How much profit does a bar make a month?

Asked by: Vincenza Volkman  |  Last update: September 3, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (51 votes)

The average bar revenue is $27,500 per month, which translates to an average of $330,000 annual revenue. Average monthly bar expenses are $24,200. That leaves about $39,600 net profit annually. A bar owner's yearly salary will be drawn from, or be, the bar's net profit margin.

What is the average profit of a bar?

On average, most bars will run around 10-15% profit margins. It's important to keep in mind these are averages, not the rule of law. Some bars will run closer to 18-20% in profit margins, while others may run below 10% (especially if they're also operating a kitchen).

What are typical bar profit margins?

VAR or MSP Margins

The industry average for maintenance ranges from 10-25%, with 20% being the most common. Upgrade prices vary more.

How profitable is a bar business?

It's also important to remember that profit margins for bars can vary widely based on factors like your pour cost and operating expenses. For example, if your bar has an average pour cost of 20%, your gross profit margin on alcohol sales will be around 80%.

What businesses make the most money?

What businesses earn the most money? Finance, law, real estate, health care, and software development are among the most profitable industries in the US.

Average Restaurant Profit Margin for Independent Operators

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How successful is owning a bar?

The average bar revenue is $27,500 per month, which translates to an average of $330,000 annual revenue. Average monthly bar expenses are $24,200. That leaves about $39,600 net profit annually. A bar owner's yearly salary will be drawn from, or be, the bar's net profit margin.

What type of bar is most profitable?

Some of the most profitable bar ideas include sports bars, craft beer bars, wine bars, and cocktail bars.

How much do you need to open a bar?

Startup costs are the first major hurdle to bar ownership. These expenses range from real estate and documentation to additional costs, such as supplies, wages, and insurance. Costs can range anywhere between $100,000 and $850,000, including startup costs. But you can start this kind of business for much less.

What is the pour cost in a bar?

Pour Cost is the cost it takes for your bar or restaurant to make a drink/price you are selling it for. Your pour cost should be as low as possible to earn higher margins on your beverages. Once you've determined your pour cost, you can set drink prices by dividing your ingredient cost by your target pour cost.

How much is a bar worth?

Bars will average between 2.0 and 2.5 times discretionary earnings plus inventory at cost, or 35 and 45 percent of annual revenue plus inventory in appraised value. Many popular bar and restaurant franchises have specific valuation formulas which can be checked for you by a business broker or valuation specialist.

How to estimate bar revenue?

Add your total sales for each day together and divide by the number of days to get your weekly average. Multiply your weekly average by 52 weeks to get annual sales. Estimate your growth percentage year over year. In our example, we're planning on growing our sales by 10 percent each year.

How many drinks does a bar sell a night?

The number of drinks a bar typically sells in a night can vary depending on the size of the bar and the level of business, but on average, a bar can sell anywhere from 100 to 500 drinks in a night.

What is a good net profit for a bar?

The average net profit margin for a bar is between 10 and 15%. However, the average pour cost varies by bar business type, drinks served, and location.

How much money to make a bar?

Average Bar Startup Cost: The average cost to open a bar is around $480,000, so careful planning for all expenses is essential. Restaurant Budget: A well-prepared restaurant budget should account for location, equipment, licenses, utilities, and ongoing costs like staffing and insurance.

Is 100k enough to open a bar?

The average cost to start a bar ranges from $100,000 to $2 million. This wide range depends on various factors that can significantly affect your initial investment. Location plays a major role in determining startup costs. Opening a bar in a prime urban area will cost more than setting up in a smaller town.

What is the startup cost of a bar?

So, how much does it cost to open a bar in California? Considering all the factors above, the total cost can range from $175,000 to $850,000 for a bar that purchases its location and pays a mortgage or $110,000-$550,000 for a bar that rents or leases its location.

How much is the average open bar?

What is the Average Open Bar Cost Per Person? While things like venue, types of drinks, and the number of guests affect the total cost of an open bar, the average cost is around $2,500, with around $500 for taxes and licensing. The cost per person varies between $15 and $45, with an average of $20 and $30 per head.

What alcohol makes the most money?

Spirits Are Officially Alcohol's Biggest U.S. Money Maker | Wine Enthusiast.

How much is a lemon drop at a bar?

Lemon drop – $4.57. Long island ice tea – $5.22. Grey Goose martini – $4.15. Cosmopolitan – $6.42.

Can a small bar be profitable?

Your profits will depend on how well you run your bar and manage your operating costs. However, assuming your monthly operational costs are $20,000 and your revenue between $20,000 to $30,000, you will pocket anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 per month.

How hard is it to run a bar?

There are many long days and nights associated with learning how to open and run a bar. Once you've filed all of the paperwork and licenses, however, opening a bar becomes a little easier. As long as you have a clear vision for the design and work tirelessly to provide excellent customer service, people will come back.

What makes bars successful?

Once it is off the ground, keeping it successful requires a combination of strategic planning, efficient operations, and exceptional customer service. From creating a unique atmosphere to curating a diverse drink menu, every aspect of a bar's operation plays a crucial role in attracting and retaining customers.

Can you make good money as a bar back?

The average Barback salary in California is $33,198 a year. California tops the list of highest-paying states in the U.S. for Barbacks.