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6 Replies Last post: Sep 1, 2009 8:50 AM by Lynburger

Buying a Bar and Grill

Jun 5, 2009 8:59 AM

Click to view hille11's profile Start-up hille11 1 posts since
Jun 5, 2009
My husband and I have long entertained the idea of owning our own bar and grill. I know, a very common dream at which many people fail, loosing their home and savings.
Due to the economic situation, my husbands company is closing down, leaving him without a job and a little bit of severance pay. I still have my job and plan on keeping it. As of now, it is not in danger of elimination.

Here is the deal: We have a very good friend who has been in the restaurant and bar business for about 15 years. The restaurant was very successful, but after a divorce from his wife they decided to sell it and go their separate ways. Now, he owns a bar and has been bugging us to open one also. He will do the financing and shadow us for as long as it takes. He will be in the bar with us night and day until he feels comfortable that we are on our feet. In return he will get 10% of the sales. Almost like a franchise.
On the one hand, I am very reluctant. On the other, that man knows his business and he turned his bar around from a whole in the wall when he bought it to a booming place.
In addition, we live in a college town and this little grill is right accross from the college, perfect for lunch.

Any advice or dos and donts? What is the expected profit margin in a business like that. I have looked at the menu and find it way too complicated. Personally, I would like to concentrate more on booze, pool and music than on food.
I am thankfull for any input.

Hille
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Click to view ggoodard's profile Mogul ggoodard 79 posts since
Nov 29, 2008
1. Re: Buying a Bar and Grill Jun 5, 2009 9:50 AM
There are many questions to be asked and answered. Please email me at ggoodard@aol.com Thank you
Click to view Bridge's profile Mogul Bridge 364 posts since
Jun 3, 2008
2. Re: Buying a Bar and Grill Jun 5, 2009 12:05 PM

10% of revenues is rough - he gets paid whether the business makes money or not. Think about basing it on profits rather than revenue - and build in an agreed upon "base" salary if your husband will be running the business.
Click to view king1987's profile Authority king1987 9 posts since
Apr 14, 2009
3. Re: Buying a Bar and Grill Jun 5, 2009 1:28 PM
our website is www.mobilessupplier.com ,welcome you to have a visit
Click to view ilyab0dner's profile Mogul ilyab0dner 63 posts since
Aug 27, 2008
4. Re: Buying a Bar and Grill Jun 7, 2009 3:36 PM
A common issue that I see is the mix of personal credit and business credit. Most small business owners get eager and use their personal access for the wrong needs. I put together an article to help you understand the two, feel free to comment.

A true business credit card is a line of credit that is taken in the name of the business, under the business' credit. Activity, whether good or bad, is reflected on your business' credit report through D&B and other financial institutions, and the liability for any debts incurred and bills owed is with the business.However, some companies out there offer "business" credit cards which they require a person guarantee for. These institutions will often ask for a personal guarantee, and will almost always ask for a social security number from the person applying for the card. If this is the case, the credit card is not a business credit card, but is simply a personal credit card which is used for the business. The business is not liable for bills and debts - you are.When applying for a credit card for your business, watch out for areas asking for your SSN (and not your TaxID or EIN) and be wary of any credit card that asks for a personal guarantee. By ensuring that your credit card is in the name of your business, you can help to build your business' credit, while avoiding creating problems with your own.


Many companies offer a list of credit cards that are issued under the business name only. Those lists typically run $300-$900, depending on the quality of the information inquiring. I would suggest starting your search online via google or yahoo. Search for "strong business credit" (just like that in quotes) to find services that sell the information.


Good luck,

Ilya Bodner

Small Business Owner

Initial Underwriting Group

Click to view LUCKIEST's profile SCORE LUCKIEST 7,933 posts since
Aug 6, 2007
5. Re: Buying a Bar and Grill Jun 7, 2009 5:22 PM
Buying a Bar and Grill, Welcome

If I was Buying a Bar and Grill, I would do the following:

Develop a Business Plan
Contact a Lawyer and an Accountant
Also talk to SCORE. SCORE is FREE.

Good luck, LUCKIEST
Click to view Lynburger's profile Professional Lynburger 3 posts since
Aug 31, 2009
6. Re: Buying a Bar and Grill Sep 1, 2009 8:50 AM

Some Bars are required to sell food, so they can infact sell booze. Can you provide a little more color and description of the business.. What is the concept? Where is the location and is there a website for the place?

Is it a bar or more of a grill? How many employees does it have?

Because of the college location is the business profitable in the summer? What is the price tag?


Thanks