So over the last year or so I have been thinking about what I would like to do when I get older. As I have landed myself already with a job in the wine industry I find myself wondering if I can expedite my plans. Now I still like to think in long term because I know that big change never happens fast. So this plan is still for up to ten years out although my goals are set for five years. I believe in the next five years I should be able to become in control of a home mortgage, vehicle expenses, and have enough capital saved up to pay for any and all start up costs minus the loan for the property itself.
I plan to start with a wine bar that also serves beer during sporting events. For said sporting events the bar will include several (tops five) high definition televisions as well as a proper wireless sound system to support. During regular hours the sound system will play, at a low volume, easy going music that can be adjusted to the wishes of the customers as I am a fan of most every genre.
As for the important part of the business, I think during these next five years I expect to have developed a near expert sense of what is right for a business. Through the work I am doing now I hope to establish connections to allow for the buying of many of my wines to be cheaper than typical distributor pricing. This will allow me to not be the typical over priced smug that dominates the industry currently. I expect to have a wide variety of wines with 20-30 that remain on the "by the glass" list at all times. In addition to these I also hope to have an addition 15-20 wines that are new or rotating based off of season or meal specials.
As for meals this business is not meant to be a restaurant. First and foremost it is about the wine. And as any wine drinker knows, the majority of time that one has a glass of wine in hand at home is when a plate of food sits in front of them. So appetizers and tapas and other small dishes will be available with advice on pairing for anybody that wishes it.
This is what I want to do with my life. I want to be the guy who has the place where people can go to relax and get away from the stresses of the day to enjoy themselves. I want to offer this at a reasonable price and I want to find a way to attract "regulars". From time to time I want to hold tastings or events for causes and other fundraising ideas. I want to become a part of a community and become something that the people can rely on and will want to promote.
I know that there will be more costs and more time involved than I will want to put in to my business. I plan to hire a small staff consisting of a "number 2" and 3-4 highly knowledgeable servers. (People that work with me need to know every wine in and out and be able to describe the aspects of the wine so that people can decide beforehand if it is something they will like) These will be well paid positions. I have always hated the idea of 3 dollar wages because of expectations of tips. Tips will be pooled and divided up or given to causes as I see fit. I don't expect to make my living off of tips.
I don't aspire to find a six figure job any time soon so I don't expect to have all the capital necessary to start this business. So for this I am open to the idea of either a few select investors and or a partner who shares my passion for this incredible beverage.
As for what I hope for down the road once fully established, I would like to acquire a full liquor license in which to provide scotch to my customers. There is something about the effort and skill that goes into making certain alcohols that I find incredibly interesting. Whether it be craft and specialty beer, wine, or scotch, there is something that the makers want to share with the drinkers and just like a novel, it is up to the person on the receiving end to decide what they will about it.
Welp. This is just something that I wanted to get written down so I have something to build upon when this process gets started. I welcome all criticisms and advice on this idea as well as any comments I can find of use.
Thanks and remember: don't wait to pursue your passion. Life goes by fast.
