The Story of the Bar I Want to Create

Thinking about a bar

Recently, I have been making concrete preparations for opening a bar. I have moved past just talking about my dream and into the stage of thinking in detail about what kind of shop it will actually be. Today, I would like to talk a little more specifically about the concept of the bar I am envisioning.

Limiting light meals to just pizza

I am currently thinking about the recipes for the light meals I will serve at the bar.

At first, I thought about serving both pasta and pizza. Having a rich menu increases the options, and it seems like customers would be happy with that. But when I actually simulated it, I realized that preparing two things would increase the workload, and I wouldn't be able to talk much with the customers who took the time to come visit.

Pasta takes time to boil, and it requires more focus on cooking than pizza. I felt that if the conversation across the counter were to stop during that time, it would be different from the kind of shop I am aiming for.

Therefore, I decided to limit light meals to just pizza. If it's pizza, I can prepare the dough in advance, so I can make it even while talking to customers.

The reason for running a bar

The reason I want to run a bar is that I want to talk to many different people.

Of course, I will serve alcohol, but more than that, I want to create a shop that functions as a "place where people can be heard" and a "place where people can easily seek advice." I would love to have a space where people can talk about anything, from small daily complaints to major life worries.

To create time for plenty of conversation, I want to minimize tasks that require me to stop working while the shop is open. I am trying to build a shop where I don't have to say, "Wait a moment, I'm busy," when a customer tries to talk to me.

I won't use a shaker

When people think of a bar, the performance of shaking a shaker is cool, but since it takes time and effort, I won't be incorporating it this time.

Conversation is interrupted while shaking, and the sound is quite loud, so it might not be suitable for people who want to talk calmly. It certainly looks cool, but I decided it doesn't fit the shop I am aiming for.

There are plenty of other bars that use shakers, so I want to specialize in something and create a feature that makes people think, "I want to go to that bar." I would be happy if it were recognized as a "bar that values conversation."

Types of alcohol and style

To be honest, I am not that knowledgeable about alcohol. That is precisely why I intend to build a shop that is true to myself without trying too hard to be something I'm not.

I plan to have fewer authentic alcoholic drinks like whiskey and more cocktails and non-alcoholic cocktails. I have friends who don't drink alcohol, so I decided to have a bit more non-alcoholic options. I want to make it a shop that even people who don't drink can enjoy.

Also, since memories of conversations fade if you drink too much, I am aiming for a shop that focuses on weaker cocktails. I want to provide a time that people can look back on while walking home, thinking, "I had a good conversation today."

Creating a shop that only I can make

Although I am still in the trial-and-error phase, I am aiming to create a shop where people come not just because it is a bar, but because I am there.

The menu is important, of course, but more than that, I want to build relationships where people think, 'I want to go see that person.' I hope to create an atmosphere where I can have a friendly rapport with regulars while also making first-time visitors feel at ease.

I am thinking through various things as I prepare, so that it becomes a shop where I enjoy working. If I push myself too hard and get exhausted, the conversations with customers won't be fun anymore, after all.

Future preparations

This time spent thinking things through is also very enjoyable.

There are still many things I need to decide, but I want to think carefully about each one and build a shop that is uniquely mine. I will share updates as they happen.

Perhaps those who read this article might come visit once I open. Looking forward to such a day, I will continue with my preparations today.

Thank you for reading. I would be happy if you could support me with a 'like' or a comment🌿