How to Run a Pub or Bar
The current economic climate is making it very difficult for anyone who is already a pub owner to make a living. It is therefore even more difficult for someone who is looking to get into the industry themselves, however with some careful planning there is no reason why you can\’t carve yourself a successful career.
You wont get very far without any money so with that in mind you should look to find a bank who will give you credit. The pub industry is highly seasonal so it is inevitable that some months will be more lucrative than others. A good credit line will enable you to borrow funds during the quieter months so that you are able to pay them back when business picks up again. The best part of this is that you will only ever be paying interest on the money which you actually use. This will be a huge weight off your shoulders when business is a little slower.
Make sure that you have done your research and that you are up to speed on all requirements. All pubs and restaurants have a set of very stringent regulations, all of which must be adhered to so that the environement is a safe and happy one for all customers to enjoy. It is of the utmost importance that your establishiment is in line with all of the bar, kitchen and dining health and safety codes.
The most important asset of any business is of course the staff. You should take your time and ensure that you hire the right people as they will be the face and backbone of your pub. Choose staff based on their previous experience as well as their personality so that they will represent you and your business well. When interviewing potential candidates take the opportunity to ask for referees who will be able to vouch for the honesty and integrity of the applicant. Likeable, approachable and friendly staff will help you to establish a regular customer base.
You will need to put on a variety of promotions which will entice your customers into the pub on a regular basis as well as to create more business during the week so as not to limit your sales to the weekend. If your customers know that there will be regular weekly deals then this will act as an incentive to keep them coming back for more. If your pub serves food then you may wish to run evenings where your most popular food is offered at a discount, or perhaps you could offer specialist food which isn\’t typically on the menu. If your budget allows it then try to publicise your events and offers within the pub as well as in local publications.
Make sure that the atmosphere in your pub is an inviting one. Try to invest some money in order to ensure that the decor is attractive and comfortable. If space allows then try to get a good pub audio system installed so that you will have the capacity for a disco, an event which can pull in a large amount of customers.
Edward Kendricks writes for CTS (www.cts-networks.co.uk), UK installers of pub sound systems.
Edward Kendricks writes for CTS (http://www.cts-networks.co.uk), UK installers of pub audio systems.
Author Bio: Edward Kendricks writes for CTS (www.cts-networks.co.uk), UK installers of pub sound systems.
Category: Advice
Keywords: audio visual, speakers, sound system, pub, bar, restaurant, entertainment