Opening a bar is exciting, but it’s not cheap. There are many things to think about, like rent, equipment, furniture, licenses, and staff. And that’s before you even open your doors.
Knowing your costs upfront helps you plan better and make the most of your capital. Let’s go through each of the factors that affect bar opening costs.
- Bar type and concept
- New build vs. existing bar
- Location and real estate
- Renovation and design
- Licenses, permits, and legal fees
- Equipment and furniture
- Staffing and payroll
- POS software and more tools
- Inventory and supplies
- Marketing and branding
- Insurance
- Utilities and maintenance
- Training your people
Average bar opening costs
If you’re wondering how to open a bar, knowing the financial commitment and startup costs is one of the most critical first steps. The average startup cost is roughly $425,000, which includes different factors like the bar’s concept, size, and location. The figure also encompasses required renovations, necessary licenses, and whether you’re purchasing an existing establishment or building from scratch.
Factors that affect bar opening costs
Starting a bar doesn’t have to be financially draining. As long as you know the different factors that affect opening costs and understand which ones to prioritize, you can successfully make your dream business a reality.
1. Bar type and concept
The concept and type of bar you want to run play a role in how much capital you need. Each concept, whether it’s a dive bar, wine bar, sports bar, or nightclub, comes with its own set of requirements and costs.
Dive bars are known for their simplicity, which can lead to startup costs as low as $50,000. Meanwhile, wine bars are a bit more expensive, ranging between $100,000 and $500,000, because you need a curated selection of wines, elegant decor, and quality seating for a sophisticated atmosphere.
Sports bars, on the other hand, require multiple high-definition televisions, high-quality sound systems, and subscriptions to access various sports channels. This can set you back a minimum of $100,000.
For nightclubs, expect to pay around $75,000 to $250,000 for good sound and lighting systems, dance floors, and DJ booths. You’ll also need to consider enhanced security measures, like trained personnel and surveillance systems, as well as licenses for late-night operations and live entertainment.
2. New build vs. existing bar
You also need to decide if you want to purchase an existing bar or construct a new one. Each option has its own pros and cons and can affect your initial investment and opening timeline.
When you buy an existing bar, you already have equipment, layout, and furnishings to work with. As such, you won’t have to do major renovations or buy items, so you can allocate funds elsewhere.
Since the foundational elements are in place, you can open your bar and generate revenue sooner than if you were building from scratch.
If you decide to build a new bar, you can design the space to your specific vision. You can create a unique layout that will make your establishment memorable to patrons. Plus, you can make sure your bar adheres to current building codes and has the latest energy-efficient systems, which can reduce costs in the long run.
Of course, you should expect higher upfront costs when building a bar from the ground up. Building construction costs are around $200,000 to $800,000 for a 2,000-square-foot bar, and you still have to pay for interior design as well as buy all necessary equipment and furnishings.
Plus, designing, obtaining permits, constructing, and setting up a new bar can be time-consuming. You also have to account for construction delays, which can significantly impact your timeline and budget.
3. Location and real estate
Choosing the right location is crucial, as your bar’s success hinges on it. It also affects how much you have to spend upfront.
Urban areas typically offer higher foot traffic and visibility but also come with higher rental or purchase prices. For instance, a 2,000-square-foot bar in the city center might cost nearly $9,000 in rent, while the same size might only be around $3,000 in a small town.
Nonetheless, owning a bar in urban areas with high earning potential can easily offset your capital. Just make sure to research the local market and do a thorough competitive analysis to make sure your bar concept can cater to customers in that area.
There’s also the question of leasing or buying the lot. Leasing requires less upfront capital, typically involving a security deposit equivalent to one to three months’ rent. Buying is more expensive since you traditionally need a down payment of around 20% of the property’s value.
For example, if you want to buy a property valued at $500,000, you’d need a $100,000 down payment. Take note that it’s just for the lot. You still need to consider renovation costs.
4. Renovation and design
The cost of renovating your bar’s interior depends on its size and the furnishings you want. On average, expenses can range from $30,000 to over $100,000, which includes demolition, framing, electrical, and plumbing work.
Invest in quality aesthetic elements to enhance your bar’s appeal. For instance, accent lighting, such as pendant lamps and wall-mounted fixtures, can create a cozy atmosphere.
You also want to set up comfortable seating to encourage patrons to stay longer and buy more drinks. Choose materials like leather or high-quality fabric that are both durable and aesthetically pleasing.
Additionally, create different seating zones, such as a bar area with high tops, a lounge section with softer seating, and perhaps some booth spaces for more intimate gatherings. The goal is to design a space that feels inviting and encourages customers to relax and enjoy their experience.
5. Licenses, permits, and legal fees
Aside from your business permit, the most important document you need to operate your bar is a liquor license. The exact cost depends on your state, but it can fall under $100 or as much as $40,000. In California, for example, application fees range from $110 to $17,335, with annual state licensing fees between $275 and $1,450.
If you plan to serve food in your bar, you need a food service permit. You also have to file permits for fire safety and putting up signage. Additionally, bars featuring live music, DJs, or other entertainment need an entertainment license. Set a budget of around $5,000 for permits.
It’s always great to have legal support, so consider retaining a lawyer, which can cost between $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your needs and location.
6. Equipment and furniture
Having the right equipment and furniture helps you create an inviting atmosphere and maintain efficient operations. This can cost you around $30,000 to $100,000 on essential equipment, such as taps, refrigerators, and kitchen appliances, if you plan to serve food.
The figure should also include your bar counter, which serves as a focal point where patrons gather to socialize and enjoy drinks. Wooden or upholstered bar chairs cost around $100 to $500 per chair, while tables can range between $500 and $1,000 or more.
Expect a higher initial investment if you want to brew your own craft beer or set up a unique brewing system. Specialized brewing equipment can easily add $10,000 to $50,000 to your startup costs.
7. Staffing and payroll
Make sure you set a budget for staffing and payroll, ideally for at least six months of operation. This way, you can comfortably cover wages during the initial phase when revenue might be unpredictable.
Your team will typically include bartenders, barbacks, managers, security personnel, and kitchen staff. A barback’s average hourly salary is $15, while bartenders earn $15.55 per hour.
More than wages, budget for additional costs such as payroll taxes and benefits. Employers are responsible for FICA taxes, which include Social Security and Medicare. In 2025, the FICA tax rate is 7.65% for employees and 15.3% for self-employed individuals.
Offering health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits can add 20% to 30% to base wages. For instance, total compensation costs for private industry workers in the leisure and hospitality sector averaged $19.90 per hour worked in December 2024, with wages accounting for $16.25 and benefits for $3.65.
8. POS software and more tools
A POS system serves as a central point for sales and inventory. It can also give you insights into your best-selling items and customer preferences.
Modern POS subscriptions for bars can cost between $60 to $250 per month, with initial setup fees ranging from $500 to $1,500. Look for features like real-time reporting, employee management, and integration with payment processors.
You can also use reservation software for smoother customer flow and table management. Popular platforms like OpenTable or Resy offer pricing plans starting at $149 to $899 monthly.
On the human side of things, you need bar team management software to coordinate tasks, track hours, and manage payroll efficiently. Tools like 7shifts make assigning shifts easy, so you always have enough bar staff during peak hours.
9. Inventory and supplies
Your initial alcohol and food stock will be your largest inventory expense. Depending on your bar’s size and concept, this can range from $6,000 to $13,000. For example, a cocktail-focused bar may invest more in premium spirits, while a beer-centric bar might allocate funds toward a diverse beer selection.
To complement your alcohol offerings, you’ll need mixers, garnishes, and non-alcoholic beverages. You also have to equip your bar with the necessary tools, like shakers, strainers, muddlers, jiggers, bottle openers, and glassware. Don’t forget about cleaning supplies such as sanitizers, detergents, mops, and cloths.
10. Marketing and branding
Opening a bar isn’t just about building a space. You need to create a unique brand that will make customers want to visit it.
Investing in a distinctive logo and cohesive branding helps establish your bar’s identity. Professional logo design services can range from $500 to $5,000. Add to that the cost of quality signage to boost your bar’s street presence.
Next, you need to make your bar known digitally. Having a website is great for letting people find you through search engines. Professional website development typically costs between $2,000 and $5,000, depending on complexity and features.
Then, there’s social media marketing for your bar. Focus on platforms like Instagram and TikTok to attract younger demographics. You can grow your following for free through consistent posting, and you can also spend on targeted ads, with an average cost of $0.20 to $2 per click for Instagram and $1 on TikTok.
11. Insurance
Bars can be high-risk environments with potential liability issues. As such, you should protect your business by getting insurance right from day one.
General liability insurance protects against claims of bodily injury or property damage occurring on your premises. On average, bars pay about $218 per month, totaling approximately $2,621 annually.
Given that your establishment serves alcohol, you also need liquor liability insurance. It covers incidents arising from the sale of alcohol, such as damages or injuries caused by intoxicated patrons. The average cost is around $115 per month or $1,379 annually.
If you have employees, most states require this insurance. It covers medical expenses and lost wages for work-related injuries or illnesses. Bars typically pay about $121 per month, equating to $1,450 annually.
Lastly, property insurance safeguards your physical assets, including the building, furniture, and equipment, against risks like fire, theft, or natural disasters. Often, property insurance is bundled within a Business Owner’s Policy (BOP), which averages $276 per month, or $3,317 annually.
Combining these policies, bar owners can anticipate annual insurance costs ranging from approximately $3,000 to $10,000 or more per year.
12. Utilities and maintenance
Bars typically spend around $2,500 per month on utilities, including electricity, water, gas, and internet. Restaurant utility costs vary depending on location, size, and equipment.
You can reduce expenses by investing in energy-efficient appliances. Although they have higher prices, they end up being more cost-effective in the long run.
Set a budget for regular maintenance as well, which is essential to prevent costly repairs. Adding another $2,500 or so to your monthly bar costs can help tide you over when unexpected maintenance issues arise.
13. Training your people
Training is another cost to consider in addition to sourcing and hiring staff. In 2023, companies spent an average of $954 per learner. If you have a team of five to ten bar staff, you’ll need to budget for comprehensive training programs that cover mixology skills, customer service, responsible alcohol service, and safety protocols.
Regular training keeps staff updated on best practices and industry trends. Well-trained employees are also more likely to stay, reducing turnover costs.
What’s the minimum investment needed to open a bar?
Based on the figures above, the minimum investment to open a bar can range from $50,000 to $250,000, depending on location, size, and concept. This includes startup costs like initial inventory, equipment, renovations, licenses, and working capital.
For entrepreneurs aiming to minimize expenses, buying an existing bar with minimal renovations and no food service can be a cost-effective strategy. By focusing on the existing setup and having lean operations, you can reduce upfront costs and open your bar sooner.
Opting for a new lease with modest renovations and offering a light food menu involves a more substantial investment of around $300,000 to $500,000. Although more expensive upfront, incorporating a food menu can attract a bigger customer base and add an additional revenue stream for your bar.
On top of initial startup costs, you must set a budget for operating reserves of at least three to six months of expenses. This way, you have a financial cushion to cover unexpected costs and slow periods.
When can I expect ROI after opening my bar?
It typically takes a year or two of operations for bars to break even and generate an ROI. This depends on how well customers receive your bar and your marketing strategies. Factors like location, competition, unique offerings, and customer experience also play crucial roles in fast-tracking your way to profit.
Invest in targeted marketing campaigns and promotions to attract more customers and boost sales. Make sure you also implement strategies to avoid waste, like proper inventory management and training staff on portion control.
Launch and run a successful bar from day one
From picking your concept to getting the right licenses and hiring your team, each step to opening your bar adds to your total costs. But if you budget carefully and plan ahead, you can build a business that attracts customers and also makes money.
Run your bar with confidence from day one with 7shifts. Our bar management software lets you manage your team’s schedules and stay on top of labor costs easily. Start your free trial now!
Rebecca Hebert, Sales Development Representative
Rebecca Hebert
Sales Development Representative
Rebecca Hebert is a former restaurant industry professional with nearly 20 years of hands-on experience leading teams in fast-paced hospitality environments. Rebecca brings that firsthand knowledge to the tech side of the industry, helping restaurants streamline their operations with purpose-built workforce management solutions. As an active contributor to expansion efforts, she’s passionate about empowering restaurateurs with tools that genuinely support their day-to-day operations.
