So, I am working out some details to fast-track a local tap room bar in Silver Spring, MD. I know I will have to wait on a liquor license, but a tap room license is very affordable and easy to get. So I think my initial plan of attack will be to find and affordable store front space with a small kitchen and decent size walk-in and lay it on the line with some home-built furnishing and a reclaimed bar top. I want to see where this could take me and renovate when the money starts to flow. My concept has changed at this point and I will give you all the skinny on it now!
At this point I think the décor will be simple, some basic dark stained wood frames around the space with local art and photography to fill them. We won't charge a commission on the artwork sold or posted; just a cool place where local artist can get some free retail space. The bar top will be simple wood stained to match the rest of the wood in the bar. The bar back will be homemade from threaded steel plumbing pipe and wood planks with pipefitting holding things in place (see photo). A large mirror behind the bar will give a small place some depth. I want to make my own bar stools with welded angle iron frames and cut wheel logs as the seats. The décor will be easily
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changeable because the frames can have the content swapped at any point. I want this feel to be modern but relaxed with lots of wood and metal. Your standard bar neon and promo signs will be up because who doesn't like free crap from venders? Pint glasses? Bar supplies? I want those tables from the catering companies where you can interchange the center poll to pub height or standard dining height. This way on busy nights we can push some of the chairs into a storage area and make some standing-room tables to open space up for crowds.
I am going to shoot for ten beers on tap and more in the bottle--I'm hoping for fifty in total. With fifty beers on tap I can start an awesome customer loyalty program: the Fifty Beer Club. The list of house beers will be on a punch card. Once you have purchased one of each of the beers and finished them you will have your picture taken and get a free T-shirt. I will also buy your first pint when you start the punch card. The punch cards will be held at the bar for safe keeping. You all know less than sober people and things in pockets disappear.
I am looking for a simple name that will let everyone know that this is a place to come and relax and have a beer with friends. I need some input and I will send the person with the most creative and unique name idea a coupon for a free shirt after I open the bar. So let's see what we can come up with. Keep a look out for more info on the progress of this adventure.
Here's to chasing the first Pint! Bottoms Up!
If cooking is what you love, why do you want to own a bar and not serve food? The concept you describe sounds good, especially with the art. One idea I had for a name relates to what makes lots of folks immediately relax --puppies to pet! A mascot and name both the same: Golden Retriever, or the like!
ReplyDeleteON the other hand, the art theme could provide the name: Brewer's Gallery? In any event, I hope this exercise is productive for you!
Thanks for the comment Captain Will. I have always dreamed of owning my own bar. Somewhere I can showcase my own menu and cocktails. I do indeed love to cook and this will hopefully be my first step in owning something I can be proud of and can showcase my talents as a professional.
ReplyDeleteI like your ideas about names. A mascot sharing the name is cool I will look into that Avenue and Brewer's Gallery is a name I never would have thought of. Very interesting I like the direction. Thanks for the support.
Sean
So, I absolutely love the ideas for the decor (especially the bar tops that spin up/down----genius) and I love a place that is relaxed and a great atmosphere. My name suggestion has a story, and that story revolves around some of the strongest memories I have from high school that involve you and two other very close friends. I suggest The FP (which would stand for The Front Porch). People love easy and simple names (heck, when's the last time we called it anything other than BWB or Bdub) but, at least in my case, in invokes some great memories that involved hanging out with friends, well into the evening, and relaxing. If you did have outdoor space, a small patio or a small space in the front, it would invoke that feeling even more. A place where you are just hanging out with friends, having a beer, relaxing, and chatting about everything and anything or nothing at all. I love the idea of small menu, great food, and that simple relaxed vibe. In regards to the artwork, I think it's a fantastic idea, there is a place in Chapel hill that I adore that does something similar and it lends itself to feeling much more rooted in local culture. Oh, and if, on some off chance you pick this name, I want the shirt to say "I came up with the name and all I got was this lousy tshirt" ;) Best of luck to you!
ReplyDeleteKelly, Thanks for the input. The Front Porch is an awesome name! I like all that it stands for and all that it provokes in my mind. Its a contender! I think I may make you a shirt that says I commented on this random blog and all I got was this lousy shirt. Keep an eye out for more to come. I will be posting a small portion of possible menu items I know you will love to read through. Let me know what you think. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteSEAN, absolutely! so excited to see youguys :)
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