Post #2538 by laney on Fri, Jun 21, 2002 1:34 AM

Well, I have been in the bar business for way too long now. To answer a few of your questions reguarding staff, I've never had a bartender who went to "school" they all started out as bar backs and worked their way up. Bartending is a learn as you go deal, especially with the everchanging popularity of various cocktails and the different recipies for the same drink at every bar. A good bartender is a fast bartender, get people with experience, not school. You can teach staff your recipies and have them handy behind the bar.
As far as skimpy outfits go, we are willing to wear them if we are making a lot of money. I currently work (as a waitress only)at a gentleman's club in Orange County CA. We wear very, very short velvet dresses but when I started we wore thong backed leotard things with long gloves and chokers. It is dark in there and there is plenty of other things to look at, if you know what I mean. I make enough that I don't mind the high heals and skimpy attire but if I was making what I used to at a sports bar I wouldn't wear it. Also if your girls are dressed sexy drunk assholes are going to try to touch them, be prepaired to kick them out! Maybe a sarong type outfit, shows curves but covers and can be worn by many body types. I think the Hawaiian shirts and pants is overdone. One last note, we need to wear bras, don't give them strapless uniforms, whatever you do.
I don't know about Ohio but here in CA one of the biggest costs is your liquer lisense. There are also entertainment licenses, dance floor, adult, etc. There is schooling that is required in some places, for serving alcohol safely. Some places just have beer and wine because of the huge expense. Just something else for you to look into. I'm sure Ohio isn't as strict as the state and city I work in.