Starting a wine bar can be a lucrative and fun business venture. However, there are several things you need to take into account before starting one. This article will outline the basics of what you need to know in order to start a wine bar.
Here are the 8 steps you can take to get started on building your very own wine bar business.
8 Steps to Launching a New Wine Bar Business
1. Name Your Wine Bar Business
Give your wine bar business an identity so people will think of it as a well-known and respected brand. You can take the name of your wine bar business from your industry, focus on a geographical location, or use your own name among other options.
The main goal for naming your wine bar business is to make it sound appealing and trustworthy so that customers will want to visit your establishment.
2. Choose a Legal Form for Your Business
By incorporating your wine bar business, you will limit your liability. You can incorporate as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), a C Corporation (C-Corp), or an S Corporation (S-Corp). Or you can operate as a sole proprietorship.
The business structure you choose for your wine bar business will determine the amount of taxes you pay and which state or federal tax forms you need to file.
Read our article comparing the most common wine bar business structures.
3. Write a Wine Bar Business Plan
All wine bar business owners should develop a business plan.
A business plan is a document that outlines the goals, strategies, and operations of a business. It can be used to secure funding from investors or lenders, as well as to guide the day-to-day operations of the business. The business plan should include information on the company’s products or services, market analysis, financial projections, and management team among other things.
When developing your wine bar business plan and strategy, you should think about the following questions your customers might have:
- What are the hours of operation?
- Is there a dress code?
- What type of wine do you have?
- How much does a glass of wine cost?
- What types of food do you serve?
- Do you have happy hour specials?
- What is the atmosphere like in your wine bar?
- What makes your wine bar unique?
Answering these questions will give you a good foundation to start developing your business plan.
Read our article about how to write a wine bar business plan.
4. Apply for the Necessary Permits and Licenses
There may be required licenses and permits you need to obtain before launching your wine bar business.
For example, to serve wine or other alcoholic beverages you will need to obtain a liquor license from your state’s alcohol regulatory agency. If you also plan to serve food, you will need to obtain a food service permit from your local health department.
You must also register your wine bar business as a legal entity with the state where you plan to do business. You can simply file an online form through your Secretary of State website.
Registering with the federal government is also essential so you can properly pay taxes for your business. You will also need an Employer Identification Number (EIN), which you can apply for at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website, if you plan to hire employees.
5. Determine Your Budget & Apply for Funding as Needed
In developing your wine bar business plan, you will figure out how much funding you need to start and grow your business.
If you have your own funds to invest in your wine bar business, you may consider taking advantage of that. In addition to your personal funds, other forms of potential funding for your wine bar business include traditional bank loans, SBA loans, credit cards, angel investors and family and friends.
Read our article about the costs associated with starting a wine bar business to help you determine if funding is needed.
Read our article about how to fund your wine bar business.
6. Get the Technology & Software Needed to Run Your Business Efficiently
When you start your wine bar business, it’s essential to have the right technology in place to maximize efficiency. You definitely need a computer with Internet access, and accounting software for tracking expenses and revenues.
You may also want to invest in wine bar POS software, which is a point-of-sale system designed specifically for wine bars. Wine bar POS software can streamline the ordering and payment process for customers, as well as track inventory levels and sales data.
7. Market Your Wine Bar Business to Potential Customers
Before you start selling your products and services, you have to let the world know you exist. The first step is to create a website so people can learn more about your products and services and how they benefit them.
After you launch your website, start promoting it through social media channels like Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Also consider networking with other people in the wine bar industry through social media and blogs so they can help share your business.
You also need to start gathering the materials needed to execute on your promotions strategy, which is your strategy for attracting new customers. Wine bar businesses should consider the following promotional strategies for which you should start getting prepared:
- Sponsoring local events and charities
- Offering wine tastings and classes
- Creating a loyalty program
- Providing catering services
- Launching a website and social media campaign
- Distributing promotional materials (e.g. flyers, coupons, postcards)
- Sponsoring or exhibiting at trade shows
- Creating an email marketing campaign
- Conducting direct mail campaigns
- Participating in local wine festivals
- Hiring a public relations firm
- Investing in search engine optimization (SEO) for your website
Read our article about how to market your wine bar business for more tips.
8. Get New Customers & Grow Your Business
When you promote your products and services, you’ll start to get interest from potential customers.
Make sure you’re ready to serve these customers. Also, be sure to establish systems to ensure consistency and reduce costs. And be sure to find and train the right people to help you grow your wine bar business.
Starting a Wine Bar Business FAQs
Why Start a Wine Bar Business?
The wine bar industry is growing rapidly as more and more people are becoming interested in trying different types of wines. A wine bar can be a great business for entrepreneurs who are passionate about wine and providing excellent customer service.
What is Needed to Start a Successful Wine Bar Business?
To start a successful wine bar business, you need to have a passion for wine, excellent customer service skills and a willingness to market your business. You also need to have the right technology in place and establish efficient systems. And finally, you need to find and train the right people to help you grow your business.
How Can I Start a Wine Bar Business From Home?
You can start a wine bar business from home by getting the right technology in place, such as a computer with Internet access and accounting software. You also need to market your business effectively and invest in wine bar POS software. And finally, you need to find a location for your wine bar and train the right people to help you grow your business.
While you can run the business operations from a home office, your wine bar will require commercial zoning.
How Can I Start a Wine Bar Business Online?
You can start a wine bar business online by getting the right technology in place, such as a computer with Internet access and accounting software. You’ll need to design a website for your business and a “coming soon” landing page. You’ll also want to develop strategies to market your business effectively and invest in wine bar POS software.
To launch your wine bar you’ll need to find a location and train the right people to help you grow your business.
What are Some Tips for Starting a Wine Bar Business?
Here are some tips for starting a wine bar business:
- Have a passion for wine and excellent customer service skills.
- Get the right technology in place.
- Market your business effectively.
- Invest in wine bar POS software.
- Find and train the right people to help you grow your business.
- Get the appropriate commercial zoning for your business.
- Invest in search engine optimization (SEO) for your website.
- Conduct direct mail campaigns.
- Participate in local wine festivals.
- Hire a public relations firm.
Where Can I Find a Simple Checklist for Starting a Wine Bar Business?
A simple checklist to use when starting a wine bar business is as follows:
- Name Your Wine Bar Business: This should be done with care, as your brand is important for attracting the right customers. A simple, memorable name will go a long way.
- Choose a Legal Form for Your Business: Whether you choose to become a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, corporation or another option will depend on your business. Ensure that you are aware of all the implications of each type.
- Write a Wine Bar Business Plan: Your business plan will also help you determine what your start-up costs will be and will provide a roadmap with which you can launch and grow.
- Apply for the Necessary Permits and Licenses: In most locations you will be required to apply for a business license and/or permits before you can begin operations.
- Determine Your Budget & Apply for Funding as Needed: You will need to know how much money you have to spend on all of your business-related expenses before opening any doors. If needed, apply for a small business loan or other funding options.
- Get the Technology & Software Needed to Run Your Business Efficiently: You need to have the right tools in place to succeed. Implement software that will help you manage your time, contacts, and business operations in general.
- Market Your Wine Bar Business to Potential Customers: A solid marketing plan will be crucial to your success. It should focus on attracting the right customers so that you can provide them with the products and services they truly need.
- Get Customers & Grow Your Business: Once you have a solid marketing plan, it's time to actively pursue and secure those who could benefit the most from your products and services.
Summary
Starting a wine bar can be a lucrative and enjoyable business venture, but it takes planning and hard work to make it successful. By following the tips in this article, you’ll be on your way to opening a thriving wine bar of your own.