Open a neighborhood pub in a leased space

Local residents, after-work crowds, sports fans and groups of friends looking for a relaxed place to meet.

Mostly drink sales (draft beer, bottles, wine, and cocktails if your license allows), plus food, event nights and private bookings. Margins depend on controlling pour costs, waste and staffing.

• Customer service and hosting
• Managing staff and schedules
• Cost control and basic bookkeeping
• Local marketing and community building

• Liquor license rules vary widely by state and city. Some limit the number of licenses, which can make them slow or costly to get, so check early
• Liquor liability (dram shop) and general liability insurance, plus workers' compensation once you hire
• Health department permit and food handler rules if you serve food
• Zoning, occupancy limits, fire code and noise rules for your location
• Long hours, late nights and thin margins in the early months; keep cash reserves
• Check requirements for responsible alcohol service training and music licensing for live or recorded music

Startup costs are typically around $100,000 to $400,000, depending on the space, fit-out, equipment and licensing costs. These are estimates. Early months can have thin margins, so keep cash reserves.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $20,000 to $90,000, depending on location, opening hours, your menu and the events you run. Margins can be thin in the early months.

Check liquor license rules early, since they vary by state and city and some areas limit licenses. Also check health department permits, zoning, occupancy, fire code and noise rules, insurance, alcohol service training and music licensing.