The Bar Scene

Spent the  best part of the past week exploring opportunities here in San Pedro for purchase of a bar on the beach. It has been a very informative week, and I have a much better appreciation of what is involved here in being successful in that area? Talked for quite some time with the owners of five different establishments, some of whom have just purchased the place, and others that have them for sale. Also spent a great deal of time walking the town and beach, stopping into various places, seeing what was working, and getting the Vibe. After that, I am much better positioned moving forward.  So what has been learned:

• Without a doubt, I would have put an offer on the bar that I came to see, Ambergis Brewing Company. It was a perfect size, good revenue, great location and opportunities for growth. It also had a two bedroom apt attached with the lease, so it included a place to live. Unfortunately, it sold before getting here.
• The successful bars had one thing in common. Hands on owners. All but one were a husband and wife team, with the husband being the main front person, personable, spending the nights small talking the customers, creating that personal connection.  The wives kept the details together. One red flag is that they were all big boys, been there, done that, not good for longevity.
• There are four things that have to gel. Location...type of venue...personality of owner and... strong local employee who has been made to feel like a key person. All four have to be the right mix, and what might work in one place might be the wrong fit for another. This is the difference between being a mediocre spot, and a success.
• Most places here do well in peak season, Nov-Apr, few do in off season.
• Your bar needs something it is known for to create that night or two a week that everyone goes to: the chicken drop, Tuesday wings, Punta night.....

So where am I to this point. Well, I could live here easily, and am interested in doing so. The culture is a perfect match for my personality, the people are friendly and open, and accept people into their groups quickly. I have looked at several opportunities while here,  but to this point, there is only one of interest, and The numbers have not been presented yet. So off I go Friday to southern Belize and Honduras, and will likely return here the second week of Dec. We shall see.