The Cocktail Bar: Notes for an Owner & Operator - Hardcover

Gray, Chall

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 099682779X ISBN 13: 9780996827799

Publisher: White Mule Press, 2018

Synopsis

In the first book of its kind, award-winning bar operator Chall Gray leads readers through an overview of the complicated world that is bar ownership. The Cocktail Bar: Notes for an Owner & Operator covers everything from conceiving an initial idea for a bar to managing a successful and profitable operation. “A much needed book,” according to cocktail and bar industry legend Dale Degroff, this accessible guide is a must read for any aspiring bar owner or restaurateur.

In The Cocktail Bar: Notes for an Owner & Operator, Chall Gray begins by walking readers through how to hone in and define an initial idea into a fully-formed concept. From there the sections on planning touch on everything from real estate selection, partnerships, cocktail list planning and pricing, the structure and standards of service, tips for selecting architects and contractors, design, the importance of a business plan and pro-formas, and many other areas.

“One of my goals with the book was to provide new and prospective owners a resource, and way to avoid some of the painful and costly lessons that I, and many other owners I spoke with, have gone through,” Gray said.

As readers progress through the opening and operations phases, consideration is given to the construction process, hiring, training, accounting practices, operational systems, staff communications, and a myriad of other topics. Gray’s interview subjects included the operators behind some of the top cocktail bars in the country, including 2018 James Beard Award winner Cure, Trick Dog in San Francisco, PDT in New York, Polite Provisions in San Diego and many others.

About this title

Review

“Many of us dream of opening a successful bar or restaurant. Chall Gray has not only has done so, but has written this comprehensive guide, which is as thorough and detailed as it is easy and enjoyable to read. Recommended reading for anyone contemplating making that bold leap!” —Philip Greene, author To Have and Have Another: A Hemingway Cocktail Companion and The Manhattan: The Story of the First Modern Cocktail

 

“The Legendary Elaine Kaufman, after almost 40 years of success at her eponymous saloon on east 88th St., was asked by a young reporter for the secret of running such a successful bar and restaurant. Without a pause Elaine replied: “I show up.” That’s the short answer, for the details crack this book and pay close attention.” —Dale “King Cocktail” Degroff, author The Craft of the Cocktail

 

The Cocktail Bar is like a vest-pocket business school for aspiring bar owners. Veteran bar owner Chall Gray provides much-needed straight talk and common-sense guidelines about how to conceptualize, design and operate a bar from the ground up. Advice from industry icons and unstinting direction to helpful resources beyond the book’s pages round out this accessible guide. —Kara Newman, author of Shake. Stir. Sip. and Road Soda.

Edition details

• Publisher: White Mule Press
• Publication date: 2018
• ISBN 10: 099682779X
• ISBN 13: 9780996827799
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 122