The Professional Bar and Beverage Managers Handbook

The Professional Bar and Beverage Managers Handbook has the look and feel of an encyclopedia on the outside, and the contents of a detail oriented bar entrepreneur on the inside.  It’s a large book, with large print, which leaves plenty of room for margin notes.  The book is quite comprehensive and covers end to end, everything to consider when opening and running a bar or nightclub.  The opening chapter provides an extensive overview of opening a bar.  It suggests several questions to ask yourself, offers how to conduct market research and analyze your competition and tips on financial planning.  This chapter also goes into creating a business plan and provides a 50-page sample business plan to model on the accompanying CD-ROM.  The depth and breadth of detail covered is quite impressive.  Topics covered include laws of various states, how to properly prepare and serve drinks, controls, finances, and so much more.  An example of the detail can be found in chapter 7, where a section goes into the process of properly pouring a beer.   Additionally there are several web links sprinkled throughout the pages pointing the reader to a variety of suppliers and vendors.  Some information may seem over simplified, or common sense, such as the section on “The Qualities of a Good Employee,” however this is offset by the overall thoroughness of each section and truly contains the level of information one would expect in a bar manager’s handbook.   The CD-ROM is chalk full of forms and charts.  The same documents that are contained in chapter 19 are conveniently stored as PDF files for ease of printing.  These documents range from alcohol awareness charts inventory control reports and more.  My only qualm with the CD-ROM is that the forms are not stored in a format easily edited by end users.   The book is a little pricey, but considering all that’s packed into it, there is no question that you’ll get more than you pay for, and something you’ll want on your shelf.  You’ll find it at Amazon.com.  Bottom line, if you’re already a bar or nightclub owner, you could gain some new information, and if you’re thinking about opening a bar, you’ll have a better idea of what it takes.

As always :  The Coolbars bar store has all your bar supply needs at great prices.

Until next time, good luck and I wish you all the success in the world!

Mike Sullivan
www.CoolBars.com