The management of Pennswood Village obtained a liquor license without resident collaboration. Service is limited to a small area that's open to the central corridor of our community center. It gets very little trade and is only staffed weekday afternoons. I doubt that it is financially successful. The Bistro, as it is called, is slowly becoming accepted as a meet and greet hub. Programming entertainment has helped, and offering complimentary coffee in the morning hours has also helped. There is a sub-group of our residents for whom an evening cocktail before dinner is a social tradition. I think that they really like having the centrally located Bistro. All of our dining areas are BYOB, and one may purchase adult beverages in the Bistro and carry them to other venues.
Pros: Creates a gathering place and social opportunities. Has marketing "curb appeal" to some prospective residents.
Cons: Probably not revenue positive. Limited variety of beers, wines, and mixed drinks. Lacks the atmosphere of a real pub because it is brightly lit and open -- more the sidewalk cafe feel. Rarely, when crowded, it gets quite loud.
Advice: To make a bar work, you probably need to program the activity in it. Create celebratory events, have live music, promote gatherings for sports events on TV, consider selling premium coffee drinks, and non-alcohol specialty drinks. Promote morning trade with coffee, pastries, breakfast sandwiches, newspapers.
Richmond Shreve
NaCCRA Board Member
Forum Moderator