Running a bar for dummies

That is not derogatory, that title.  It's a book I'm currently reading; from the illustrious 'for Dummies' series, of which we have about 5 books.  Others include Marketing for Dummies, and Management for Dummies, so I think the latest one completes me.

I am in on a plan to open a bar in 2017 (in the Auckland suburb of Mt Albert), which is in equal parts terrifying and exciting. Terrifying because we don't have ANY experience in fitting out bars, or running them. Exciting because we're creating something new for our local community, right from the ground up.  We could lose  A LOT of money, and having four children this is a scary prospect.  On the other hand we might make some.  Either way, it'll be a roller coaster ride.

I thought if I write about it, it might make it more..... real, but to a cosy audience.  Because no one knows about this blog (apart from Kate!), yet.  I feel I'm totally on another planet right now, that's for sure.   A few people know about the bar, but most don't and it sort of feels like a crazy delusional secret we're keeping.  When we make it public, it's very real.  Warts and all.  I'm not sure I'm totally ready for the strong opinions and advice.  So far, we've consulted a lot of different people on this.  Auckland City Council, Alcohol licensing, designers, builders, current bar owners (a clever cousin of mine included), on premise specialists, local Councillors and people in the know.  Might I add we have done many market research visits (with kids in tow!).  We have so many incredible places to eat and drink in Auckland (and the rest of the country) that we're spoiled for choice.

In other words, we really know a lot about what we want, where we're headed and how we want the bar to look and feel.   We have a really strong idea of how we want to run it.  The only way we will figure this all out is to do it, guided by the experiences and advice of qualified people.  

Today, the planners/designer came to the site and spent about five hours measuring (scratching around and shooting levels) the space and we'll get concept drawings in the coming weeks.   They (Alba Interiors) have done some big projects and were keen for the job so that's a really good start!  The sticking point for us will be resource consent in all likelihood, given we are switching in Auckland at the moment from the District Plan to the new Unitary Plan.  Under the new plan we don't need car parks; however under the old one, we do.  We're in a current state of limbo where both plans apply!  

I'm pretty sure too, as with house renovations, that there will be other unforeseen obstacles.  There are so many possible challenges, but the only way to go is forward now and tackle each one if and when they arrive.

So.  This bar.  It's the old 1972 Mt Albert Post Office (half of it; the other half has a cafe in it).  Most recently it's been 'The Best Souvenirs' shop.  At the moment not a thing of beauty, but it WILL be.

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