How to Be a Smarter Bar Owner
Table of Contents
What You Will Learn
- How to run your bar smart
- Ways to save money
- Tips to keep your bar full of happy people
- Steps to grow and make more money
I. Smart Bar Basics
Know What Your Bar Is About
Your bar needs a clear plan. Think of what makes your bar special.
- Make a mission that tells what your bar is all about
- Pick core values like fun, good drinks, or being green
- Tell your team and guests what makes your bar unique
When you know what your bar stands for, you make better choices. Bars with a clear identity do better.
Use Numbers to Make Smart Choices
Smart bar owners look at data to see how they are doing.
- Check your pour cost (how much it costs to make drinks)
- Know your labor cost (what you pay workers)
- Track sales to see what drinks sell best
Bars that keep their pour costs to 18% (less than the normal 20-25%) save more than $1,200 each month. That adds up to a lot!
Using tools like 5-Out for sales planning helps you know how much food and drink to have ready.
II. Making Day-to-Day Work Better
Create a Smart Menu
Your menu can make you more money if you plan it well.
- Put your best profit drinks where eyes go first
- Know which drinks make you the most money
- Make drink names fun and easy to say
Bars that use menu engineering make 18-22% more money on each bill. That means about $8,000 more each month!
Our PVC bar mats help keep your bar clean while showing your logo to all guests!
Keep Track of What You Have
Running out of things makes guests sad. Having too much means waste.
- Use a system to track inventory
- Set par levels (how much to keep on hand)
- Count what you have often
Bars using tools like WISK or BinWise cut problems with missing stock by 67%. This saves about $2,500 each month!
III. Making More Money
Be Smart With Money
Small changes in how you spend can make a big difference.
- Talk to suppliers to get better prices
- Buy in bulk when you can
- Use tools that help pour the right amount
Bars that use precise measurement tools waste less and save money.
Bring in More Cash
There are many ways to make guests spend more.
- Try upselling (“Would you like our top shelf tequila?”)
- Host fun events like game nights or live music
- Make theme nights with special drinks
Adding flight menus (small tastes of different drinks) can raise your sales.
Our custom ice buckets keep drinks cold and look great on tables!
IV. Making Guests Happy
Create a Nice Place to Be
The way your bar looks and feels matters a lot.
- Set up your bar layout so people can move and talk easy
- Play music that fits your bar’s style
- Keep it clean – always!
Good atmosphere makes people stay longer and come back soon.
Use Tech to Please Guests
New tools can make the guest time better.
- Try mobile ordering so guests don’t wait
- Make a loyalty program to thank repeat guests
- Let guests book tables online
Bars using CRM systems like Sevenrooms keep guests coming back more often.
V. Building a Great Team
Train and Keep Good Staff
Your team is the face of your bar.
- Teach staff about all your drinks
- Show them how to upsell nice
- Make them feel part of your bar family
Bars that do good staff training have guests who spend more and come back.
Our custom bar runners help staff serve drinks neat and show off your brand!
Smart Work Times
Having too many or too few staff costs you money.
- Look at your sales data to know busy times
- Make schedules that match when you need help
- Have a backup plan for when people call out
Bars using hourly manager checklists close 30% faster at night. This saves on labor costs!
VI. Following Rules to Stay Safe
Know the Rules You Must Follow
Breaking rules can cost big money.
- Get the right licenses (like ABC)
- Pay for music licensing (ASCAP/BMI)
- Follow health codes at all times
Many bars (89%) get fines for not having proper music licensing, which costs $300-$800 per year. Fines are much more!
Keep Risks Low
Smart bar owners plan to avoid problems.
- Train staff on ID checking
- Have good plans for drunk guests
- Know about food allergies and tell guests
Bars with good food allergy protocols have 65% fewer allergy problems. This keeps guests safe and happy.
VII. Making Your Bar Last
Try New Tech Tools
New tech can help your bar do better.
- Look at AI tools for stock planning
- Try contactless payment systems
- Use online tools to spread the word about your bar
Bars using AI-driven sales forecasting cut food waste by 23%. Less waste means more profit!
Go Green and Try New Ideas
Being good to the earth can also be good for business.
- Start zero-waste programs (like using all parts of fruit)
- Cut down on plastic use
- Try new ideas like delivery cocktails
Bars with green practices cut waste costs by 50% and see 40% more earth-friendly guests.
Our custom bar coasters are a great way to show your brand while being practical!
Getting Started Today
You can be a smarter bar owner by taking small steps:
- Pick one area to make better first
- Set clear goals (“I want to cut pour costs by 2%”)
- Tell your team the plan
- Check how it’s going each week
- Try more ideas as you see what works
Smart bar owners know that small changes add up to big results. By using the tips in this guide, you can save money, make guests happy, and build a bar that lasts for years.
What step will you take first to be a smarter bar owner?
