Bar Business Plan

Opening your own bar can be a fun business. It gives people a place to relax, share stories, catch up with their friends, and enjoy good drinks.

But before you get into it, you need a clear business plan that helps you define what makes your bar different, pull in the right crowd, and get investors to take you seriously.

Not sure how to draft a plan?

Don’t worry! This bar business plan example is here to guide you through every step of the process.

Let’s dive right in!

Bar Business Plan Example

Explore the NeonTap Bar business plan sample to gain valuable insights into crafting your own bar business plan. It provides you with 8 actionable steps to help you confidently write each key component.

1. Executive Summary

NeonTap Bar is a stylish and trendy bar situated at 300 Bourbon Street, Suite 20,5 New Orleans, Los Angeles, offering a choice of craft beers, signature cocktails, and premium spirits.

NeonTap Bar is designed to offer an engaging nightlife experience by covering a wider target audience. The bar features neon-themed decor, live music, and exclusive events to achieve its goal of becoming a popular choice in New Orleans’ nightlife.

Market Opportunity

In the United States, the bars and nightclubs industry is estimated to generate $38.0 billion in 2025, marking a 0.9% increase from the previous year. It’s fueled by strong tourism and local culture that loves premium cocktails and live entertainment.

NeonTap Bar tries to get a big part of this market by targeting:

• Young professionals (25-40 years old) searching for the new and exciting in nightlife.
• Tourists in New Orleans' famous bar scene.
• Locals looking for a cool and homey spot to kick back.
• Event planners seeking sophisticated settings for upscale events.

Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

NeonTap Bar stands out through:

• Modern neon aesthetic: A visually immersive and Instagram-worthy ambiance.
• Exclusive drink offerings: Rotating craft beers, seasonal cocktails, and premium spirits.
• Live entertainment: Weekly live music, DJ sets, and themed events.
• Event hosting & IP services: Private lounges for corporate events and celebrations.
• Collaborations with local breweries: Unique, limited-edition beverages.

Marketing & Sales Strategy

NeonTap Bar will use a multi-channel marketing strategy to attract and retain customers:

• Social media engagement: Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to post events and specials.
• Influencer partnerships: Collaborations with local food and nightlife influencers.
• Event promotions: Happy hour specials and themed nights.
• Loyalty programs: A way of rewarding the customers to bring them back again as frequent customers.

Financial Highlights

NeonTap Bar is seeking $250,000 in funding to cover lease, renovations, equipment, marketing, and working capital. The funds will be used strategically to ensure a successful launch and sustainable growth.

• Lease & renovations: $80,000 (32%)
• Equipment & inventory: $60,000 (24%)
• Marketing & branding: $30,000 (12%)
• Operational costs: $50,000 (20%)
• Working capital & reserves: $30,000 (12%)

Also, here’s a snapshot of NeonTap bar's financial aspects:

Key Success Factors

At NeonTap Bar, our key success factors are:

• Located in the center of New Orleans’ vibrant nightlife area.
• Unique cocktails and specialty craft beers that appeal to a diverse crowd.
• Concentrated on outstanding service, interactive experiences, and a friendly atmosphere.

2. Business Description

Business name: NeonTap Bar
Business structure: Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Location: 300 Bourbon Street, Suite 205, New Orleans, Los Angeles, 70130, USA
Industry: Hospitality & Nightlife
CEO (Owner): Ethan Harper

Business concept

NeonTap Bar is a contemporary, lively venue that merges artisanal beverages, entertainment, and bright neon decor to create an enjoyable and energetic atmosphere in the center of New Orleans.

The bar aims to draw a diverse crowd, including young professionals, tourists, locals, and event organizers, offering an enjoyable and friendly atmosphere to socialize.

At NeonTap Bar, guests can enjoy:

• A curated selection of craft beers, signature cocktails, and premium spirits
• Gourmet small plates & bar snacks to complement the drinks
• Live music, themed events, and interactive entertainment
• Private event hosting for parties, corporate gatherings, and celebrations

Vision

To become the top-rated bar in New Orleans, recognized for its unique offerings, vibrant atmosphere, and commitment to customer satisfaction.

Mission Statement

To create a memorable nightlife experience by combining exceptional beverages, a welcoming ambiance, and outstanding customer service.

Goals & Objectives

• To establish a strong brand presence, achieve this within the first year.
• To become profitable in 18-24 months, improve operations, and increase revenue streams.
• Maintain a loyal customer base with loyalty programs, events, and social media engagement.
• Increase event hosting to gain more private parties and corporate clients.
• Work with local breweries and distilleries to come up with exclusive drink options.

3. Products and Services

NeonTap Bar provides a wide choice of craft beverages, gourmet small plates, and entertainment, and it is a premium nightlife experience in New Orleans.

At NeonTap Bar, we use high-quality ingredients, have innovative mixology, and engage in events to get a loyal customer base while also standing out in the competitive bar scene. Here are the key core offerings & pricing:

Additional Services

At NeonTap Bar, we offer more than just drinks—check out our most popular services below.

4. Market Analysis

​The bar and nightclub industry is experiencing notable growth both globally and within the United States, presenting promising opportunities for new ventures like NeonTap Bar.​

As of 2024, the global bar and nightclub market is valued at approximately $94.03 billion, up from $89.66 billion in 2023. This reflects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.9%.

This growth is being driven because more and more people are going out these days, especially in big cities. They want fun, friendly places to hang out and enjoy a drink.

That’s why the bar business is growing. If your bar is a nice place where people feel good and want to come back, it’s a great chance to do well.

Target Market

NeonTap Bar caters to a diverse range of customers, ensuring a wider yet focused customer base.

• Young professionals (25-40) go out after work or on weekends
• Tourists soaking in New Orleans’ energy and looking for a memorable night out
• Social groups & friends celebrate birthdays, hangouts, or casual meetups
• Couples looking for a relaxed place for casual dates
• Event seekers come for trivia nights, karaoke, sports screenings, etc.
• Locals often come for the atmosphere and friendly service

Competitor Analysis

New Orleans has an established bar scene, but NeonTap Bar differentiates itself through its neon-inspired aesthetic, craft drink selection, and immersive nightlife experiences. Below is an analysis of key competitors:

Competitive Advantages

NeonTap Bar stands out by:

• Offering handcrafted cocktails, a rotating beer selection, and premium spirits.
• Creating a visually immersive, neon-lit experience for social media appeal.
• Hosting engaging events and live entertainment to attract repeat customers.
• Providing private event spaces, mixology classes, and VIP experiences.

Industry Trends

Customers are willing to spend more money on high-quality, hand-crafted drinks and interesting beverage experiences. Moreover, themed events, live music, and social engagement are a turn-off for more customers.

Along with that, an Instagram-worthy ambiance is one of the most important factors that can attract and retain customers. There is a rising demand for low calorie, organic, and non alcoholic beverages, which presents new market opportunities.

SWOT Analysis

5. Marketing and sales strategy

Marketing Strategy

To find customers, build brand awareness, and lift sales, NeonTap Bar will use a multi-channel marketing approach. Social media engagement, influencer collaborations, event promotions, and community partnerships will be the focus of the strategy to make NeonTap Bar the go-to nightlife destination in New Orleans.

Social media & digital marketing

• High-resolution images, videos, and reels highlighting signature drinks, live events, and customer interactions.
• Motivating visitors to post their experiences with official hashtags.
• Focused advertising aimed at young professionals, travelers, and nightlife lovers.

Influencer & local business collaborations

• Partnering with local food & lifestyle influencers to create buzz.
• Collaborating with local breweries & distilleries for exclusive drinks.
• Cross-promotions with nearby restaurants, hotels, and event organizers.

Events & promotions

• Discounted drinks and appetizers (Monday-Friday, 4 PM - 7 PM).
• Neon Nights, Glow Parties, Retro Thursdays, and Seasonal Cocktail Launches.
• Weekly performances to keep customers engaged.
• Hands-on cocktail experiences for customers.

Local partnerships & community engagement

• Hosting charity events and fundraisers to connect with the community.
• Partnering with corporate businesses for after-work happy hours.
• Working with tourist agencies and hotels to promote NeonTap Bar as a must-visit destination.

Sales Strategy

To maximize revenue, NeonTap Bar will use the following sales techniques:

• Offering high-quality, handcrafted drinks at competitive prices while encouraging upsells with premium spirits and cocktail add-ons.
• Rewarding frequent customers with discounts, priority access, and members-only events to encourage repeat visits.
• Marketing VIP lounges, bottle service, and private venue rentals to event organizers and businesses.
• Introducing seasonal cocktail specials to encourage curiosity and frequent visits.

Projected customer growth & revenue

With the combination of strategic marketing, high-quality service, and engaging entertainment, NeonTap Bar expects to:

• Attract 500-700 customers weekly within the first 6 months.
• Increase repeat customers by 30% through loyalty programs and VIP memberships.
• Generate an estimated $750,000+ in annual revenue within the first year.

6. Organization and Management

Legal Structure

NeonTap Bar is registered as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), providing liability protection for the owners while allowing operational flexibility. The business complies with all state and local regulations, including liquor licensing, health permits, and safety requirements.

Ownership and Management Team

NeonTap Bar is led by a team of experienced professionals in business management, hospitality, and marketing. Each member plays a crucial role in ensuring smooth operations and an exceptional customer experience.

Key Management Team Members

Ethan Harper – CEO (Owner)

• Oversees overall business strategy and growth.
• Manages high-level partnerships and financial decisions.
• Ensures compliance with industry regulations.

Rachel Monroe – COO (Manager)

• Manages daily operations, staffing, and customer service.
• Ensures smooth coordination of events and entertainment.
• Oversees inventory management and supplier relations.

Laura Bennett – CFO (Accountant)

• Handles financial planning, budgeting, and expense management.
• Oversees payroll and bookkeeping.
• Manages financial reporting and tax compliance.

Chloe Reed – Marketing Manager

• Develops and executes marketing and social media campaigns.
• Collaborates with influencers, local businesses, and event organizers.
• Manages brand identity and promotional strategies.

Mia Collins – Receptionist

• Greets and assists guests upon arrival.
• Handles reservations for private events and VIP services.
• Provides customer support and manages inquiries.

Organizational Structure

Here is the organizational structure of NeonTap Bar:

7. Financial Plan

The financial plan for NeonTap Bar outlines the expected startup costs, revenue projections, expense breakdown, profitability goals, and funding requirements.

Startup Costs

Here’s the breakdown of NeonTap Bar’s startup costs:

Revenue Projections

NeonTap Bar expects to generate strong revenue based on projected foot traffic, menu pricing, and special event bookings. Here’s an overview of the projected monthly sales revenue:

Annual revenue forecast (years 1-3)

Revenue is expected to grow steadily as the brand gains recognition, expands its customer base, and increases private event bookings.

Expense Breakdown

Here are the estimated monthly operating expenses:

Annual operating expenses: ~$888,000

Profitability Analysis

Projected gross profit:

• Gross profit margin (revenue - cost of goods sold) = 65%

Projected net profit:

• Year 1 expected net profit: $300,000 - $500,000
• Year 2 expected net profit: $600,000+
• Year 3 expected net profit: $900,000+

Break-Even Analysis

NeonTap Bar is expected to break even within the first 9-12 months, with profitability increasing as customer demand and event bookings grow. Here’s a detailed analysis:

• Fixed costs (rent, salaries, marketing, etc.): ~$55,000/month
• Average gross profit per sale: ~$10 per drink/food item
• Break-even sales volume: ~5,500 drinks/plates per month
• Time to break even: ~9-12 months

8. Funding Request

NeonTap Bar requires $250,000 in equity investment, a business loan, or a combination of both. These funds will help secure a prime location, renovate the venue, purchase equipment, and execute a strong marketing strategy to attract customers from day one.

Allocation of Funds

Funding Structure & Investor Proposal

NeonTap Bar is open to different funding structures, including:

• Equity investment (percentage of ownership)
• Business loan (traditional loan)
• Hybrid model (mix of both equity and loan)

Repayment Plan (for loans)

If a loan is secured, NeonTap Bar proposes a 3-5 year repayment plan with monthly payments derived from revenue, ensuring a sustainable repayment strategy.

• Loan amount: $250,000
• Proposed interest rate: 6-10% (depending on terms)
• Repayment period: 3-5 years
• Projected monthly payment: ~$4,500 - $7,500 (depending on interest rate)

The business’s steady revenue growth and projected profitability ensure timely repayment while maintaining financial stability.

Why Is a Business Plan Important for a Bar?

A bar business plan is crucial because it provides a strategic roadmap for your bar’s smooth operations and financial stability. It helps you define your unique goals, stay organized, and make informed decisions, as well as navigate potential challenges in the industry.

Here’s how a bar business plan can help you:

• Outlines the bar’s operations, growth strategy, and unique offerings.
• Keeps you focused on key objectives and helps track progress.
• Ensures efficient management of finances, marketing, and staffing.

Overall, it’s a great tool for running and managing a successful bar business while maintaining profit margins.

Download a Free Bar Business Plan Template

Looking to create a bar business plan but unsure where to begin? We’ve got you covered! Download our free bar business plan template in PDF format and start building your plan effortlessly.

This easy-to-use and customizable template provides step-by-step guidance to help you draft each essential section of a solid business plan. Modify or update it to match your bar’s unique vision and goals.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve explored real-life examples and key elements of a bar business plan, creating your plan should feel more manageable.

However, if you still need guidance or want a streamlined way to write your plan, consider using Bizplanr.

This advanced AI-powered business plan generator makes the process effortless by helping you create plans in no time. Just answer a few simple questions, and you’ll get a complete, professional-looking plan ready in minutes.

So, why wait? Take the step toward planning your successful bar business today!