Speakeasy Bourbon Lounge, LLC

Speakeasy Bourbon Lounge, LLC. I want to open up the first speakeasy feel lounge in my area. I do not want to open just another bar. I want to share my love of history and the finer rare bourbon/whiskey.  The building I would like to acquire is a 2 story brick built in 1900. One of the few older buildings left in Benton Harbor. Located on main street, which was one of many towns Al Capone made his home and ran alcohol through during prohibition.  I envision a leather couches, leather bar stools, chairs. There will be a small stone stove in one corner to offer small serving artisan style pizza, I would like the bar to be the show stopper. Wooden and rounded corners. But keeping the industrial style metal structure on the ceiling.  Behind the bar I would like shelves cut into the brick to hold the alcohol instead of regular shelves. There will also be a self serve mixed drink option.  Upstairs I would like a small bar, and a self serve mixed drink machine as well. An indoor/outdoor patio for the seasonal weather changes. 

From the research done on self serve they pay for itself and there is not one in my area; also helps to control the amount of alcohol a person is drinking. I would like to offer a inclusive membership with 100 spots; $250/ one time fee plus a bourbon glass engraved with their name or initials to be kept at the bar. These members will have first come first serve for any rare bourbon I acquire. They will also be able to vote on a brand of liquor they would like to try for a private tasting. If a member does not come into the lounge for 3 months they forfeit the spot. Gives the speakeasy feel draw offering exclusivity and inclusivity with the membership.  I will offer a 10% discount to veterans and employees of AEP during the outages; I live by Cook Nuclear.  Once I am up and running I will offer private wine and bourbon tastings for anyone in the community to draw customers. I want to be able to sell a bottle of rare bourbon if a customer would like to purchase. I will obtain the special license under the class C license. Developing a point system for regulars whom do not want to be members will be offered. Down the road offering the lounge to rent upstairs for private parties, and possibly partnering with the PGA/whirlpool/kitchen aid for a larger private party for the golfers, members, or possibly celebrities, to come enjoy a drink without the feeling of spectators wanting to speak with them during their evening. Eventually I would like to offer an outdoor patio during the summer months. I would need to inquire about the empty lot next to the building. Outdoor seating and jazz music during the summer months. 

The main menu will feature a select number of exquisite  mixed drinks but customers can order whatever drink they would would prefer. Food will be small pizzas and charcuterie boards. I want to keep putting as much monies back into the area by buying fresh foods from local farmers when the season calls for it. I would like to partner with local distilleries to feature their beer or alcohol. I will also offer domestic beer. The idea is to have a lounge but offer lighter foods if a customer is hungry. 

I will hire a manager for the bar whom will also focus on customer satisfaction. That is  of the upmost importance.  I have a manger already willing to start, he is a veteran and has a extended knowledge of bourbon and experience within the industry. I will have a main bartender downstairs as the self serve machine will also be upstairs. To start I will hire 3 to 4 serves and go from there, and a prep cook. I will do most of the prep work myself as I do love to cook. 

I have spoken with many about this project and have gotten positive excited feedback. There is nothing like this in my area. Many speakeasies are on the east side of Michigan.