Opening a club

**windroadtosuccess** · 11-13-2007 03:21 PM

Two friends and I are interested in opening a night club in possibly a few years.
This night club would consist of;
Dance floor
DJ (One of the partners are interested)
Bar
Possibly Restaurant section

Just wondering basic costs and steps necessary to open a nightclub
All basic steps for acquiring liquor license
And extra costs needed.

Thanks a lot!
-Geoff

**Fred333** · 11-13-2007 04:01 PM

I would do some research on Google. I remember seeing some site with some nice figures to use.

**BusinessAdviser** · 11-13-2007 04:06 PM

I have been in similar shoes as you, beginning an entrepreneurial venture with a best friend. Our business is not running a club, but it has taught me a few things that are applicable. The most important is to hire someone that has been successful in the same line of work to show you the ropes. It might cost a bit of money, but you'll save in the end. Also, be very careful in managing the operations. These are things that are often overlooked, but I have seen many clubs that seemed to be taking cash to the bank by the truckload mismanage themselves out of business. Biggest lesson: recognize your strengths AND your weaknesses, and hire others to manage those weaknesses or to teach you how to make them strengths.

**windroadtosuccess** · 11-13-2007 04:11 PM

Awesome, thanks for the help guys

**SlvrBulletV6** · 11-13-2007 04:39 PM

Also keep in my of the type of club you want to open and the patrons that you want to attract. Location is key in opening a club. Furthermore, small things like quality of drinks and music can make or kill a club. In other words, hire bartenders who know how to make drinks and a DJ who really knows how to DJ. You may want different DJs for different nights for different music. Also, find a promotional company that has a huge following that targets the right patrons.

**leggomygreggo** · 11-13-2007 07:16 PM

I think your biggest bet would be to just do some research on Google. I found alot of very useful information on how to start a club just by typing in "starting a night club" on google.

**2gould** · 11-13-2007 08:35 PM

I don't know where you are from or where you want to open up your club but here in Boston getting a full liquor license is brutal. If you don't have high level connections with the city it could take years and thousands of dollars in lawyer fees. This is b/c the city only issues so many licenses per year. Hopefully your area is more liberal...

Also, I had some good friends that ran some of the clubs here in Boston while we were all in college and, it probably goes without saying but, promotion is the key to sucess. Promotion can make or break the establishment.

Good luck!

**windroadtosuccess** · 11-13-2007 08:48 PM

Thanks a lot guys
And I live in Nova Scotia by the way
I appreciate the help!

**2gould** · 11-13-2007 08:53 PM

I was actually looking to visit Nova Scotia in the near future. Let us know if you go ahead and open up the club and I will definitely stop by! Cheers

**windroadtosuccess** · 11-13-2007 08:56 PM

It would be in a few years, I'm finishing high school this year, then going for my BA in Commerce, then would be getting around to opening it, but it will be posted here if I open it for sure, thanks!

**windroadtosuccess** · 11-13-2007 08:57 PM

How difficult would it be to find an investor if it's a 3way partnership and 2 of the partners have their BA of Commerce for business and marketing?
And for a nightclub

**Josephian** · 11-13-2007 11:19 PM

Originally Posted by SlvrBulletV6

Also keep in my of the type of club you want to open and the patrons that you want to attract. Location is key in opening a club. Furthermore, small things like quality of drinks and music can make or kill a club. In other words, hire bartenders who know how to make drinks and a DJ who really knows how to DJ. You may want different DJs for different nights for different music. Also, find a promotional company that has a huge following that targets the right patrons.

very good advice there..make sure you're not serving food either..the profits on it aren't worth it.

**BusinessAdviser** · 11-13-2007 11:31 PM

Education will play a small part in finding an investor. The biggest part will be putting together a detailed business plan. Still, you'll likely encounter problems willing to hand over large sums of money for such a venture. Your best bet will be seeking investment from family and friends. Good luck to you.