[thechat] Stocking the bar

[Erika Meyer]

>So, trade expert, gimme some tips on running a successful bar. 
>Music, lighting, >seating, how to sell cocktails to people, etc.

I'm not really a business woman.  I mean, I can make a drink, 
maintain a bar, and converse and flirt for tips, but that's about as 
complex as I ever needed to get.

I think it's like building a web site.  YEAH THAT'S THE TICKET!

Figure out who is your intended audience (market niche), find out 
what they want, and proceed accordingly.

You said something about restrictions on women in the workplace, so I 
don't know about that, but the sexy yet competent, maybe a bit salty, 
female barmaid is pretty much a staple in a lot of bars I've been in. 
(sexy but not sleazy, it's a balance.)  Barring that, I think a good 
employee is key.  Most people want good service, and when things are 
slow, someone to talk with.  So personality is a major thing.  Also, 
you want people who are not going to steal from you.  Hire good 
people and keep them happy.

Most people in bars are there to spend, so once you draw in your 
intended audience, you just want to make it pleasant for them, and 
they will naturally hang out, drink and spend money.

Again, I drew a lot of customers who just liked me.  Some even 
followed me when I changed jobs, even changing from a micro-brewery 
to a bowling ally.

It's all about audience.  Are they wealthy businessmen?  Classy 
cocktails and decor... you have a restaurant?  A pleasant sitting 
lounge where they can hang, drink, and talk while waiting for a 
table.  Probably dim lighting, but light enough so you can see.  Keep 
stuff clean, ashtrays, etc.  Maybe carpet to mute noise.

Are they coming with their mistresses?  booths.  dark corners.

Are they young, hip, ready to party?  Lots of cheap beer in cheap 
containers. (In Portland, it's all about the cheap Pabst... cheap 
Pabst is the mark of the hipster joint).

Just regular folks?  Just be classy.  I tend to think you can't go 
wrong with classy. Comfortable seats, lights not too bright or too 
dark... but most important, in my opinion, is good service.

Yes, I would like to go back into the business actually, because I 
like flexibility and tips.  I just am not into the pavement pounding 
required to land one of those jobs, and it's hard to juggle the child 
care.  And I've been out for 10 years, so I'd probably have to work 
my way up to where I want to be, and it just makes me tired to think 
about it.  I mean, I get a certain amount of respect doing white 
collar work... it would be a little weird to jump back into service 
industry.

Erika


>Ever thought of going back to the business?
>
>Regards,
>
>Madhu
>
>
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Erika Meyer
Web Communications Consultant
Lewis & Clark College
Portland, Oregon USA
Phone: 503-768-7972
http://www.lclark.edu/~emeyer/
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