People love going the sports bars to the food, beer, and large-screen TVs that showcase sports entertainment. These businesses are typically always able to remain profitable and cash flow positive in any economic climate given the very high gross margins generated from food sales as well as alcohol sales. These businesses, once popular, can also generate additional income from event hosting as well as cover fees.
As it relates to strengths, most sports bars are able to generate a highly predictable stream of revenue on a weekly basis. The high gross margins generated from cells typically produce a very strong return on investment that concurrently allows these businesses to satisfy any underlying debt obligation that was required in order to launch the operations of the sports bar. These businesses also have readily available access the capital given the fact that they are able to produce profits that can sustain a business loan.
For weaknesses, most sports bars do have high operating costs as it relates to the rental expense, personal expense, and the ongoing need to acquire food inventories. As with any food service business, inventory spoilage is always an issue. Additionally, there are numerous laws and not need to be conformed to as it relates to the sale of alcohol on the premises.
For opportunities, these businesses can readily expand by simply establishing additional locations outside of the initial target market radius. These businesses can also post specialized nights including game nights which can create a substantial amount of additional traffic into the business on an ongoing basis. Many sports bars will also integrate pool tables and arcade games into their operations in order to develop ancillary revenue streams.
The biggest threat facing any of these businesses is ongoing competitive issues given that most target markets have a number of sports parts and operation. As such, it is imperative that these businesses are able to differentiate themselves from other competitors within the market. The entrepreneur must have a number of different methodologies for marketing that will set the business apart while creating a highly predictable amount of traffic to the location on an ongoing basis. Economic threats are also a risk for the business given that during times of an economic recession – revenues of these entities may decline slightly. However, a sports park typically has a low pricing point for its products and services and only a severe and prolonged recession would dramatically impact the profits of the business.
Sports bars are fun businesses to operate for an individual that is experienced in the food and beverage industry. A produce high gross margins and high profits once they develop an established brand name within their target market. These businesses can easily be scaled with a unique concept.