5 Things to Check Before Choosing a Franchise Bar
If you're looking for a spot to grab a drink after work, or if you're thinking about opening your own bar, you're probably wondering if a franchise is the right move. It's comforting to see a familiar sign, but once you start looking into it, you'll realize that each corporate office has very different operating procedures and requirements.
In this post, I'll walk you through what you should check first when choosing a franchise bar, and how it compares to running an independent spot. By the end of this, you'll have a better idea of what to look at besides just the menu.
Franchise Bar vs. Independent Bar: What's the Difference?
With franchise bars, you get a proven operating system in exchange for following the menu, recipes, and interior standards set by the head office. With an independent bar, you have the freedom to design the menu and atmosphere exactly how you want, but you'll have to figure out the kitchen operations and sales management all on your own from scratch.
- Franchise: Standardized menu and cooking system, operational support from the head office
- Independent Bar: Free concept, you are responsible for every decision
- Both: The final outcome heavily depends on the commercial area, the customer base, and your staff
What to Check Before the Menu: The Operating Structure
If you sample the drinks, you’ll probably find that most franchise bars taste good. That's because the head office puts forward menus they are confident in. The real difference shows up after you open the store, when multiple tables place orders all at once during peak hours.
So, when you talk to them during consultations, you should ask these questions:
- How many different menu items can the kitchen handle all at once during peak hours?
- Can the dishes be prepared consistently without highly skilled staff?
- How does the head office assist with ingredient ordering and cost management?
Draft Beer Chain vs. Pub Style: What's the Difference?
Even though draft beer chains and franchised pubs look similar, their operations are quite different. Beer-focused spots prioritize liquor management and fast service, while pub-style places hinge on their food offerings and table turnover.
It helps to decide first whether you want a place to go as a customer or a business you want to run as an owner. Once you decide that, comparing them becomes much easier.
| Category | Draft Beer Chain | Franchised Pub Style |
|---|---|---|
| Main Offerings | Draft beer, light snacks | Menu heavily focused on food |
| Key Operations | Liquor control, serving speed | Cooking system, table turnover |
| Best Locations | Areas with heavy foot traffic | Areas with group dining demand |
How Should You Determine the Right Size for Your Bar Startup?
When starting a bar, the size of the space affects more than just your initial investment. It also dictates how many people you can seat, how many staff you need, and your potential revenue. More seats mean bigger sales during peak hours, but during slow times, you're still stuck with rent and labor costs.
Think about the number of staff you can realistically manage and the customer flow of your location first. The number of usable seats is a much better metric than just the square footage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Look For When Getting Franchise Bar Recommendations?
Don't just look at brand recognition; focus on the scope of operational support. It's crucial to get specific details on how they handle things like cooking training, ingredient sourcing, and store inspections.
Is Starting a Franchised Bar Easier Than Going Solo?
There are definite advantages for new owners because you get to borrow established operating know-how. However, you must adhere to the franchisor's standards and meticulously review all franchise terms and contracts.
What Kind of Customers Are Franchised Bars Suited For?
Since the menus are standardized, these places generally cater to a broad customer base. It’s smart to check if your location's clientele—like local office workers or groups—matches the concept.
If you have a specific spot in mind, start by asking about the operational structure and how they handle peak rush times, rather than just the menu. You can check out local bars and compare vibes and concepts on Jujeom.com (Jujeom.com) to see what’s out there in your neighborhood.