So You Think You Can Saloon? How to Open a Bar in Oklahoma (and Not Become the Punchline)
Howdy, partner! Do you have a dream of slinging suds and serving up smiles (or maybe just tolerating some interesting characters)? Well, opening a bar in Oklahoma might be your ticket to becoming your own boss and creating a community hub. But hold your horses (or should we say, your mules?), there's more to this rodeo than meets the eye. This here guide will help you navigate the dusty trail from dream to draft.
 |
| How To Open A Bar In Oklahoma |
First Up, Partner: The Plan
Crafting Your Masterpiece (No, Not That Kind)
Before you start hammering neon signs to the wall, you gotta have a solid business plan. This is your roadmap to success, so buckle up. Think about your concept: will it be a whiskey wonderland, a craft beer haven, or a margarita mecca? Research your competition (but maybe avoid spending too much time "researching" at happy hour). Crunch the numbers – those bar tabs ain't gonna pay themselves, partner.
Tip: Slow down when you hit important details.
Finding Your Watering Hole (Legally Speaking)
Location, location, location! This ain't rocket science, but it's mighty important. Scout out a spot with good visibility and decent parking (drunk people and parallel parking are a recipe for disaster). Remember, Oklahoma has some zoning restrictions on alcohol sales, so make sure your dream location isn't next to a kindergarten (unless you're opening a juice bar... with a very specific clientele).
QuickTip: Reading carefully once is better than rushing twice.
Lassoing the Licences (The Not-So-Fun Part)
Paper Cuts and Patience
Get ready for a bureaucratic boot scootin' boogie. You'll need a herd of licenses and permits to keep the saloon doors swinging. The big one is the liquor license, issued by the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement Commission (ABLE Commission). Think of it as your golden ticket – but beware, the process can take some time, so saddle up for the wait. Don't forget the other essentials – a business license, a seller's permit, and a food service license if you plan on offering more than peanuts and pretzels.
QuickTip: Return to sections that felt unclear.
Building Your Boozy Bastion
 |
Now for the fun part (almost)! Think about the kind of atmosphere you want to create. Do you envision exposed brick walls and dim lighting, or a bright and airy sports bar? Don't forget about functionality – you'll need a good layout for the bar itself, ample seating, and (very important) clean restrooms (no one likes a sticky situation, literally).
QuickTip: Pause when something clicks.
Howdy, Hospitality! (Keeping Your Customers Coming Back for More)
Wet Your Whistle (Responsibly)
Okay, you've got the booze, the ambiance, and the permits. Now what? Customer service is key. Train your bartenders to be friendly and efficient (and maybe even know how to make a decent non-alcoholic drink for the designated drivers).
Gettin' Social
People come to bars for more than just drinks, they crave a sense of community. Host trivia nights, live music, or themed events to keep things interesting. Social media is your friend here – use it to promote your bar and connect with potential customers.
How to:
- How to Write a Business Plan for a Bar: The Small Business Administration (SBA) has a great resource to get you started
https://www.sba.gov/ - How to Find the Right Location for Your Bar: Think about demographics, traffic flow, and accessibility.
- How to Get a Liquor License in Oklahoma: Contact the ABLE Commission for the latest information on requirements and application procedures
https://oklahoma.gov/able-commission.html - How to Design a Bar Layout: Consider traffic flow, service areas, and customer comfort. There are plenty of online resources and bar design consultants available.
- How to Market Your Bar: Social media, local events, and word-of-mouth are all important for attracting customers.
 |
