10+ Best & Profitable Bar Business Ideas [2023]

Looking to start a bar business in 2023? Read this guide to discover the best and most profitable bar business ideas for a successful venture. Discover helpful tips, proven strategies and more - jumpstart your bar business today!
Newfoundr

By Nick Cotter
Updated Feb 07, 2024

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Hey there, future bar entrepreneur! Ready to dive into the exciting, rewarding, and yes, sometimes challenging world of bar ownership? You're in the right place. Picture this: it's a bustling Friday evening, the atmosphere is electric, and your bar is the heart of it all. That could be you in 2023, living your dream, running a successful and profitable bar business. But where to start, you ask? Don't worry, we've got you covered.

Whether you're a seasoned mixologist with a passion for creating the perfect cocktail, or a business enthusiast looking to tap into the thriving bar industry, we're here to guide you every step of the way. We've compiled a list of the 10+ best and most profitable bar business ideas for 2023. So grab a drink, sit back, and let's embark on this exciting journey together, shall we?

From traditional pubs to trendy wine bars, from craft breweries to exotic tiki bars, we've got plenty of ideas to inspire and motivate you. Not only will we introduce you to these exciting concepts, but we'll also provide you with valuable insights on how to make them profitable. So, are you ready to raise the bar? Let's get started!

Craft Beer Bar

A Craft beer bar is a bar that primarily serves craft beer. Craft beer is usually produced in small batches with high quality ingredients and a greater variety of flavors than mass-produced beers. This makes it attractive to beer lovers who appreciate quality and variety. A craft beer bar offers a unique atmosphere where customers can sample and discuss different beers while enjoying the cozy atmosphere.

  • Craft beer bars typically offer multiple taps of carefully chosen craft beers, allowing customers to choose between several different varieties.
  • Craft beer bars often feature snacks or light fare that pair well with the beers they are serving.
  • Craft beer bars may also feature a rotating selection of seasonal beers, giving customers something new to sample.
  • Craft beer bars are often connected to local breweries and specialize in limited releases from these breweries.
  • Craft beer bars may also feature other liquors for those customers who don't prefer beer.
image of a Craft Beer Bar

Wine Bar

A wine bar is a business establishment that specializes in serving fine wines to customers. It may also offer small plates of food, such as appetizers, salads, and desserts. Wine bars are popular because they provide customers with an opportunity to socialize in a relaxed atmosphere while enjoying quality wine selections. Here are some benefits of starting a wine bar:

  • Provide customers with an opportunity to sample a variety of fine wines.
  • Create a cozy atmosphere in which customers can socialize and relax.
  • Generate revenue through special events, tastings, and wine sales.
  • Offer small plates of food to pair with the wines.
  • Attract a wide range of customers, from casual drinkers to connoisseurs.
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Examples of successful businesses:

Some of the most successful companies in the bar business industry are those that are able to offer a unique and memorable experience for their customers. Here is a list of some well-known bar businesses that have built up their success over the years:

  • The Roxy
  • The Franklin Bar
  • Bar Louie
  • Barflys
  • Hops & Barley
  • Blind Pig Tavern
  • Cheers Bar & Grill
  • The Taproom Pub & Grille
  • Dirty Martini Bar & Lounge
  • Brew City Public House

Cocktail Bar

A Cocktail bar is a business in which alcoholic beverages such as cocktails, beer and wine are served. It is a great business idea for aspiring entrepreneurs due to the following reasons:

  • The demand for cocktail bars is always high, as people enjoy socializing in them.
  • It is a profitable venture because of the high markup on drinks.
  • The atmosphere of a cocktail bar makes it more likely for customers to stay longer, thus spending more money.
  • It requires minimal space and resources to run a successful cocktail bar.
  • A cocktail bar provides multiple revenue streams, such as food and drink sales, as well as entertainment.

Casual Sports Bar

A casual sports bar is a great business idea for people looking to bring in customers and create a fun atmosphere. It can focus on the local sports team, offer a restaurant menu for meals accompanied by drinks, and provide a variety of entertainment options. Benefits of owning a casual sport bar include:

  • Creating an environment where customers can socialize
  • Attracting customers from the local area and beyond
  • Increasing revenue with special events such as trivia nights
  • Building loyalty with customer rewards programs

Gastropub

A gastropub is a type of bar-restaurant hybrid that specializes in serving high-quality meals and drinks. The menu typically includes both traditional pub food like fish and chips, as well as more elevated dishes influenced by local, seasonal ingredients. Gastropubs often offer a wide selection of craft beers and cocktails, making them popular with a variety of different customers.

  • High-quality meals and drinks
  • Local, seasonal ingredients
  • Wide selection of craft beers and cocktails
  • Popular with different customer types

Pool Hall

A Pool hall is a place where people can go to play the game of pool. It typically consists of multiple pool tables, often in a bar-like atmosphere that also serves snacks and drinks. Pool halls can make for great business ideas for several reasons:

  • It offers people an enjoyable activity to do in their free time.
  • It is relatively easy and inexpensive to set up and maintain.
  • It has a potentially large customer base.
  • People typically stay and spend money for extended amounts of time.

Karaoke Bar

A karaoke bar is a popular entertainment venue that combines traditional karaoke with a night out at a bar. Customers can sing their favorite songs in a social atmosphere, and have the opportunity to perform for an audience. Karaoke bars make for a great business idea due to the following reasons:

  • It is an entertaining and engaging experience for customers
  • Karaoke participants generally tend to stay at the bar longer and be more likely to order food and drinks, resulting in higher sales
  • Karaoke bars can also draw in large groups people who may plan their event around karaoke night
  • The cost of obtaining equipment may be low, depending on how much equipment is needed and where it is purchased from.

Nightclub

A Nightclub is a venue that is open late at night and typically serves alcohol. It can also feature DJs, dancing, and other entertainment. Opening a Nightclub can be a very lucrative business opportunity since it allows entrepreneurs to capitalize on the increased demand for entertainment and nightlife activities:

  • Increased Leisure Time Spending - In recent years, leisure time spending has risen significantly. Many people are now willing to spend more money on nights out or unique experiences.
  • High Margins - Food and drink profits tend to be higher than in most other businesses, plus additional income streams such as cover charges and VIP packages.
  • Diverse Clientele - Nightclubs often serve a wide variety of clientele including young professionals, college students, tourists, and more.
  • Catering to Trends - Nightclubs can stay ahead of the trends by changing up its offerings depending on what’s popular in the area.

Hookah Lounge

A Hookah lounge is a place where patrons can smoke flavored tobacco (also known as shisha) from a communal hookah or water pipe. Hookah lounges offer an atmosphere for socializing and relaxing. It can make for a great business idea because:

  • It offers a unique experience that can't be found in many places.
  • It provides an alternative to the traditional bar scene.
  • It can be marketed to young people as well as adults.
  • Hookah lounges provide cozy atmosphere with comfortable seating.
  • It is a growing trend and there is potential for high profits.

Dance Club

A dance club is a type of club that specializes in providing music and a space for guests to dance. A dance club could be a great business idea due to the following factors:

  • Music: Clubs that specialize in a specific genre, such as electronic music or hip-hop, are popular and can draw in a large crowd.
  • Location: If the location is convenient, people will be more likely to attend.
  • Atmosphere: Dance clubs should create an atmosphere that allows guests to feel comfortable while they dance and have fun.
  • Marketing: Marketing is essential for any business and can be used to reach out to potential customers.

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Through meticulous research and firsthand experience, I uncover the essential steps, software, tools, and costs associated with launching and maintaining a successful business. By demystifying the complexities of entrepreneurship, I provide the guidance and support needed for others to embark on their journey with confidence.

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