Bar Investment

[Izzy Foreal]

G'day All,

Within the next few months I am returning to HK to invest in a bar. The current customer base is predominantly local. As I will be looking to attract a varied foreign influence into the mix I would appreciate and be interested in your thoughts as to how best I can cater for expats needs or likes.

As a few examples to start you off would any of these ideas interest anyone in the future:
* Trivia Nights
* Expat Dart Comps
* Amateur Comedy Nights
* Singles Nights
* Cocktail Evenings

Perhaps you are a tad homesick for a specific beverage that is hard to locate but is popular amongst you all.

Would Expat discounts attract you?

Would a complimentary shuttle bus be of interest?

These are just a few ideas I am throwing around and I would appreciate all thoughts regardless of how small or insignificant they may be.

Please do note though that the current bar is successful as it is but, as always, to make a good business I like to listen to and if possible cater for customers.

Much appreciated in advance.

[Baron]

As a few examples to start you off would any of these ideas interest anyone in the future:
* Trivia Nights
* Expat Dart Comps
* Amateur Comedy Nights
* Singles Nights
* Cocktail Evenings

Hi Izzy, sounds good, but i wouldn't do the expat discount idea as locals may not appreciate it. Best to just have a happy hour (or three) for everyone. The trivia and comedy nights sound great, though depends where you have your bar located as can be very noisy and busy in popular areas. Perhaps you could offer taxi fare voucher (local $15) to anyone who buys x ammount of drinks? Don't know if you want to mix darts and packed bar though? Are you looking at a fairly big bar? (oo-er!)

[Sazzy]

I miss playing pool - there doesnt seem to be that many tables in pubs??

[gweilo]

Hi Izzy,
I supply all the local bars with jukeboxes (any language cd's) dart machines and condom vending, The jukeboxes are very popular with expats and the darts with the local chinese. we have beer companies running darts tournaments in CWB at the moment. There is no cost to the location as the machines are installed on a comission basis.
If i can be of any help email or pm me. [email protected]

Gwailo

[KnowItAll]

* Trivia Nights
* Expat Dart Comps
* Amateur Comedy Nights
* Singles Nights
* Cocktail Evenings

My liver can attest to the fact that all of these ideas have been tried and the businesses behind them have both failed and gone on to better things.

>> Would Expat discounts attract you?

Dare I ask... what or who do you consider an expat?

The best discount / VIP card program that I've seen right now is by the Igor's group. Folks who have that card get a discount anywhere within the group's restaurants and it has very few qualifications (if any). They've done a great job with that card in terms of design and distribution.

Bulldogs has the dumbest discount card which does not work half the time I'm there .. or does not work if I order non-alky drinks. Pisses me off when the waitress informs me ... if I'm that f'ing important to the bar, don't add any qualifiers to my business. Give me a discount card which is valid at any time of the day.

>> Would a complimentary shuttle bus be of interest?

Why? Is the bar going to be so far off the beaten track that we're going to need some specialist transport? Someplace Else tried this in TST .. offered a shuttle to Wanchai for people who wanted to head on over after the MTR and Ferries shut down. The problem was .. their service and quality was awful and people eventually figured it was better to start somewhere else.

Given that you have obviously been doing well in this trade, don't forget the basics.. friendly service, reasonable price and attract a broad audience.. not just the fickle pretty people who will move on as soon as the hype dies down. (Unless you own the hype machine like the Emperor group).

[Izzy Foreal]

Thanks to all that have replied thus far, much appreciated.

I forgot to mention that the bar will be on Kowloon side. As we are looking at relocating in the next few weeks. At this time I am unfortunately unable to inform you where it will be exactly as we are currently negotiating leasing contracts in various locations.

My whole idea here is to get some understanding of what people may be looking for to try and cover some needs or wants in the not too distant future if I am able.

For example, reading through a plethera of posts over time, occasionally one of you is having a function and looking to hire a portion, or all, of a bar to do so. In these instances it may be possible to cater for the needs and wants of a group on a monthly basis.

Ultimately I will be the one to make the correct decisions regarding my own business ventures. It is very nice to know though what is wanted or needed within the community. I also understand what some may want others may not.

Any further opinions/criticisms are most welcome.

Thanks once again.

[Geordie19]

Personally, I don't think HK needs anymore of these supposed 'trendy' bars. Sure your bar has to look good but aesthetics seem to be the most important thing to many bar owners here.

My favourite bars back in England just had a good range of drinks, competitive prices (happy hours), decent music (and not too loud) and they were in the right part of town. Oh yeah and soft seats - sofas are good! As long as the basics are there then people will come and create a good atmosphere.

P.S. Anyone know if there are any bars that sell Nastro Azzurro (Peroni) over here? Ciao Bella (Italian my arse) doesn't.

[rani]

what about idol night?

[KnowItAll]

Hong Kong Idol .. I can be HK's answer to Simon.

[KnowItAll]

>> I am unfortunately unable to inform you where it will be exactly as we are currently negotiating leasing contracts in various locations.

Actually, we'll probably not let you post the name here and get free publicity, unless you volunteer to buy every member here a free drink.