When it comes to bar businesses, there are endless possibilities. From small-town bars to self-serve establishments, the bar industry is ripe with opportunities for entrepreneurs. If you’re looking for a business idea that’s both exciting and in demand, consider one of the bar businesses below. Each has unique selling points, making it perfect for a specific target market.
Sports Bar
A sports bar is perfect for fans to come together to watch their favorite teams compete. What makes a sports bar unique is its ability to create a sense of community among strangers with a common interest. To be successful, a sports bar must have multiple TVs so patrons can watch multiple games at once, as well as a variety of bar food and drinks. The target market for a sports bar is, unsurprisingly, sports fans.
If your town has a large enough population of sports fans, you may consider niching down further, as a sports bar celebrating a specific team or sport. You may be surprised to find that bars celebrating teams out of town perform pretty well. Despite being a team out of Green Bay, Wisconsin, there are Packers bars in all fifty states.
Wine Bar
A wine bar is an excellent option for those who appreciate the finer things in life. Here, patrons can sample various wines from all over the world while enjoying a cheese plate or small bites. What sets a wine bar apart from other types is its focus on quality over quantity. The target market for a wine bar is usually older adults with disposable income.
Consider developing relationships with local wineries. Patrons will enjoy getting to learn more about the history behind the wine, region of origin, and pairing recommendations.
Dive Bar
A dive bar is a relaxed and informal bar that’s usually low-key and unpretentious. Dive bars are often dimly lit and may have cheap drinks or games like pool or darts. What makes dive bars so appealing is their laid-back atmosphere – they’re perfect for unwinding after a long day. The target market for a dive bar is usually working-class or college-age adults.
Cocktail Bar
Cocktail bars are perfect for those who appreciate the art of mixology. Here, bartenders create unique and complex cocktails using a variety of techniques. Because of the level of skill required, cocktail bars often have a higher price point than other types of bars. The target market for a cocktail bar is usually adults with disposable income looking for an up-scale drinking experience.
Offering seasonal or monthly specials can be a great way to keep your patrons coming back for more. Leverage seasonal flavors, make your syrups in-house, or partner with local distilleries to set yourself apart from other cocktail bars.
Whiskey Bar
Whiskey bars are perfect for those who appreciate the finer things in life. Here, patrons can sample a variety of whiskeys from all over the world while enjoying a cigar or small bites. What sets a whiskey bar apart from other types is its focus on quality over quantity. The target market for a whiskey bar is usually older and retired men with disposable income.
Beer Bar
Beer bars are perfect for those who appreciate the art of brewing. Here, bartenders serve dozens of tapped beers and hundreds by the bottle. Beer bars perform best when partnering with local breweries. Patrons expect various options when they go to a beer bar — keep a generous mix on tap.
Beer bars don’t need an extensive menu — appetizers like fries, wings, popcorn, and pretzels will cover your bases. The target market for a beer bar is usually adults with disposable income looking for a fancier drinking experience.
Karaoke Bar
A karaoke bar is perfect for those who love to sing and large party events. Here, patrons can enjoy a drink while belting out their favorite songs. Its focus on entertainment sets a karaoke bar apart from other types of bars. To succeed, a karaoke bar must have a robust song selection and multiple TVs so patrons can watch the singers. The target market for a karaoke bar is usually adults looking for a fun and unique night out or celebrating a special occasion.
LGBTQ+ Bar
An LGBTQ+ bar is an excellent option for those who want to enjoy a safe and inclusive space. Here, patrons can feel comfortable being themselves without fear of judgment. What sets an LGBTQ+ bar apart from others is its focus on inclusivity. To succeed, an LGBTQ+ bar must be welcoming to all patrons. It’s also helpful to have a wide selection of alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. The target market for an LGBTQ+ bar is usually the LGBTQ+ community and their allies.
Barrel-aged Bar
A barrel-aged bar is perfect for those who appreciate the art of aged spirits. Here, bartenders create unique and complex cocktails using barrel-aged spirits. Because of the level of skill required, barrel-aged bars often have a higher price point than other types of bars. The target market for a barrel-aged bar is usually adults with disposable income looking for a fancier drinking experience.
Arcade Bar
An arcade bar is perfect for those who love to play video games. Here, patrons can enjoy a drink while playing their favorite games. Its focus on entertainment sets an arcade bar apart from other types of bars. To succeed, an arcade bar must have a wide selection of games and a comfortable atmosphere. The target audience for an arcade bar is adults looking for a fun and unique night out.
Tiki Bar
A tiki bar is perfect for those who love tropical drinks. Here, bartenders create fun, tropical cocktails using a variety of techniques. Because of the level of skill required, tiki bars often have a higher price point than other types of bars. The target market for a tiki bar is usually adults with disposable income looking for a novelty drinking experience.
Rooftop Bar
A rooftop bar is perfect for those who want to enjoy a drink with a view. Here, patrons can enjoy a drink while taking in the sights of the city. Its focus on the environment sets a rooftop bar apart from other types of bars. Make sure your location has an Instagram-worthy view and attractive furnishings to match. A rooftop bar must have a well-designed space and a great selection of drinks to succeed.
Speakeasy Bar
A speakeasy bar is perfect for those who love classic cocktails with an old-school spin. Here, patrons must know a password or secret entry for the bar. Typically, this information spreads through word-of-mouth as patrons tell their friends about their latest bar experience.
At a speakeasy bar, bartenders create unique and complex drinks using a variety of techniques. Because of the level of skill required, speakeasy bars often have a higher price point than other types of bars. The target market for a speakeasy bar is usually adults with disposable income looking for a fancier drinking experience.
Cigar Bar
A cigar bar is perfect for those who appreciate the finer things in life. Here, patrons can enjoy a drink while smoking a cigar. Its focus on the environment sets a cigar bar apart from other types of bars. To be successful, a cigar bar must have a well-designed space and a great selection of cigars. The target market for a cigar bar is usually adults with disposable income looking for a fancier smoking experience.
Conclusion
There are many different bar business ideas to choose from, each with its unique strengths and weaknesses. The key is to choose a bar business that fits your personality and interests. If you’re unsure which bar is right for you, ask yourself the following questions: What type of environment do I want? What type of drinks do I want to serve? What kind of customers do I want to attract? Once you’ve answered these questions, you’ll be well on your way to choosing the perfect bar business for you.