Start a full-service piano bar with live music

Couples, friends and small groups on a night out, after-work crowds, theater and event guests, and people booking small private parties.

Drink and food sales, with the music drawing guests and keeping them longer. Extra income can come from private bookings, special event nights and tips-driven pianist sets (if you structure it that way).

• Hospitality and customer service
• Managing staff and schedules
• Handling cash flow and inventory
• Booking and working with musicians

• Liquor license rules, costs and timelines vary a lot by state and city, and some states cap the number of licenses, so check before signing a lease
• Health department permit for any food you serve, plus fire code occupancy limits
• Liquor liability and general liability insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire
• Music licensing: check whether you need public performance licenses from groups like ASCAP, BMI and SESAC
• Zoning and noise limits for live music, and the lease terms
• Long late hours and thin margins, so plan enough cash to cover the first months

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $120,000 to $500,000, depending on your space, fit-out, stock and licensing. Monthly revenue is estimated at around $25,000 to $90,000, depending on location and how busy your evenings are.

Check liquor license rules, costs and timelines, which vary by state and city, before signing a lease. Also check health department permits for food, fire code occupancy limits, music licensing from groups like ASCAP, BMI and SESAC, zoning, noise limits and insurance.

Expect typically at least around 45 hours a week, mostly late evenings. Useful skills include hospitality, managing staff and schedules, handling cash flow and inventory, and booking musicians. Margins can be thin, so plan enough cash for the first months.