Running a successful pub is about more than just pouring the perfect pint; it's about making savvy financial decisions that keep the taps flowing and the customers coming back for more.
In this post, we'll explore the key elements of a financial plan that can set your pub up for long-term profitability.
From calculating your initial investment in taps and decor to handling the day-to-day operational costs and forecasting revenue from regulars and special events, we're here to help you navigate the financial side of pub ownership.
So, let's raise a glass to financial planning and take the first step towards turning your pub into a thriving hotspot!
And if you're looking to get a comprehensive 3-year financial analysis for your pub without crunching the numbers yourself, please download our financial plan designed specifically for pubs.
What is a financial plan and how to make one for your pub establishment?
A financial plan for a pub is an essential roadmap that outlines the fiscal aspects of running your pub business.
Think of it as designing a menu for your pub: You need to identify the beverages and food items you'll offer, understand the cost of sourcing these products, and determine the price point to ensure profitability. This plan is crucial when starting a new pub, as it turns your vision for a unique drinking establishment into a well-organized, financially viable operation.
So, why create a financial plan?
Imagine you're planning to open a cozy, welcoming pub. Your financial plan will help you grasp the costs involved - such as renting or buying your pub space, purchasing bar equipment and inventory (like beer kegs, wines, spirits, and kitchen supplies), hiring staff, and marketing your new hotspot. It’s similar to knowing what drinks you can mix and how much they’ll cost before the doors open.
But it’s more than just adding up expenses.
A financial plan can provide insights similar to perfecting a signature cocktail. For instance, it might show that certain premium spirits are too costly, encouraging you to find quality local alternatives. Or, you may realize that a large staff is not needed at the outset.
These insights are key in avoiding overspending and overstaffing.
Financial plans also serve as a tool for identifying potential risks. Suppose your plan shows that to break even, you need to sell a specific number of drinks and meals daily. This information points out a risk: What if your sales don't meet these numbers? This prompts you to think of additional strategies, like hosting events or offering special promotions, to boost revenue.
How does this differ for pubs as opposed to other businesses? The main difference lies in the nature of costs and revenue patterns.
That’s why the financial plan our team has crafted is specifically designed for pub businesses. It's not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Pubs have unique expenses such as liquor licenses, varying drink and food trends, and specific entertainment and safety regulations. Their income can also be more variable - consider how special events or sports seasons might increase sales, while other periods could be slower. This is different from, say, a retail store, where products don't have an expiration date and sales trends may be more consistent.
Clearly, our financial plan accounts for these specific aspects. This enables you to develop accurate financial projections tailored to your new pub venture.
What financial tables and metrics include in the financial plan for a pub establishment?
Creating a financial plan for a new pub is an essential step in securing the success and sustainability of your venture.
It's important to understand that the financial plan for your future pub is not just about numbers; it's a strategic guide that assists you through the initial setup and contributes to the long-term management of the business.
Let's begin with the most fundamental element: the startup costs. This encompasses everything required to open your pub for the first time.
Consider the expenses of leasing or purchasing a location, bar and kitchen equipment, initial stock of drinks and food, furniture, decor, and even the signage outside your pub. These costs provide a clear view of the initial investment necessary. Our financial plan already outlines these costs, saving you the hassle of estimating them yourself.
Next, factor in your operating expenses. These are the ongoing costs you'll incur regularly, such as employee salaries, utility bills, restocking of beverages and food supplies, and other daily expenses. Accurately estimating these expenses is crucial to determine how much your pub needs to earn to be profitable.
In our financial plan, we've prefilled all these values, giving you a realistic idea of what these expenses might look like for a pub. These assumptions are easily adjustable in the 'assumptions' tab of our financial plan.
A critical table in your financial plan is the cash flow statement (also included in our plan). This illustrates the expected inflow and outflow of cash in your business.
It offers a monthly (and annual) breakdown, encompassing your projected revenue (the income you anticipate from sales of drinks and food) and your projected expenses (the costs of running the pub). This statement is vital for predicting periods when you may need extra cash reserves or when you're in a position to think about expansion or refurbishment.
Another essential table is the profit and loss statement, also known as the income statement, which is included in our financial plan.
This official financial document provides insights into the profitability of your pub over a specific period. It lists your revenues and deducts the expenses, revealing whether you're operating at a profit or a loss. This statement is crucial for monitoring the financial health of your pub over time.
Also important is the break-even analysis (included in our plan). This calculation determines how much revenue your pub needs to generate to cover all its costs, both initial and ongoing. Knowing your break-even point is critical as it sets a tangible sales target.
We've included additional financial tables and metrics in our financial plan (such as the provisional balance sheet, financing plan, working capital requirement, various ratios, charts, etc.), offering a comprehensive and detailed financial analysis for your upcoming pub venture.
Can you make a financial plan for your pub establishment by yourself?
Yes, you actually can!
As mentioned above, we have developed a user-friendly financial plan specifically designed for pub business models.
This plan includes financial projections for the first three years of your pub's operation.
Within the plan, you'll find an 'Assumptions' tab that contains pre-filled data, which covers revenue assumptions, a detailed list of potential expenses relevant to pubs, and a staffing plan. These figures are easily customizable to fit your unique project needs.
Our comprehensive financial plan encompasses all the essential financial tables and ratios you'll need, including the income statement, cash flow statement, break-even analysis, and a provisional balance sheet. It's designed to be fully compatible with loan applications and is accessible to entrepreneurs at all levels, including beginners with no previous financial experience.
The process is automated to remove the need for manual calculations or complicated Excel spreadsheets. Simply enter your data into the designated fields and choose from the provided options. We've streamlined the process to make it easy to use, even for those who are new to financial planning tools.
If you run into any issues, please don't hesitate to contact our team. We guarantee a response within 24 hours to help with any problems. In addition, we offer a complimentary review and correction service for your financial plan once you've input all your assumptions.
What are the most important financial metrics for a pub establishment?
Succeeding in the pub business requires a solid grasp of both hospitality management and financial savvy.
For a pub, key financial metrics are crucial. These include your revenue, cost of goods sold (COGS), gross profit margin, and net profit margin.
Your revenue reflects the total income from sales, offering insight into how well the market receives your pub. COGS, which encompasses the cost of beverages, food ingredients, and direct labor, is vital for understanding the direct costs of your offerings.
The gross profit margin, calculated as (Revenue - COGS) / Revenue, indicates the efficiency of your service and product management, while the net profit margin, the percentage of revenue left after all expenses, shows your overall financial health.
Projecting sales, costs, and profits for the first year involves analyzing several factors. This includes studying the local market, understanding your target clientele, and considering factors like location popularity, competition, and pricing strategies.
Costs should be categorized into fixed costs (like lease and utilities) and variable costs (like food and beverage stock and hourly labor). Be prudent with your estimates and factor in seasonal variations in both sales and costs.
Creating a realistic budget for a new pub is essential.
This budget should cover all anticipated expenses, including lease, utilities, equipment, initial stock, staff wages, marketing, and an emergency fund. It's also crucial to set aside funds for unforeseen expenses. Maintain flexibility in your budget, and adjust it regularly based on real performance.
In financial planning for a pub, important metrics include your break-even point, cash flow, and inventory turnover.
The break-even point helps you understand the sales volume needed to cover costs. Positive cash flow is vital for everyday operations, and a healthy inventory turnover rate signifies efficient management of your food and beverage stock.
Financial planning can vary greatly between different types of pubs.
For instance, a sports bar may prioritize quick turnover of beverage inventory and cost-effective food options, focusing on high-volume sales. Conversely, a gourmet gastropub might have higher costs for premium ingredients and skilled staff, concentrating on a high-quality customer experience and premium pricing.
Recognizing signs that your financial plan might be unrealistic or incorrect is essential. We have listed these indicators in the “Checks” tab of our financial model, giving you guidelines to swiftly correct and adjust your financial plan for relevant metrics.
Red flags include consistently missing sales targets, rapidly diminishing cash reserves, or stock that either runs out too quickly or accumulates unused. If your actual figures consistently diverge from your projections, it's a clear sign that your financial plan needs revising.
Finally, key indicators of financial health in a pub's financial plan include a stable or increasing profit margin, a healthy cash flow enabling comfortable coverage of all expenses, and consistently meeting or exceeding sales targets.
No worries, all these indicators are “checked” in our financial plan, and you will be able to adjust them as needed.
You can also read our articles about:
- the business plan for a pub establishment
- the profitability of a a pub establishment