Opening Your Own Football Hangout

According to the U.S. Soccer Federation, soccer, known as football in the rest of the world, continues to grow in popularity in the United States. Millions of children play and watching is a growing trend too. In fact, Time reports that American businessmen, recognizing this opportunity, have even invested in English teams, such as Liverpool, Aston Villa and Manchester United. With new stadiums opening in the U.S. and Canada, what can a potential restaurant owner do to capitalize on this? With a little market research, you can successfully open your own restaurant or pub that attracts current fans, including your buddies, and makes some more in the process.

Business Planning

Use the tips and resources provided by U. S. Small Business Administration Starting and Managing a Business to create a business plan that describes a three to five year vision for your own soccer-themed hangout. The plan should include an executive summary of your intentions. Describe the types of food you plan to serve, including sandwiches and other easy-to-eat items like chicken wings and hamburgers. Describe the decor, such as soccer memorabilia, that you plan to put on the walls or how you will hang football nets and use balls to enhance the atmosphere. Investors use these details to decide whether to loan you money so make your description compelling and visually appealing since you’ll probably need a loan to purchase restaurant supply equipment and rent or buy a space. Your plan should also include a market analysis, management structure and marketing plan. As you put the plan together, take some simple steps to think things through.

Planning Tips

1. Figure out some ways to make people stay and watch. To attract a group of friends to hang out for a long time, think about the types of specials you could run. For example, feature beer and food from the countries playing that day. If there are similar establishments in other cities or towns near you, go in and see what they offer. Do you have a local team? Honor them too by naming specials after star players!
2. Imagine yourself as a customer of your own place. Make a list of what you would look for and the price you would be willing to pay for it. Design a simple menu to complement watching soccer. The types of food and drink will determine the types of restaurant supply equipment that you’ll need to rent, buy or borrow.
3. Decide how many people you think you could attract. This will help you figure out the number of seats, tables and other items including dishes, glasses and silverware you’ll need. Starting small with a solid vision makes more sense than overwhelming yourself and your staff. You probably want your restaurant to make your customers feel like they are at home, and to cultivate that kind of atmosphere, you can’t skimp on service or quality.
4. Ask around your community to get a sense for interest in a soccer-watching hangout. Use social media technology, such as blogs and forums, to announce your new restaurant and draw in customers. Create an email newsletter and offer coupons.

If you’re an avid fan, opening your own restaurant that appeals to football fans is a dream come true. What better way to spend your days and nights than around the people who have the same passion for the sport you do? Have some fun with menu and offer fish and chips when English teams play and soups and snacks to match other countries. Dress your servers in football apparel and even your managers or bartenders can play along as referees. Making your hangout a reality takes planning. With dedication, you’re sure to make the winning goal.