Start a small beer and wine piano lounge

Neighborhood regulars, date-night couples, small groups and people booking the room for birthdays or small gatherings.

Glass and bottle sales, snack plates, and ticketed or reserved piano nights. A smaller space and shorter menu keep staffing and inventory costs lower.

• Hospitality and customer service
• Choosing wine and beer for a small menu
• Basic bookkeeping and inventory
• Working with local musicians

• License type, cost and wait time vary by state and county, so confirm with your state alcohol agency before committing to a lease
• Health department rules apply even for simple snacks, so check what food prep is allowed
• Liquor liability and general liability insurance, plus workers' compensation if you hire
• Music performance licensing and noise limits for live music, especially near homes
• A small room can fill up quickly, so check occupancy limits and plan how you handle busy nights
• Quiet weeknights can be slow, so keep fixed costs low

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $50,000 to $200,000, depending on your space, fit-out, piano and stock. Monthly revenue is estimated at around $12,000 to $50,000, depending on location and how often you host live piano.

Check license type, cost and wait time with your state alcohol agency before committing to a lease. Also check health department rules for snacks, liquor and general liability insurance, music licensing, noise limits and occupancy limits for a small room.

Plan on typically at least around 30 hours a week. Helpful skills include hospitality, choosing wine and beer for a small menu, basic bookkeeping and inventory, and working with local musicians. Quiet weeknights can be slow, so keep fixed costs low.