How to Open a Bar

Forget the froufrou drinks and quiet atmosphere -- cheap beer and loyal patrons are what make dive bars the place to be.

Step 1: Find the location Find the right location. Choose an old building next to an alley or an empty lot that has the dive look.
TIP: Pick a location near another attraction. Feed off of the attraction's business -- name your bar something thematically similar.
Step 2: Set the mood Give your bar the right feeling inside. Make sure it is nice and dark, and keep the place a little dirty.
Step 3: Decorate Decorate the bar with handwritten signs, Christmas lights, taxidermy pieces, and neon bar signs.
Step 4: Open early Open as early as your city will allow. You can pick up a few before-work regulars.
Step 5: Serve beer Serve cheap beer, and at least one in a can. Refuse to serve fruity drinks and mixed cocktails -- this way, your business will only need a beer and wine license.
Step 6: Entertain Supply your patrons with good old-fashioned dive bar entertainment, like darts, pool tables, and the must-have jukebox.
FACT: In 2006, the beverage alcohol industry contributed nearly $448 billion to the United States economy.

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