow Mule with Gin recipe in the summer at our cottage dock in Muskoka or on a patio in Toronto . On a hot day it’s a truly refreshing drink!

Save this story to Pinterest!

How Is Gin Made?

Wondering how gin is made?

Any gin starts life as a neutral (often grain-based) spirit. It’s essentially pure ethanol, and then flavours are added through a process called re-distillation. Gin can be made in a column or pot still.

We like to think of gin as “vodka steeped in an aromatic tea bag.” Expert distillers essentially heat pure alcohol (vodka) so it passes through a large “tea bag” filled with unique spices, herbs and citrus peel. When the pure alcohol comes in contact with this bundle of flavourful ingredients it takes on a unique gin flavour.

The flavourings can be steeped for as long as 48 hours, although some producers will distill the liquid almost immediately. Once completed, water is added to reduce the distillate to bottling strength.

Gin Ingredients

So what are the most common ingredients in gin?

Gin derives its predominant flavour from juniper berries, also known as juniperus communis.

Other popular botanicals or flavourings used in gin making, besides the required juniper, often include citrus elements, such as lemon and bitter orange peel, as well as a combination of other spices, which may include anise, angelica root and seed, orris root, licorice root, cinnamon, almond, cubeb, savory, lime peel, grapefruit peel, dragon eye, saffron, baobab, frankincense, coriander, grains of paradise, nutmeg and cassia bark.

The different combinations and concentrations of these aromatic botanicals in the distillation process cause the variations in taste among different gin brands.

Our favourite premium gins to use when preparing a Moscow Mule with Gin is Bombay Sapphire, Aviation Gin and Tanqueray.

Best Selling Gin

Gin has certainly enjoyed a boom in popularity at cocktail bars in recent years. You’ll find fantastic premium gins distilled from  Scotland  to  Muskoka . Here are some of the  world’s best selling gins  and some of our local small batch favourites:

• Gordon’s Gin : The world’s top selling gin brand is owned by Diageo. The brand’s pink iteration has undoubtedly helped to fuel its success. Gordon’s has also unveiled a line of new innovative products including two “ultra-low-alcohol” pre-mixed gin and tonic sparkling beverages and Gordon’s Gin-infused popsicles.
• Bombay Sapphire Gin : Bacardi-owned Bombay Sapphire is one of the worlds best-selling gins. Bombay Sapphire kicked off a new limited edition range with the launch of a gin inspired by summer in the English countryside.
• Tanqueray : Diageo-owned Tanqueray launched a new marketing campaign developed to shift consumers’ attention from “gimmicks” to flavour and unveiled a range of bottled ready-to-drink gin and tonics, made with its London Dry Gin and Flor de Sevilla Distilled Gin.
• Beefeater Gin : Pernod Ricard’s flagship gin brand is Beefeater. The brand launched strawberry-flavoured Beefeater Pink in 2018 and further expanded its portfolio with the debut of a new blood orange-flavoured gin.
• Seagram’s : Pernod Ricard-owned Seagram’s is a top seller having recently purchased  Italian  brand Malfy Gin.
• Hendrick’s Gin : Opened the door to its £13 million Gin Palace in 2018, allowing the brand to double its capacity to two million cases annually. The Scottish brand has also added to its portfolio with the launch of the limited edition summer solstice-inspired Midsummer Solstice gin.
• Edinburgh Gin :  This craft distillery in  Edinburgh  produces a parade of flavoured gin bottles including rhubarb & ginger gin, raspberry gin, bramble & honey gin, black currant & anise, strawberry & pink peppercorn and pomegranate & rose.
• Dillon’s Distillery : This  Beamsville  producer makes small batch gins including rose gin, cherry gin and strawberry gin.
• Muskoka Brewery : This Ontario craft  brewery  produces a London Dry and spicy pink peppercorn gin.

Travel to Taste the World’s Best Gins

There’s no better way to familiarize yourself with the best Gin Moscow Mule then by planning a vacation to visit the world’s best gin distilleries.

The world’s most famous gins can be found in the United Kingdom as well as neighbouring  Ireland . The booming gin trend has produced a high demand for premium gins produced by distilleries in  Canada  and  America .

We’ve visited a handful of gin distilleries in Britain as well as a chic gin cocktail bar at the  Shangri-La Hotel in Taipei . The gin craze has officially travelled from England to  North America ,  Asia  and beyond!

In Scotland we visited Edinburgh Gin for a tour and tasting before enjoying a road trip to the  Isle of Islay , which is best known for its famous  Islay whisky distilleries . One of the  best things to do on the Isle of Islay  is pay a visit to Bruichladdich Distillery, which produces its signature whisky as well as Botanist Gin.

In  Brighton  we visited a tiny micro-distillery called Brighton Gin, one of the  best things to do in Brighton  for G&T fans. We also stayed at the luxurious  Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire  to sip our way through the jaw-dropping home of renowned Bombay Sapphire.

Looking to plan the ultimate road trip of  Canada  to discover the best gins?

Our favourite Canadian gins include Ungava in  Quebec , Tawse and Dillon’s in  Niagara ,  Muskoka Brewery  in  Ontario  cottage country, Kinsip House of Fine Spirits in  Prince Edward County , North of 7 in  Ottawa , Dixon’s in  Guelph , Eau Claire Distillery in  Alberta , Blackfox in  Saskatoon , Ironworks Gin in  Nova Scotia  and Long Table Distillery in  British Columbia .

Best Bartender Tools & Cocktail Equipment

Before hosting a swanky Moscow Mule with Gin drink soiree you’ll need to ensure you have the best bartender tools and cocktail equipment.

• Cocktail Kit : cocktail kits are the perfect gift for newbie mixology fans as they include basic bartender tools like a jigger, shaker and spoon.
• Cocktail Shaker : a bartender’s best friend. Purchase a premium cocktail shaker to muddle or shake up your favourite pink gin cocktails.
• Cocktail Glassware : make sure your bar is stocked with a selection of unique glassware to show off your favourite cocktail creations.
• Hawthorne Strainer :  this unique strainer features tightly wound coils and perforated holes. It keeps ice and other large ingredients like lime wedges in your cocktail shaker rather than in the glass.
• Bar Spoons : slender and long bar spoons are a must-have when stirring drinks.
• Bottle Opener : easily open bottles of beer or cider with the flick of your wrist or purchase a corkscrew for fine wine.
• Pouring Spout : once you’ve opened a new bottle of gin insert these affordable pourers to make cocktail assembly a breeze.
• Cutting Board : purchase a petite cutting board for your bar to slice garnishes or citrus wedges like lime, orange, lemon or grapefruit.
• Ice Bucket : chill bottles of gin quickly in an ice bucket or keep by the bar when muddling gin mixers into cool creations.
• Ice Crusher : fans of the Mint Julep love an ice crusher.
• Ice Cube Kit:  we suggest purchasing a selection of ice cube trays. Silicone styles are our favourite as they’re easy to clean and are available in various shapes and sizes.
• Jigger : use a jigger to accurately measure spirits, juices, syrups and shrubs.
• Juicer : invest in an electronic juicer or buy an affordable hand-held to easily juice fresh citrus like lemons and limes.
• Muddler : fans of the Mojito love a sturdy muddler to mix mint and lime. Muddler’s are handy for any cocktail featuring ingredients that need a pounding like fresh herbs or citrus wedges.
• Citrus Peeler  &  Zester : adorn your craft cocktails with a thick citrus peel or finer ribbons of lime or lemon zest.
• Rimmer : Bloody Mary and Caesar lovers should outfit their bar with a handy rimmer for salting and sugaring glassware.

Moscow Mule with Gin Ingredients

Our quick & easy homemade Moscow Mule with Gin recipe is made with fresh and premium ingredients:

• Gin : we suggest using Bombay Sapphire, Aviation Gin or Tanqueray.
• Ginger Beer : use a Caribbean style non-alcoholic ginger beer such as Fever Tree or The Great Jamaican Ginger Beer Co .
• Simple Syrup : we prepare our own homemade simple syrup but you could add an additional ginger zing with Organic Ginger Syrup by The Ginger People .
• Lime Juice : we always suggest juicing fresh limes as you’ll taste the difference. Do not use store bought lime juice!
• Mint : pluck fresh mint from your garden or purchase a few sprigs at your grocery store or farmers market.

Moscow Mule with Gin Cocktail Tips

This cocktail recipe is easy to make at home, ready to serve in under 10 minutes.

We love serving our Moscow Mule with Gin recipe in the Spring and Summer. The refreshing gin cocktail is a crowd pleaser at garden parties, family barbecues and cottage cocktail hours.

Our Moscow Mule with Gin recipe serves one person. If you’re hosting a large gathering feel free to multiply the ingredients by the number of guests and muddle the drink in a punch bowl or jug rather than a cocktail shaker.

If you don’t have access to fresh mint feel free to substitute for basil.

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Best Moscow Mule with Gin Cocktail Recipe

Moscow Mule with Gin Cocktail

• Cocktail Shaker
• Cocktail spoon
• Highball Glass

Ingredients

• 2 oz Gin
• 4 oz Ginger Beer
• 1 oz Lime Juice
• 1 oz Simple Syrup
• 8 Mint Leaves
• Mint Sprig garnish
• Lime slice garnish

Instructions

• In a cocktail shaker, add the mint leaves, lime juice and simple syrup. Muddle with a cocktail spoon to release the herby aroma.
• Add the gin and fill the shaker with ice. Shake well, 45-60 seconds.
• Strain into a highball glass filled with ice cubes.
• Top with ginger beer and garnish with a mint sprig and lime slice.

Some of the links in this story use affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through our site, Dobbernationloves will earn a small commission at  no extra cost to you . Your support helps us to produce comprehensive content. 

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Moscow Mule with Gin

by Lisa Longley

posted: 09/13/19

This Moscow Mule with Gin is the spin on your favorite cocktail you never knew you were missing. If you love Moscow Mules and you love gin, this is going to be your new favorite cocktail!

Gin Spin on a Traditional Moscow Mule

A traditional Moscow Mule starts with vodka and has some lime and ginger beer in there. It is a classic cocktail served in a copper mug that you will love over and over again.

But if you are a gin lover, then this Moscow Mule with gin will be over the top for you. This Gin Gin Mule will capture your heart.

Moscow Mule with Gin Ingredients

Here are the ingredients that make up this gin gin mule. For the full recipe including all measurements, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

• Muddle fresh mint. Unlike the traditional Moscow Mule, we start by muddling some mint, much like you do in a Mojito .
• Add some Simple Syrup .  I love to use my own recipe, but you could always buy a bottle. Then add some lime juice.
• Finally, good quality gin and ginger beer. I use ginger beer with alcohol, but I’ve also used ginger ale in a pinch!

How do you Make this Moscow Mule with Gin Recipe

• In a mixing glass muddle together the mint, lime juice, and simple syrup. (If you are only making one cocktail, you can muddle right in your copper mug.)
• Add that to copper mugs filled to the brim with ice.
• Pour in your favorite gin.
• Top with ginger beer and give it a very light stir.

Other Moscow Mule Variations

• This MARGARITA MOSCOW MULE is a favorite of mine that I know you are going to love too!
• It doesn’t get a whole lot better than FROZEN MOSCOW MULES – a crazy viral recipe.
• And can we talk about this JALAPEÑO MOSCOW MULE for a minute?? It really is everything.

Ingredients

For one gin gin mule:.

• 5 mint leaves
• 2 tablespoons simple sryup
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 ounces gin
• 4 ounces ginger beer

For Four Gin Gin Mules

• 1 bunch mint leaves
• 1/2 cup simple syrup
• 1/2 cup lime juice
• 1 cup gin
• 16 ounces ginger beer

Instructions

• In a mixing glass combine the mint leaves, simple syrup, and lime juice. Muddle together.
• Strain into a glass with ice and stir in the gin and ginger beer.

did you make this

Hi! I'm Lisa Longley, and I am committed to giving you simple dinner ideas and recipes that are easy to make; recipes that will fill your home with joy. I am the owner and author of SimpleJoy.com and I'm so glad that you are here.

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POSTED ON 12/03/19 AT 09:56AM

Only thing you are missing is a garnish of ginger candy

POSTED ON 06/11/22 AT 05:12PM

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