Pretend this bar opens up in your city. Would you go to it?

[TNPanther]

It sounds like a great idea - but like others have said, the lack of draft beers would be a huge turnoff for me. I feel like if you were to include a moderately extensive draft selection (we're not talking Taco Mac here but at least 30-40 or so craft beers) then you'd see a much larger turnout. Your high initial investment in capital would net significant returns in the long run. You could still have the exotic international beers in bottles.

Also, being 22 I would like a good bar that would attract a fair share of ladies and have special events such as trivia night and thirsty Thursday specials. From what you described, that sounds like a pregame bar for me on every other day but Sunday, and I could just pregame at home for much less. Just a couple of ideas.

[MCP]

I would go once, to check it out, but probably wouldn't be back. I prefer my beer on tap, I need to have something to nibble while I'm drinking, and I don't want to have to go to the parking lot to get it. Also, I like to start with flights at craft places, and that doesn't seem doable at a bottle only place.

[Joelw38]

I know it's already been said, but no taps would be a bit of a deal breaker for me. A good selection of taps plus bottled offerings would be more attractive to the craft beer aficionados. Good luck with your potential business venture!

[Bronn]

I don't drink at all, so I never go to bars for that.

I do, however, go to one that has live bands. I've been to some pretty hole-in-the-wall places that you'd never expect to be able to hear a band in. A lot of them look like the first pic, or even smaller, and most have the upstairs space available to the public as well.

I would definitely be there a few times a season if I had friends going there to watch Panthers games, though. Plus, if I semi-knew the owner (such as yourself) I would be drawn to help support it, especially in its infancy.

IMHO it is all about keeping a broad demographic that you're catering to. I'd find ways to not only bring in the typical bar crowd, but others that don't frequent them as well.

[Bronn]

double post

[thefuzz]

curious how many other people this is specifically a problem for. does a frosted glass make a difference at all, or is it simply that fact it's not a draft?

I was in the industry, and frequent a few different places like this in ILM.  If it's not too far of a drive for you one day, plan to make a trip, and I will show you a couple of almost "fail safe" versions of what you are describing.

 

There is one in particular that I go to 3-4 times a week, either to pick up a 6 pack, or have a few beers.  This does not have to be overdone.  What you are describing is a good plan, but I think you need to work on a few things first.

[Zaximus]

Personally, no tap wouldn't be something I'd be interested in.  Just bottles would make me want to just stay at home.   For me, draft just tastes better.  It's like comparing Coke from the can to Coke from the glass bottle.   Not sure about the food thing, but may be a issue for other people.  I think you may have issues with no liqour because I know a lot of women that don't really enjoy beer at all but would definitlely order a blue motorcycle or something like that.

[Darth Biscuit]

Would this bar serve Vietnamese Kryptonite?

[Davidson Deac II]

I only drink beer at bars when Whiskey is not available.  So probably not, unless you add a selection of Whiskey. 

[Squirrel]

Yeah no Draft is a real turn off as stated by many.  Also if it microbrews growler service can be big business if the beer cant be found locally.  Don't know if NC allows Growler service but that is a quick way to make money with draft beers.   In my old bar days the one thing I always hated was the music level.  Bars should be a social place yet most bars blast the music so high you cant hear the person next to you.  Not saying don't have music but keep it at a reasonable level.  Also will there be dancing? If no dancing need good lounge sections.  Never liked bars that was all barstools and straight back chairs. A good socialize bar has comfortable seats and semi circle seating sections.I never really ate food at bars always stopped after a night of drinking at a good restaurant. But you atleast need a deep fryer.  Cheese Sticks, Jalapino pops, fish nuggets do great at bars keep it simple on the food.     

Oh another thing is with draft beers you can have sampler selection. Most people want to try new beers but don't want to buy a bottle or draft if they haven't tried it before.   So a 4 beer sample selection in a small glass will give them a taste and make a little more money for you. 

 

Also staff is very important.  Good Bartender and wait staff will make or break your bar so you cant go cheap there. 

 

 

 

 

[PandaPancake]

What are the rules on micro distillery in NC?

We have a lot here but my favorite is ran by a chemical engineer

[Chimera]

Like Bronn, I don't drink at all. Live band + lots of Panthers in TV + unhealthy, greasy football season food would convince me to give you my money, though.

[Doc Holiday]

My rules are simple, where there is good beer I too will follow

[Kevin Greene]

I'f you're gonna be a Panther bar:

You gotta have pitchers, ie beer on tap. $5 a bottle beers ain't gonna work.

You gotta have appetizers hot and ready ie some kinda kitchen.

Is the size you're talking about really big enough to be a team's bar?

I know you're a worldly sophisticated guy, your clientele? Maybe not so much