Looking to start a Room. Need advice.

Wylie

Wylie

I like beer!
Silver Member
Ok, here the situation. For years, I have given consideration to opening a pool hall in my area. I believe full well that it would be a great investment if done properly. This area has no real pool hall, just your typical 2 table bars. the crowds and interest we get in these small venues is just some of the proof needed to see that a well operated pool hall would strive in this area. Well, now I have a couple people who are serious and ready to go into a partnership with me on this. My question is this, what are the little things I need to know to stay successful for the long haul? I know good equipment, a good atmosphere, unbiased management, etc... But what are the small things. I'm very serious about this and really would appreciate any tips and advice anyone is willing to give me to help me on my way.
 
don't put the tables to close together, its irritating.

get decent house cues right up front from the get go, the cheapies are just that, cheapies.

keep in mind the bangers will be your bread and butter, trying to cater to just the players will be a mistake.

and finally, in todays business environment, I would say you have to have beer and a bar or you will find your avenues are limited.
 
Wylie said:
Ok, here the situation. For years, I have given consideration to opening a pool hall in my area. I believe full well that it would be a great investment if done properly. This area has no real pool hall, just your typical 2 table bars. the crowds and interest we get in these small venues is just some of the proof needed to see that a well operated pool hall would strive in this area. Well, now I have a couple people who are serious and ready to go into a partnership with me on this. My question is this, what are the little things I need to know to stay successful for the long haul? I know good equipment, a good atmosphere, unbiased management, etc... But what are the small things. I'm very serious about this and really would appreciate any tips and advice anyone is willing to give me to help me on my way.
Click to expand...

here is a thread that I started a while back that was pretty helpful when it came to determining if a room would work for me: http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=40591

there are others, if I recall correctly, on this forum that may help you a bit as well. try a search. i received a good internet addy too at some point that talked about business plans, etc. for a pool room - it is in my favorites on my other computer. if you would be interested, PM me as a reminder and I will send it to you.

hope it helps.
9balllvr
 
Ladies play free on a particulat night. Weekly handicap tournaments. A little somethinmg to eat, { small pizzas can be cooked in about 10 minutes with a 50$ cooker} Watch what you put on the Jukebox; your choice of music will often times dictate what kind of crowd you have. A Monthly open tournament with a 25 to 50$ entry fee and calcutta. A smiling face and a degree in psycho-therapy.
 
multiple streams of income and flexibility

Your money will rarely come from one set of customers. Be prepared to cater to numerous different demographics all at once. Just adjust your room to suit the % that make you the most money. Bangers will spend the most and complain the least. They are a tricky, fickle bunch. One week you're jammed the next you are empty. Gimmicks and changing things up on a regular basis will keep them interested. To them it is NOT a pool hall...it is "hanging out with friends". There are a ton of threads on here that will give you a lot of ideas. Spend some time and browse through them. My family has run a room for 41 years now...I still learn new things every week about my business and my customers. You will NEVER be able to predict what will happen next. Be open minded. Dont be afraid to ask LOTS of questions of what your customers want. What they TELL You and what they SPEND MONEY on will rarely be the same thing. Find your niche in your local market and go after it with a vengeance. Good luck....


Now start searching all those threads!
 
A well stocked pro shop ican be very profitable, You should also look into doing cue repairs in house as you say there is a need for a serious room then there will be the need for quality repairs and sales of cues , cases and acessories will be good as well. Gotta have some kind of food as well and if you can beer, liquor, soda. We stock a big selection of non alcholic drinks as well. Well maintained tables are a must, Nice clean restrooms as well, I get 20 compliments a week on how nice our rest rooms are kept. this means repeat business. And mostly advertise, be cost effective but have an advertising budget. Pool leauges are a must as well. They make your slow nights throught the week better and sometime become your best nights. BCA, APA, VNEA, TAP, And in house leauges as well. Hope I helped :)
BK
 
One small thing - hire a hottie bartender with a following.
You know the type - she knows everyone and everyone knows and likes her.
Pay whatever it takes to steal her away and some of her following will most likely follow her.
 
Thanks for all the advice! I will be doing a lot of research before I take any steps. I'm very serious about it though. There are a lot of good ideas and advice to be had.
 
If you do decide to open this place up, which I do think would be a good idea if there aren't any pool halls around the area...

Keep it clean, make sure to get the best air-purifiers you can if smoking is allowed, nice house-sticks, weekly tournaments, some food and drinks, and if you want to keep the players interested, make sure the equipment is good, and well kept.


Don't forget to advertise, and if you need to get anything done just give me a line. Business Cards, Flyers, T-shirts, Website, anything... That's what I do :)
 
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