Is it your dream to open your own bar? If so, you’re probably wondering, “just how much does it cost to open a bar?” While costs can vary quite a bit, the average cost to open a pub from the ground up is about $480,000—although costs can range from $110,000 on the low end to $850,000 on the high end. However, if you’re looking to take over an existing bar, it’s possible to get started for as low as $25,000 (with the right planning, of course).
Costs can vary with a number of factors, as well. If you’re planning to open more of a specialty bar, such as a winebar, brewpub or microbrewery, your costs may be lower (between $25,000 and $100,000), partly due to the fact that it’s cheaper and easier to obtain beer and wine licenses than it is permits that include hard liquor.
If your aspirations are bigger than opening a neighborhood bar or pub, or a smaller, more intimate winebar, the cost to open a larger-sized venture, such as a nightclub, is substantially steeper. Opening a nightclub can run between $240,000 and $840,000, due to equipment, lighting, air conditioning and other expenses—on top of alcohol permits.
Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. That’s why we created our bar startup costs spreadsheet and companion guide. While this guide focuses mostly on costs required to open a bar, you can easily make adjustments that would apply to opening smaller or larger establishments.
Check out our free worksheet to break down everything it will take to get your bar started off on the right foot.
One-time costs are your upfront costs—simply, this is the amount of capital needed to get your doors open and your patrons pouring in. Just keep in mind that starting and maintaining your bar are different sets of costs to consider. Your typical starting expenses will include everything that goes on behind the scenes to get your establishment up to code and ready for opening day.
Our bar startup cost worksheet is simple and intuitive to use. Once downloaded, it’s fully customizable to fit your needs. The template includes both high and low-end estimates, so you can get a full picture of how much it will take to start your bar.
The startup costs shown here by industry are merely guidelines and average estimates based on information pulled from a variety of sources. While we have attempted to present the most accurate information available, please be aware that startup costs can vary greatly according to a number of factors, including but not limited to state and local fees, and contractor and quotes. The information presented here is intended to help guide prospective business owners in the search for information on starting a business within a given industry, but should not be interpreted as an exact quote.
Sage provides the information contained here as a service to the public and is not responsible for, and expressly disclaims all liability for damages of any kind arising out of use of, reference to, or reliance on any information contained on this site. While the information contained on this site is periodically updated, no guarantee is given that the information provided is correct, complete and up-to-date. Sage is not responsible for the accuracy or content of information contained on this site.
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