Start a pool hall with a bar and leagues

Regulars, league players, after-work groups, date nights, and companies or clubs booking events.

Table fees, drink and food sales (usually the biggest share), league and tournament entry fees, and private event bookings.

• Managing staff and schedules
• Cash flow and inventory control
• Marketing and community building
• Handling busy nights and difficult customers

• Liquor license rules vary a lot by state, county and city, and can take months and cost a lot (in some areas license costs alone can run to six figures), so check before signing a lease
• Fit-out is a big cost: tables, bar build-out, kitchen or food-prep equipment, lighting and flooring, plus any landlord-required upgrades
• Liquor liability and general liability insurance, plus workers' compensation once you hire
• Health department permit if you serve food, and local rules on occupancy, fire safety and noise
• Responsible service training and age checks, mistakes can put your license at risk
• High fixed costs such as rent, payroll and utilities, so quiet weeks can hurt
• Check any local rules on late-night hours, gambling or betting on games

Startup costs are typically around $300,000 to $900,000, depending on tables, bar build-out, kitchen equipment, lighting, flooring and any landlord-required upgrades. Liquor license costs vary widely by location, so check before signing a lease.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $20,000 to $90,000, depending on table count, league and event nights, and bar and food sales. High fixed costs such as rent, payroll and utilities mean quiet weeks can hurt.

Liquor license rules vary a lot by state, county and city and can take months, so check before signing a lease. Also check health department permits, occupancy, fire safety and noise rules, responsible service training, insurance, and local rules on late-night hours or betting.