Whether we write it down or not, everything on our list gets a priority number. Unlike a ticket you get in line at the deli, though, what’s priority #13 today might be #1 tomorrow and what’s #3 today might be #30 tomorrow.
Then you add in the layer that this every-changing priority list impacts you as well as the people you’re working with, you face a lot of change.
That’s the theme of the last two months as I’ve worked to get the bar open.
Here’s a snapshot of where it’s at.
Location
Happy to report I have a verbal-agreement on a location! We’re entering into conversations around the leasing terms and soon we’ll be signing papers.
I feel great about this location and partnership. I’ve been involved with the neighborhood and merchants association for the last three years. The developer of the space is also a resident in the neighborhood, so we’re all aligned on making this a community-centric space and success.
Repeat Connections
There are few other industries that see as much turnover as the beer industry. The other week, an important friend I made with a distributor mentioned that she’s moving away to another state.
I’m sure it’s the same in other industries, too, but the network you have to build for a business to succeed is never truly finished. One day you have connections in every direction and the next day or two they leave to pursue other passions.
And that’s both the beauty and the challenge of going into business, bar or not. It never gets easier to make connections, but if you believe in your network as much as you ought to, it is always worth it in the long run.
Investor
My wife and I are are planners. We love budgeting, looking at numbers and making financial decisions we’re confident in. I have a few banks that believe in the financial success of the bar and have said getting an SBA loan would be an easy process. That being said, I’m still open to an investor.
And if it’s a partner who is as passionate about this project as me, I’d be crazy to say no.
Other Work In Progress
- A bi-monthly newsletter is in the works. Thanks to Dylan for all the coding. You can sign up to the email list by going straight to www.garthsbrewbar.com
- I’ve started to flesh out the design of the space and begin searching for all the products. It’s fun, but time consuming.
Cheers to what’s to come. Thanks for being part of the journey!
Photo credit