club owners?

Question

how can I get some info on strategies to be a successful club owner

Answer 1

You have got to have strict inventory control; bartenders have many, many time-tested ways of lining their own pockets at your expense. I'd recommend instituting a strict inventory control system right from the start so everyone understands that's there no room for shenanigans. You can either use pouring devices that pour an exact ounce (the most accurate) or you can weigh the bottles at the beginning and end of the shift. Draft beer is particularly prone to theft and bottles are always being "broken."

Make sure your waitresses are actually waitressing and not flirting with the cute guys. They are the face of your club and their attentiveness of lack of same is what will bring back or drive away customers. When a customer's glass/bottle is about 1/3 to the bottom, the waitress needs to glide over and ask about a refill - don't wait for the customer to call her over. Not only will increase her tips but will boost your sales. If she sees someone is there to do some drinking she can even forego asking and just bring the refill but she'll have to gauge her customers' attitude to be sure if this is wanted or not (personally I want to be asked each time).

Keep the place clean!! Broom and mop duty is for everyone, not just the barback. That's how you keep the staff from being slobs; if they know they have to clean their own mess, they'll be more careful.

If you're booking bands be sure they start on time. If they signed on for four sets, but start late and give only three sets, they get 3/4 the agreed amount. Of course, that's assuming it's not your fault they started late (i.e. equipment problems, etc).

Finally, find someone you trust, completely trust, that is not known to anyone working for you and have him/her drop in occasionally and scout things out. If YOU walk in the door, everyone will straighten up and fly straight, but if this unknown stranger walks in, he/she can catch bad stuff going on and let you know about it.

Your manager has to be on his toes; he is not there to play foosball, he is the host. First and foremost he is to ensure that the atmosphere is what the owner wants it to be and second he rides herd on the staff. He is not to be their buddy and be leery of anyone recommended by staff. He should be disliked enough by staff that they will do what he says just so he'll go away but not so much that they'll screw things up on purpose out of spite.

I mentioned atmosphere and by that I mean ambience; what kind of club is it? Rock-n-roll? Dance club? Grunge? Biker bar? Make sure staff dresses and behaves appropriately.

Promotion is all that's left and that's the hardest part of all. 'Fraid I don't have any suggestions for you there.

Answer 2

Not a Renting & Real Estate question. Please re-post in a more appropriate forum.