Pool Hall Owners, please help

[Wylie]

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.

 

[poolandpokerman]

Probably be better to post in the Room Owners section, might get a better response and better info. Just a thought.

 

[Wylie]

Any way to move it?

 

[CreeDo]

You can get a moderator to move it, just go to the front page of the forums and you'll see that big list of people at the bottom, and I think it shows the mods in a separate list or with a special color or something. Ask them in a private message.

I don't own a room but I'm good friends with our local room owner, and he tells me a bit about the business. I'd say having good help is huge - even in a town where there's limited choice, if you have someone who doesn't know how to treat a customer, they can scare off tons of business. It's kind of a balancing act, you want them to watch your back by making sure they crack down on people abusing the equipment, and you want to make sure they aren't constantly robbing you by giving friends and regulars freebies... but at the same time they can't ride the customers too hard, and they have to recognize when helping out someone a little bit now will bring big return business in the future. Just make sure they're smart and friendly and respectful. Keep away from people who are too young, or seem like they don't need the work, or people who love to shoot and will have trouble staying behind the counter... and especially people with attitudes or hot tempers. I guess this is all pretty obvious but I wanted to stress it anyway.