What is the most important thing in a successful pool hall?

[DynoDan]

VERY sad to say, but in Atlanta, they have to allow smoking.

As an asthmatic, it pisses me off. But every pool hall to go non smoking goes out of business.

Sucks.

Down south is still ‘tobacco country’. Like in most northern big cities, as the percentage of smokers declines, that will likely change eventually.

P.S. Even before I started smoking (pre-teen), my mother (also a non-smoker) could always tell (by the odor of my clothes) when I had been hanging out in the pool hall (resulting in chastisement).

 

[ChrisinNC]

Down south is still ‘tobacco country’. Like in most northern big cities, as the percentage of smokers declines, that will likely change eventually.

P.S. Even before I started smoking (pre-teen), my mother (also a non-smoker) could always tell (by the odor of my clothes) when I had been hanging out in the pool hall (resulting in chastisement).

In North Carolina, no smoking allowed in any indoor establishments. That has been a state law for quite a while now.

 

[Patrick Johnson]

Upon reflection, it hadn’t occurred to me that even the smalltown poolroom where I grew up likely couldn’t have stayed in business relying only on ’table time’ revenue.

In the pool rooms I'm involved in table time revenue makes up ~40% of sales, but ~80% of profit - because unlike everything else they sell, pool has very little "cost of goods sold", so its "gross profit" (before general overhead expenses) is almost 100%. They serve good food and drinks too, but only because it's necessary to attract pool customers.

pj
chgo

 

[ChrisinNC]

In the pool rooms I'm involved in table time revenue makes up ~40% of sales, but ~80% of profit - because unlike everything else they sell, pool has very little "cost of goods sold", so its "gross profit" (before general overhead expenses) is almost 100%. They serve good food and drinks too, but only because it's necessary to attract pool customers.

pj
chgo

Yeah, but don't make it sound like the overhead expenses are minor - We just recovered our tables for $450 per table (labor and cloth), top notch pool tables that cost $6,000 to $8,000 each or $200+ per month per table if they have a rental contract for quality tables from someone like Diamond, not to mention the per month rental rate on the +/- 300 square feet per table needed for each 9-foot table, employee costs, electric, heating & AC costs, etc. etc. etc.

 

[diazr3]

I see a lot of people talk about equipment in this thread. I'm surprised Amazin Billiards in Malden, MA doesn't get more players through the door. I think they have the best equipment in the state and maybe even all of New England. Their prices aren't bad at all either. They used to be cheaper when I started going 4 years ago but he's had to raise them because not enough people go and the rent keeps going up.

 

[Patrick Johnson]

Yeah, but don't make it sound like the overhead expenses are minor - We just recovered our tables for $450 per table (labor and cloth), top notch pool tables that cost $6,000 to $8,000 each or $200+ per month per table if they have a rental contract for quality tables from someone like Diamond, not to mention the per month rental rate on the +/- 300 square feet per table needed for each 9-foot table, employee costs, electric, heating & AC costs, etc. etc. etc.

Taking all of that into consideration, including the cost of the tables, pool is far and away the most profitable of the billiards/bar/restaurant products.

If you want to be more profitable, my advice is to find ways to sell more table time, maybe even if you have to give deals on food/drinks to do it.

pj
chgo

 

[Grilled Cheese]

If you want to be more profitable, my advice is to find ways to sell more table time, maybe even if you have to give deals on food/drinks to do it.

pj
chgo

The long term trend I see in my area is exactly the opposite - they give away pool to get people in there, hoping they will eat or drink something, anything. Not during peak hours though.

I'm not saying they're right.

 

[jimmyco]

The long term trend I see in my area is exactly the opposite - they give away pool to get people in there, hoping they will eat or drink something, anything. Not during peak hours though.

I'm not saying they're right.

Every time I play for free table time, I drop $50 on food n drink, easily.

 

[franko]

Important

Enough parking , most Pool players do not car Pool most rooms have very limited parking.
Rooms located in old strip shopping centers have low rent and tons of parking and seem to do well.

 

[Celophanewrap]

Paying customers :wink:

This, and a good reputation
simple, decent food, good burger, grilled cheese, hot dog, fries, nachos

 

[chefjeff]

1. Good marketing - People need to know you're there.
2. Community involvement - People need to know you care.
3. Good food - Not just a frozen burger to tide people over.
4. Good drink - at reasonable prices.
5. Good people (working) - Can't just be a lump handing out balls and taking cash. Needs to be part of the good marketing. Friendly, helpful, etc.
6. Good people (playing) - Having the wrong demographic will scare away the others.
7. Great equipment - no brainer.
8. Good leagues - as many as can be supported well from both player and LO support.
9. Good supported tourneys - Whether weekly or monthly, needs to be marketed/handicapped to keep lesser players coming. Too many times tourney's die because of the same winners over and over.
10. Kid leagues - Get involved with local kid programs and start a kids league. Ran well, this will add $ to your coffers and grow the sport! Parents come with to watch their kids compete, have lunch, etc. Then the parents realize it's not just a hangout for the bad kids.

I'd be interested in feedback on my Top10 from players and former room owners as I may be getting ready to open a room.

What was their best investment? What would they do differently? What caused the closure (besides not enough money)? Was it bad location, no food, no drink, bad people?

Bingo!

Community. Without that, it's just another building with stuff in it.


Jeff Livingston

 

[ChrisinNC]

1. Good marketing - People need to know you're there.
2. Community involvement - People need to know you care.
3. Good food - Not just a frozen burger to tide people over.
4. Good drink - at reasonable prices.
5. Good people (working) - Can't just be a lump handing out balls and taking cash. Needs to be part of the good marketing. Friendly, helpful, etc.
6. Good people (playing) - Having the wrong demographic will scare away the others.
7. Great equipment - no brainer.
8. Good leagues - as many as can be supported well from both player and LO support.
9. Good supported tourneys - Whether weekly or monthly, needs to be marketed/handicapped to keep lesser players coming. Too many times tourney's die because of the same winners over and over.
10. Kid leagues - Get involved with local kid programs and start a kids league. Ran well, this will add $ to your coffers and grow the sport! Parents come with to watch their kids compete, have lunch, etc. Then the parents realize it's not just a hangout for the bad kids.

I'd be interested in feedback on my Top10 from players and former room owners as I may be getting ready to open a room.

What was their best investment? What would they do differently? What caused the closure (besides not enough money)? Was it bad location, no food, no drink, bad people?

This is an excellent list, particularly regarding the kids, but as this revived thread and your post is over 5 years old, just wondering if you've opened your room up yet or still considering? As far as #6 - you'll have a hard time controlling who plays in your room - you can't discriminate against paying customers. Also, I would add, being an owner who is present most of the time and who has a passion/love for the game.