Idea/Entertainment center

[JeffreyNYA]

This is what I would do if I could get the capital. Feedback wanted.

I would open and Full entertainment center. This would include:

Full Menu Cafe
Full Bar
Pool Hall Area: 20+ tables
Arcade area: Including Xbox and or PS3 gaming systems with big screen TV's
Indoor Golf: High Definition Golf™ - Interactive Sports Technology - Virtual Golf and Indoor Golf Simulators
Dart Area
Foosball tables
Pingpong tables
Live Music
Batting cage
free WIFI


I am sure now that I am getting into a pretty large warehouse type building. But thats fine really. I just want to be able to offer as much as possible. I know the cost of this would be large and again thats ok. I am just looking for feedback and idea to make it better.

Thanks

[breatheeasy17]

sounds lovely. since you said full bar, you would need to obtain a liquor lisense as you probably know since your trying to cater to the 21+ crowd. sounds like it would end up being a chill spot for men after work.

[optiwizer]

what city are you in?

[JeffreyNYA]

Right now I am in the Minneapolis Metro area, but we are looking at a possible move to the SE sub of Denver. The Centennial area.

I was also thinking I would have a Poker area and have weekly tournys for that as well. Maybe even try and get a league of some sort going. not sure how that would work.

I will need to get a liquor license. I am sure that would be one of the first things that I would see if I can get done.

And as far as the full menu food goess. I am still undecided on that. Not sure if I want to do more than burgers, pizza wings and other appatizers. Not sure I really want to get into full meals to start with. I think finger food would probably work the best in this type of place. I also want to try and keep equiptment cost down and I know that stuff cost a good amount.

I will by the end of the year have 40k cash to invest into this along with some credit, and with some leasing options for equiptment, and maybe some investments I could possibley have this going within within 12 to 18 months. Now if I had help from someone in the business I am sure it would go alot faster.

I know thye type of place would appeal to men, but I really want to attract the women. If I can do that the men will always follow.

Oh and along with live music I would also do the good old Karoke, maybe some standup comedy and acts like that. Maybe even a comedy night that is kind of like Karoke where people can just come up on stage and try to be funny. Not sure how it would work, but it could be fun to watch. Just some random ideas to get people in the place.

[rogercbryan]

Right now I am in the Minneapolis Metro area, but we are looking at a possible move to the SE sub of Denver. The Centennial area.

Based on business this would be a good move as Denver has a stronger economy and more people. Based on marketing it may not be such a good idea as if you have lived in Minneapolis for a few years you may know your competition and customers better.

I was also thinking I would have a Poker area and have weekly tourneys for that as well. Maybe even try and get a league of some sort going. not sure how that would work.

Look into the laws associated with this. This is hard to pull off in many states.

I will need to get a liquor license. I am sure that would be one of the first things that I would see if I can get done.

If you do open a bar you may want to consider giving it it's own enclosed area separate from all other elements. As you can not have a open bar in an area where kids might be doing batting practice. Do some real research here as it can be done, but it has to be done right. Also, in some cities you can pay up wards of $100K for a license if they are not issuing any new ones. Take a look at that as you are writing the financial section of your business plan.

And as far as the full menu food goes. I am still undecided on that. Not sure if I want to do more than burgers, pizza wings and other appetizers. Not sure I really want to get into full meals to start with. I think finger food would probably work the best in this type of place. I also want to try and keep equipment cost down and I know that stuff cost a good amount.

You are right on the money here (KISS- Keep it simple stupid). Start with the basics and prepare them well. After time (and profitability) you can experiment with the menu from time to time.

I will by the end of the year have 40k cash to invest into this along with some credit, and with some leasing options for equipment, and maybe some investments I could possibly have this going within within 12 to 18 months. Now if I had help from someone in the business I am sure it would go a lot faster.

$40K in cash is good as every bit helps. Have you explored how much you can pull from credit? I guess the first question will be- have you written a business plan? Second, have you talked to the SBA or to a SCORE Counselor? It sounds like you have an excellent idea. The only part that concerns me is that it will be cash intensive at first. You'll need to be well funded to build the facility and operate while then going and trying to market it.

I know the type of place would appeal to men, but I really want to attract the women. If I can do that the men will always follow.

If you are already going all out put some type of salon in there. It could be as simple as a place to get their hair or nails done or it can be a full service sports spa. This would be for the women who are not interested in sports. For those that are you can put Softball machines in your batting cadges. A special area in the driving range geared twords women with maybe a women trainer.

Oh and along with live music I would also do the good old Karaoke, maybe some stand up comedy and acts like that. Maybe even a comedy night that is kind of like Karaoke where people can just come up on stage and try to be funny. Not sure how it would work, but it could be fun to watch. Just some random ideas to get people in the place.

If you gear this around the bar area you'll be fine. Remember some people don't want music blasting in their ears while that are doing batting practice... other might.

There is a place in OH called Mr.Divots I think in North Royalton. Most of what they offer is out doors but they have: Driving range, batting cages, indoor arcade, putt-putt, beach volleyball and I think they used to have go carts. They run bar specials during the week to get people to come in and then on the weekends they market twords the families who will come use the services.

Not sure if any of this helps.... I do like the idea... just watch your money on this one!

[jasaunders]

Here is pretty much exactly your idea:
eSkape, Suburban, Corporate Meeting Venue, Large Event, Team Building, Catering, Buffalo Grove, Illinios

They put one in in my hometown several years ago. I've never been, but they have everything, including a bar, restaurant, and all the games. You may want to base your business plan off of their operations.

[JeffreyNYA]

Originally Posted by JeffreyNYA
Right now I am in the Minneapolis Metro area, but we are looking at a possible move to the SE sub of Denver. The Centennial area.

Based on business this would be a good move as Denver has a stronger economy and more people. Based on marketing it may not be such a good idea as if you have lived in Minneapolis for a few years you may know your competition and customers better.

It will probably end up being the denver area. Wife wants out of Minnesota and I am looking for a change as well.

I was also thinking I would have a Poker area and have weekly tourneys for that as well. Maybe even try and get a league of some sort going. not sure how that would work.

Look into the laws associated with this. This is hard to pull off in many states.

I will look into this. It would not be something where we would have dealers or anything. Just poker tables wehre people can play if they want to. There would be no charge for the tables. But will have to see what the law says about it

I will need to get a liquor license. I am sure that would be one of the first things that I would see if I can get done.

If you do open a bar you may want to consider giving it it's own enclosed area separate from all other elements. As you can not have a open bar in an area where kids might be doing batting practice. Do some real research here as it can be done, but it has to be done right. Also, in some cities you can pay up wards of $100K for a license if they are not issuing any new ones. Take a look at that as you are writing the financial section of your business plan.

WOW, thats alot of a license. Depending on the area I may have to have a few locations I am will to setup at.

And as far as the full menu food goes. I am still undecided on that. Not sure if I want to do more than burgers, pizza wings and other appetizers. Not sure I really want to get into full meals to start with. I think finger food would probably work the best in this type of place. I also want to try and keep equipment cost down and I know that stuff cost a good amount.

You are right on the money here (KISS- Keep it simple stupid). Start with the basics and prepare them well. After time (and profitability) you can experiment with the menu from time to time.

Ya, it makes the most sence.

I will by the end of the year have 40k cash to invest into this along with some credit, and with some leasing options for equipment, and maybe some investments I could possibly have this going within within 12 to 18 months. Now if I had help from someone in the business I am sure it would go a lot faster.

$40K in cash is good as every bit helps. Have you explored how much you can pull from credit? I guess the first question will be- have you written a business plan? Second, have you talked to the SBA or to a SCORE Counselor? It sounds like you have an excellent idea. The only part that concerns me is that it will be cash intensive at first. You'll need to be well funded to build the facility and operate while then going and trying to market it.

No plan written at this time. Still trying to learn how to do that the right way. I will talk to SCORE for sure and the SBA after that if needed. I see my major expense to start with will be getting the location leased and designing the inside. Lots of the equiptment can be leases or bought on financing. I can get all the pool tables, tables and chair for a 2 year no interest payments. May be something to look at. will just have to make sure that income will pay for all that. And hopefully market it to keep people in it all the time.

I know the type of place would appeal to men, but I really want to attract the women. If I can do that the men will always follow.

If you are already going all out put some type of salon in there. It could be as simple as a place to get their hair or nails done or it can be a full service sports spa. This would be for the women who are not interested in sports. For those that are you can put Softball machines in your batting cadges. A special area in the driving range geared twords women with maybe a women trainer.

Good ideas. Something to look into for sure.

Oh and along with live music I would also do the good old Karaoke, maybe some stand up comedy and acts like that. Maybe even a comedy night that is kind of like Karaoke where people can just come up on stage and try to be funny. Not sure how it would work, but it could be fun to watch. Just some random ideas to get people in the place.

If you gear this around the bar area you'll be fine. Remember some people don't want music blasting in their ears while that are doing batting practice... other might.

There is a place in OH called Mr.Divots I think in North Royalton. Most of what they offer is out doors but they have: Driving range, batting cages, indoor arcade, putt-putt, beach volleyball and I think they used to have go carts. They run bar specials during the week to get people to come in and then on the weekends they market twords the families who will come use the services.

Not sure if any of this helps.... I do like the idea... just watch your money on this one!

Ya, I would keep the music away from the main eating area. I would probably only have live music on the weekends starting at around 9pm.

I want to design it so that everything is in its own place and theamed for it.

If I can do things outside live vollyball, than that is great. I am going to try to find this location. But I want to make sure that there is plenty to do when the snow starts to fly. If I had the room inside I would even do indoor sand vollyball.

Looks like I will need a huge area. I will need to figure that out.

I was looking at business areas for lease and got a little confused. I say 10,000 sqf builds for 20 bucks a sqf. Is that right? That would be 120k a month right? There must be something I am missing there.

[JeffreyNYA]

Here is pretty much exactly your idea:
eSkape, Suburban, Corporate Meeting Venue, Large Event, Team Building, Catering, Buffalo Grove, Illinios

They put one in in my hometown several years ago. I've never been, but they have everything, including a bar, restaurant, and all the games. You may want to base your business plan off of their operations.

Thanks for the link. I will take a look.

[capforge]

I was looking at business areas for lease and got a little confused. I say 10,000 sqf builds for 20 bucks a sqf. Is that right? That would be 120k a month right? There must be something I am missing there.

That's for the year. Divide by 12 to get your monthly.

Also, try to tone it down. It is tempting to throw everything in there, but all it does is confuse the marketing and the message. You can't be everything for everyone- you aren't going to have the beer and pool crowd mixing with the batting cages and playstation kids. Neither group will come because the other one is there. Just stick with a bar, music, pool and basic food in a warehouse and you'll have a fighting chance depending on the location and the local competition. And if you have to, in the beginning, hire or otherwise incentivize a goodly number of younger attractive women to come in and hang out. Otherwise, it will quickly turn into a mostly male, mostly regulars hangout that will be a turnoff to the bigger crowds you want.