Sports and food go well together, which is a large part of why sports bars are so popular. Being enclaves for fans who want to see their favorite teams in action over glasses of beer, sports bars are always in-demand.
If you profess a love for your favorite game and you want to offer fans a great place to unwind, consider setting up your own sports bar in the neighborhood. Whether or not there is already a sports bar in your town, you will have to follow the right steps in taking this concept into reality. Here’s a guide to help you get started:
1. Start With an Idea
If you are the first around town to think of starting a sports bar, it shouldn’t take you too long to think of a great concept. However, if you have local competitors to worry about, consider coming up with a unique idea.
For this, you might want your establishment to cater to a specific sport such as football or hockey. That way, you can capture a specific audience that other sports bars can’t. In addition to that, you will want your concept to go beyond serving food and hosting watch parties.
You can use your establishment to organize fundraisers for hometown sports teams and offer summer sports camps for the local youth.
2. Get Support for Your Concept
Like any other business idea, your concept requires the right amount of capital. You will also need to develop professional ties with potential partners who can support your business during the first few months of operation.
If you need financial backing, consider reaching out to friends and family members who will want to invest in your concept. In addition to getting a small business loan, you can also reach out to business leaders and even local sports teams who can promote your business once it’s opened.
By getting enough support, you will be able to gather the materials, resources, and networks you need for building your sports bar.
3. Pick a Good Location
When picking a good site for your sports bar, you will need to look for areas that are accessible to sports fans. Consider areas near stadiums and sporting venues. If your neighborhood lacks such facilities, you can always place your business in the middle of town where there’s lots of foot traffic.
As you look for a good location for your establishment, you will also need to decide between renting a commercial space or building from the ground up.
Unless you have enough money to construct a sports bar in an area you prefer, you might want to settle with leasing the perfect restaurant space. Get in touch with a real estate professional who can help you hunt for the best places to set up shop.
4. Invest in a Great Customer Experience
Oftentimes, it’s the ambiance that creates loyal patrons. Apart from offering a menu of quality dishes and drinks, you will also need to create a cozy environment that allows your customers to enjoy every minute they spend inside your sports bar.
For this, consider decorating the place with sports memorabilia. Include baseball card collections and autographed jerseys. You should also consider setting up a widescreen Ultra-HD TV that’s perfect for viewing live games.
Moreover, you might want to include surround sound speakers to give your customers a more immersive experience.
It’s also important that you provide excellent customer service. For this, take your time selecting waiters, bartenders, and kitchen staff you can rely on. You should also acknowledge frequent patrons by giving out loyalty rewards.
For instance, consider giving Atlanta Braves gifts to fans who are consistent in watching the team play at your bar.
A sports bar is always a great business concept to try out if you want to blend your passion with your desire to create a community of fans. Apply these tips and watch your business take off.
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