What bar owner has never dreamed of creating a buzz and making the list of must-visit spots in town?
It would be great, right? But it is no easy task. After all, this market is fiercely competitive and only those who bring a distinctive concept manage to get people talking and attract more and more customers.
The good news is that there is plenty of room for creativity and innovation in this industry. You can invest in a fun theme, distinctive décor, a special drink… there is no shortage of options!
So how about checking out some bar ideas and getting inspired? See our selection below!
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8 bar ideas to inspire your business
The big question is: what can you do differently in a bar? Consumers increasingly look for (and are willing to pay for) distinctive experiences. And that goes double when the subject is entertainment.
To help you think through your business concept, we have gathered some bar ideas below. Enjoy!
1. Speakeasy
This type of bar emerged during Prohibition in the US. Since producing and drinking alcohol was banned, they were hidden away, distilled spirits on site and customers had to keep their voices down to avoid raising suspicion.
Today, “secret bars” bet on exclusivity and an intimate atmosphere to attract customers. Small, cozy spaces, high-end mixology and tastings of special spirits are some of the hallmarks of this concept.
O Câmara Fria and Art Bar are two examples of speakeasy bars in São Paulo.
2. Bar with special décor
Décor adds value to any establishment, but special décor can become a major draw — people will want to check out your bar because it is cozy, sophisticated, fun or exotic.
There are many styles you can adopt. For example:
- Retro or vintage, like the 50s or the 80s
- American pub, with a bar counter and shelves of bottles
- Rustic medieval tavern
- Garage, inspired by classic cars or motorcycles
One example of a bar that plays with themed décor is SP90. O local é cheio de referências da cultura pop da década de 90 e tem letreiros em neon com letras de músicas que foram sucesso para os clientes tirarem fotos.
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3. Self-service bar
Nothing more annoying than standing in line waiting to refill your glass, right?
So instead of opening an ordinary bar, why not invest in self-service? In this model, customers pour their own drinks, without having to wait for a waiter.
Self-service is common with draft beer taps, but it can also be applied to other types of bars.
O Bardega, for example, has a corridor lined with wine tasting machines. Customers receive an individual tab, insert it into the machine and can choose whichever label and amount (30ml, 60ml or 120ml) they want.
Self-service in bars has already become a trend and works really well, because it delivers a great experience.
4. Bar themed around TV series or movies
These themed bars based on movies and TV series grab attention and are fan favorites. You can pick a famous series or film and use its references for the décor, the menu, the service and the entertainment.
O Spoiler is a success story: the bar is dedicated to series, soap operas and movies. The menu is packed with references, with signature cocktails inspired by “Game Of Thrones”, “Breaking Bad”, “La Casa de Papel” and other productions. Customers can also leave post-its revealing the plot of their favorite shows.
5. Signature cocktails
An out-of-the-ordinary cocktail can become a real draw for your bar.
Imagine a customer orders your signature cocktail and is blown away by the presentation. They take a photo and post it on Instagram — Done! That is enough to spark curiosity in a lot of people.
People like to discover and try new things. So bet on originality and create exclusive cocktails for your bar.
O Só Shots Gin Club is an example of originality. Beyond the gin “bathtubs”, the bar has a menu of exotic, exclusive shots.
6. Brewpub
Craft beers have a legion of fans and it is worth investing in a business aimed at that audience. With them in mind, one of the best bar ideas is the brewpub.
The concept is simple: serve only house-brewed or local beers. The coolest part of this type of bar, though, is that customers get to see the brewing process up close and, of course, taste the beers.
They are generally more intimate bars — and that is exactly the point! People who appreciate craft beer are looking for something unique.
Some good examples of brewpubs are Brewteco, Goose Island e BrassBrew.
7. Drink tastings
What if you offered a spirits tasting? This is a bar idea that is a hit with fans of whisky, gin, wine, sparkling wine and other drinks.
Tastings are a chance for customers to try a variety of labels while learning about the origins, the production process and the differences between each one.
A really fine example is Caledonia Whisky & Co., which has more than 140 varieties, tasting flights with three pours each and signature cocktails. It also runs courses and special tastings for anyone who wants to learn about the drink.
8. Rooftop with a prime view
In some cases, location is the bar's biggest draw. The rooftop concept takes advantage of that: these are bars sitting on top of buildings with a panoramic view of the city. If you still have not chosen a place to open your bar, start looking up!
Rooftops combine the prime view from the terrace with modern, sophisticated décor. The concepts can vary widely: gastrobar, lounge and even nightclub. After all, what really matters is being at the top.
O Terraza Rooftop and Sky Hall are excellent examples of rooftop bars.
Leia também: 7 food business ideas to invest in
Like the ideas? Then it is time to put them into practice!
The bar ideas we listed above are inspiration. And now you can start building your bar's concept. Research the market, get to know your target audience and do not be afraid to innovate. That is the path to standing out and succeeding.
Want to know more about bar management? Here on the EPOC blog you will find content to stay on top of the trends and best practices for managing your business.
