help and suggestions for opening a billiard hall

[vapoolplayer]

i'm just looking for tips, ideas, suggestions, and help for opening a billiard hall.

its something i'm seriously looking into doing within the next 2 years hopefully.

i have a basic idea for what i'd like to do that i'm working on but, i basically have no idea what it takes to make this happen for the most part, so i'm looking for all the help i can get.

so if anyone here is a successful business owner, or has any suggestions and tips for me, i'd greatly appreciate it.

thanks

VAP

 

[David Bray]

Tips for opening a hall

Here are some things I've learned along the way:

If all possible, have property that you can buy, don't rent. Second, tables: more 9' then 8's or 7's, either Brunswick GC's or Diamond Pros, simonis should be on at least the ones in the tourny room if not all, keep your balls in good condition (cleaned on regular basis - daily & change out every 2-3-4 years). Have a good food menu, I'm not saying go for gormet but something decent and not overpriced. The right league will bring big income for you and your employees. Have comfortable seating for players, and don't overdo seating to invite massive crowds where they shouldn't be. Have one good action table either in a private room or in a area that is like a pit w/ seating above the table. Music: nothing too loud/angry/offensive. Classic rock does alright, maybe country. A decent room should start around 20 tables. Little weekly tourny's can help draw players and allow anyone to play: locals/roadies/even pros (even for handicapped tourny's). Be accomadating to the action players, not saying drop everything and kiss a**. But if they want privacy, let 'em have it, if they wanna play after closing - let them! But allow no one but the two players and one employee to collect table time & close up when done. Sell stuff: cheap cues/expensive and custom cues also, magazines and all of the other toys that common players want like gloves and fancy chalkers & so on.

Just a couple of things that popped into my mind. If you'd like to talk more, PM me!

 

[Bob Jewett]

i'm just looking for tips, ideas, suggestions, and help for opening a billiard hall.
...

Bob Byrne has a chapter (or maybe two) on what to have in a pool hall and how to argue with the people running the permit process. These were in "Advanced Technique" and "Wonderful World of Billiards," I think. The BCA also has extensive material on opening a room. In many locations, it's much harder to get a permit than to get financing.

 

[AuntyDan]

In many locations, it's much harder to get a permit than to get financing.

This is the sad truth. I have an news agent on Google that scans for articles with "Billiards" in them, and at least 10% of what it finds are local news articles about some little town council or planning committee denying a license for a Pool Hall.

 

[dandydude]

This is the sad truth. I have an newsd agent on Google that scans for articles with "Billiards" in them, and at least 10% of what it finds are local news articles about some little town council or planning committee denying a license for a Pool Hall.

Dandy reply: Do onto others, as you would have them do onto you?