Thinking of opening a B+M or 2

[Icculus]

Originally Posted by asmartbull

Thanks for all the advise,,it is all right in line with what I like.
We are working on the business plan and finding that real estate is readily available. I like the 2 lounge idea , and lockers are in the plan if room permits.
Regardless it/they will have a covered outdoor patio with wide-screen.

Also thinking of hosting bachelor parties,,,so a removable "pole" is a must

Any other suggestions are appreciated

Alan

An outdoor area with heaters would be great in the winter time... And a location in Southern NH would be nice as well .

[asmartbull]

Originally Posted by Icculus

An outdoor area with heaters would be great in the winter time... And a location in Southern NH would be nice as well .

That's part of the plan, heaters and retractable wall similar to Bentley's Bar in Maine !!
They have a great business model

[Arnie]

Originally Posted by asmartbull

That's part of the plan, heaters and retractable wall similar to Bentley's Bar in Maine !!
They have a great business model

Why don't you just open up a bar? You can always have a nice humidor in there and sell cigars, with a smoking lounge attached! The profit margin on liquor is pretty good, even in these times of excessive DUI penalties! You have to keep from being robbed blind by your bartender, but that can be dealt with. Go for it, brother!

[thebayratt]

Originally Posted by Arnie

Why don't you just open up a bar? You can always have a nice humidor in there and sell cigars, with a smoking lounge attached! The profit margin on liquor is pretty good, even in these times of excessive DUI penalties! You have to keep from being robbed blind by your bartender, but that can be dealt with. Go for it, brother!

+1

There is something similar to that by my house. I have yet to go there do to the atmosphere there isn't my style.... Its a country bar with display humidors. They are trying to get up and running but tripping over thier own feet by the way they talk on the phone..

Pros:
Drinks (coffee, beer, alcohaul, coke machine) in a small kitchenette.
Maybe cook something trivial (cookies brownies) to get people to remember you by (or to aleve a hard buzZ).
Outdoor areas are a must in beautiful weather times, heaters/ fans.
Comfy chairs, maybe dominos or a checker board.
Stinky ashtrays (The big metal bowl types)
TVs Id put one at both ends of the lounge for sports AND news fans to watch.
Air purifiers/exhuast fans.
Humidified lockers
Properly maintained humi.
Vast selection from yardgars to Highenders
Sell cigarettes (just the basics, maybe a few exotics)
Knowledgable staff.
If you worry about losses, maybe a camera or two in the humi.
I like the seperate lounges if needed, to keep the riff-raf out.
Throw in a pack of matches with your store info on it.
ADVERTISE
Events/BBQs
Members club with discounts like 10% and access to private lounge etc...
Brass Pole/ Eyecandy would be great but not expected.
ATM???
Magazines, newspapers, crossword puzzle books
Let walk-ins smoke their own but don't let it be a habit, suggest they buy a stick if it becomes an issue. (maybe have a small sign on the wall)

Cons
Unknowledgable staff
Rude staff
"hovering staff"
Over humidified sticks that can't be smoked off the shelf
Empty boxes on a shelf
All $8+ cigars
Too small a humi, look at our desktops to vinos happenings (think down the line)
Not Enough seats
Not enough parking
WAY overpriced sticks (don't try to beat onliners, just be reasonable; im willing to pay for atmosphere)
Cash register/debit card machines that screw-up on a regular basis
Dirty restrooms/store/humi/staff
Rude customers in the lounge

[danmcmartin]

If I were doing it, I would make it large with activities (pool, Golden Tee, darts, etc), lots of TVs, but a few quiet corners or booths for those that want that. Maybe even a few private rooms that can be reserved. It would have to look like a cigar lounge. Lots of leather and wood furnishings, dark walls, wood or tile floors. Warm and cozy. I'd have a large selection of smokes and my prices would be as low as possible. Because I'm in Nevada, I would serve alcohol and have video poker. I couldn't serve food due to the new laws, but I could partner with other local restaurants to deliver.

As far as customer service, I'd allow anyone to come in. No membership, but I might offer upgrades for a small yearly of lifetime fee (special parties, give aways, tastings, etc.). I would aim to make it fun, friendly and homey. I would allow customers to use the space as they saw fit (poker parties, celebrations, etc) and offer services that I could charge a reasonable price for to support those things. I would have special events, live music, tastings, holiday parties, whatever. I would not require customers to buy smokes to smoke there, but my prices would be designed to make it impossible for them to resist.

You need to provide Wi-Fi and have HD tv. Plenty of ventilation to make it friendly to non smokers. You also need a killer website, and don't skimp on the marketing. If your going to do it, do it right. Don't skimp, it will cost you later. I think a good location and the relatively high price cigars and fine liquor will keep the riff-raff away. Finally, never lose sight of the customer and what they want. Give up a little profit today to make a loyal customer that will spend more money tomorrow and spread the word.

I think this would make a great sticky. Not only for aspiring entrepreneurs like you, but for existing businesses doing research.