Starting up a hookah bar

**juanhern89** · 02-17-2010 07:45 PM

Hey every one....I’m trying to startup my own hookah bar, currently the location I’m looking at is SOCAL near a university.... I was wondering if anyone here has connections to wholesalers for hookah supplies, ideas for seating and if anyone could point me to the right direction towards obtaining licensing for a new establishment and for vending beverages/alcohol...
Any advice is welcome...so far I have a substantial amount to begin. I’m just not sure about the licensing and wholesalers. Any ideas welcomed

**Bodge4** · 02-17-2010 08:35 PM

why limit to just hookah why not add cigars?

**Charger** · 02-17-2010 09:20 PM

I don't think you really need a wholesale. If you will end up using a lot of tobacco and coal then might..

You should add a pool table, and a table football! Its quite popular here.

**Phdief** · 02-17-2010 10:29 PM

I am also interested in starting a Hookah Lounge in my area. Currently located in northeast Ohio near a university. I have been looking for a wholesaler that has quality products (sturdy Hookahs, quality shisha, flexible and durable Hoses, etc...). If anyone has information on this it would be greatly appreciated by juanherm89 and I.

**CGM** · 02-17-2010 11:23 PM

Hookah bars are all about the quality of the atmosphere. I think the actual costs of materials to be in stock (as mentioned above coals and tobacco are really the only things that need to be in stock). But the most expensive aspect of this project, I would guess at least, is creating a nice atmosphere and converting whatever type of space you're looking at for leasing into a 'hip' or 'cool' space (whatever) for people to want to come and chill at.

Other things that would sell in a hookah bar is: glass pipes, waterbongs, and other "tobacco" type accessories.So then you have a hookah bar / headshop.

I like the idea of having some sort of other activity available at the bar, such as a pool table, ping pong table, foosball, etc.

**Allurre** · 02-18-2010 04:23 AM

Look into chinese suppliers, or just google for them.

They're relative cheap nowadays, but you might as well just scout for a retail shop since you won't NEED that bulk of an amount.

Make sure your bar serves alcohol and be prepared to spend a fair amount on decor bro.

Coming from a guy who's frequented countless hookah lounges

**JBSurfs** · 02-18-2010 11:45 AM

Just a word of caution for anyone wanting to do this. In my state, they just made it smoke free in Restaurants and bars. Being a non-smoker, this is great.

However, a battle has been going on in our city because the Hookah bar wants to sell alcohol (hence the bar category). Owner is saying without alcohol, his business will fold, State is saying it is a bar, so no smoking.

Not sure where it stands right now, but you may want to check this out before sinking your life savings into it. I don't know the name of the bar, so no help there, but there is a cigar bar in the next county, that apparently is getting to smoke cigars and sell alcohol.

Just make sure you know the rules so you don't lose a lot of money.

**AraJan** · 02-22-2010 09:00 AM

I am going to attempt to open a hookah bar, hopefully soon who knows...I think finding a wholesaler is the way to go. Someone said you should only if you use the tob. and coal a great deal, but those are your 2 main ingredients in your service...your going to new a wholesaler.

I would go overseas for them. If you have any connection with any of the middle eastern countries you could get this for dirt cheap...and its a better quality.