Successfull Bookstore/Winebar?

[RetireAt26]

Does anyone know of a successful bookstore/winebar? I'm considering opening one and wanted to check out some that are doing very well for themselves.

I'm thinking of opening the bookstore portion first, get things figured out, get established as a good local business. Then upgrade and add the winebar.

I want to get the ball rolling on this project. I've never run a business before and don't know where to start. Getting a loan? Finding a location? Building inventory?

So if you know of anyone who has done this and either failed or succeded, please let me know.

Thanks!

[chrispalko]

Start with a business plan!

[RetireAt26]

Right. And I can get pointers from sba.gov for how to do that.

But I would love to chat with someone whose DONE the whole process. Start to finish.

Again, if you have done this or know someone who has, please let me know.

I also recently thought of trying a travel agent franchise. Anyone done that?

(Can you tell how up in the air I am about what I should be doing with my life? Yeah, I thought it was obvious too.)

[CIsaac]

I know of a successful wine bar and a successful bookstore; not a mixture of both. Do one or the other...if you are thinking of doing both, see if it would work first. Research both industries to find buying patterns and visit owners of both establishments in your area and see if they would be willing to give you pointers. Would the same people who go to your wine bar want to read/buy a book or vice versa? If so how do you get these people? Or would you open the bookstore in the day and switch to a wine bar at night? Or maybe include book rentals or maybe a special book club for couples or singles, etc.

You would have to really strategize for this one and get as much resource as you can. I wish you well.

[golson]

Hi RetireAt26,

I know nothing of the industry, but I do know of a book store / wine and coffee shop that seems to be doing well here in Chicago. It is in one of the nicer neighborhoods here on the north side of the city (Lincoln Square) and they market very much towards the independent/local author and audience. Here is their website:

The Book Cellar - Home

Like I mentioned, I don't know much about the industry, but if you want more info on demographics of the neighborhood that it is in to help with your market research, then just PM me and I'd be happy to help.

[CybFun.com]

I am selling games. Selling games are more profitable than books, CD and DVDs. And, you can start it very small.

[SqueakyJoe]

Hi RetireAt26,

I know nothing of the industry, but I do know of a book store / wine and coffee shop that seems to be doing well here in Chicago. It is in one of the nicer neighborhoods here on the north side of the city (Lincoln Square) and they market very much towards the independent/local author and audience. Here is their website:

Like I mentioned, I don't know much about the industry, but if you want more info on demographics of the neighborhood that it is in to help with your market research, then just PM me and I'd be happy to help.

Random, but, maybe speak to them about a franchise? They will have all the information, suppliers, demographic data you would need and it could benefit both of you. Added bonus, The Book Cellar is a great name!

Matt

[TylerBakerllc]

You could have a good idea if you could organize some wine tastings and have a sommelier on hand for the events...

Also, you could kick things off by doing a charity wine mixer and sending out some press releases to local media about the event... Maybe you could get the word out about you business and help out a local cause at the same time.

Of course, you will need capital for this project... And since if you have no capital you have no business, I would look at my options for funding. Also be sure that you are realistic with the amount of $$ that you will need. Underfunding is one of the main reasons that startups fail. I would at the very least take the amount that you think you will need and add 20%.

I may have restated some things that were said here previously, if so my apologies. I hope this helped. Take care.
-Tyler

[dtechm]

I think you should do it, I recommend searching for gary vaynerchuk on YouTube... he is in the wine business.