Great for anyone looking to have fun in a different kind of place, and just as great for anyone who wants to open a standout establishment, themed bars have been growing more and more popular.
With this trend, all kinds of models and styles of this type of bar are popping up. From innovative decor concepts to specialty menus and drinks, here's everything you need to know to inspire your new venture.
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What defines a themed bar?
But first, it's worth remembering what actually defines a themed bar. Broadly speaking, they can be described as a space where the decor, service, and even the items on offer all revolve around a central theme.
This is where creativity really matters. After all, a bar themed around “beer” isn't really all that unique, right?
That's why it's common to lean on some distinctive element: specific drinks and cocktails, decor themed around a place in the world, or a setting tied to a particular sport or team are all popular examples.
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Advantages of themed bars
While it can be hard to find a truly strong angle for your bar's theme — more on that shortly — that very difficulty can also become your biggest asset.
It might sound strange, but think about it: if you land on a genuinely unique theme, you could also become the only venue reaching a particular audience.
That's the biggest advantage of running a themed bar instead of a traditional one. You can add draws that set your establishment apart from the competition, bringing customers a one-of-a-kind experience.
For example, if your bar is themed around a hit show or movie, you can draw that show's audience straight to your business.
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How to set up a themed bar
With so many advantages and market differentiators, it's clear themed bars are ventures with huge potential for success. But because they're so different from the norm, questions can come up about how to actually get one of these establishments off the ground.
To help you out, we've put together a list of the key things worth your attention when setting up a themed bar. Confira!
1 – Define the bar's concept
Start with the basics — the most fundamental piece: your bar's central theme.
It's fine to factor in your own tastes and passions here — after all, it's your venture — but try to broaden that horizon.
Be careful to avoid building a themed bar around something too narrow (like a specific TV show or book), since it won't have broad appeal with the public.
Look for a balance between these two considerations when defining your establishment's theme. This identity is what will guide every decision that follows, as we'll see next.
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2 – Get to know your target audience
One of the most important tips for opening a bar is to know your target audience really well. For themed bars, this matters even more, since they're designed to catch the attention of a more specific group of people.
This attention to detail lets you plan effectively and helps you avoid the unpleasant surprise of opening your doors only to find that no customers show up.
Define who your ideal customer is and find out what they like to consume, what their profile looks like (age, gender, social class, and other characteristics), and what they want to find in a bar with the theme you'll be using.
The goal here is simple, though quite challenging: make sure your strategy and your products line up with the wants and expectations of your future customers.
3 – Find the best location
Next, it's time to figure out where your bar will actually be. Here, it's worth considering not just the physical space you'll need (which will tie into the establishment's theme), but also where your audience actually is.
Together with your target-audience research, this stage of planning ensures your themed bar will be in a location that's accessible and matches your customers' profile.
Take into account things like proximity to public transit, neighborhood safety, and distance from other places your target audience cares about, among other factors.
Right here on the EPOC blog, you can find out more about how to avoid mistakes when choosing your location for your business.
4 – Pay close attention to layout, menu, and equipment
Imagine showing up to a birthday party only to find a banner reading “it's your birthday” — no balloons, no candles, no cake. Technically, it's still a birthday party, but would anyone actually enjoy it?
In other words, having the right items and decor for your theme is essential — otherwise, the concept and personality of the place get lost. One of the biggest challenges for themed bars is exactly this: balancing functionality with style.
So make sure to source and invest in tools and equipment that help build out the venue's decor and theme. For example, if the theme is science fiction, you'll want glasses, plates, and even recipes that reinforce the concept.
The same goes for the Menu. Crie bebidas, petiscos e pratos que conversem com a decoração e o tema, seja através do nome dos itens do menu ou então nas receitas em si.
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5 – Train your team
You know exactly who your customer is, you've picked the best possible location to launch your themed bar, and you already have all the equipment, decor, and a menu tied to the theme. Everything's ready, so now all that's left is to officially open the doors, right? Wrong!
There's still one essential piece missing for any bar: staff training. Whether it's the front-of-house team or the back-of-house prep staff, everyone needs to be up to speed on best practices, routines, and processes.
But for themed bars, that alone isn't enough. Every team member also needs a deep understanding of the establishment's theme and concept. On top of that, you should provide themed uniforms and help your staff develop and use language and a style of service that fits the bar's theme.
Leia também: What Roles Do Bar Professionals Play?
The best way to manage a bar
And to make sure your themed bar succeeds with an efficient, agile, and profitable operation, you need a management and business automation system like EPOC.
To learn more, Talk to one of our specialists with no obligation, and see how this technology can transform your new venture!
