I’m a California transplant running a bar in a small Bible Belt town. A local just opened a bar literally down the street from me, and overnight most of my regulars followed him. Small town loyalty is real, and I underestimated it.
I’m not here to complain — I’m trying to think strategically.
I have a great location and solid property, and I don’t think competing bar-for-bar makes sense anymore. I’ve been considering pivoting to a new concept, specifically something after hours and adult-oriented. Not another bar. Something that actually fits the location and fills a gap instead of fighting locals for the same crowd.
I’m curious:
• Has anyone here successfully pivoted a struggling bar into a completely different concept?
• Is an adult entertainment / gentlemen’s club idea completely unrealistic in a Bible Belt town, or is that exactly why it could work?
• And realistically — what does attracting investors for a concept like this usually look like?
I’m open to feedback, hard truths, and especially hearing from anyone who’s done a major pivot or brought in outside investors. I’d rather adapt than slowly bleed out trying to “out-local” a local.
California transplant bar owner in Bible Belt— local opened up a bar right down the street, wiped out business for us… Considering major pivot!
byu/Lower_Brilliant_3323 inRealEstate
Posted by Lower_Brilliant_3323
4 Comments
Bible Belt has lots of jurisdiction restrictions on businesses like strip clubs. You may not be able to have one at all. Sounds like you need to do some research on what is possible at this location.
Your local zoning matters so much that nobody can answer any of this for you.
How long has your bar been open? I’m going to level with you, everyone didn’t stop going to your bar to hang out with one guy. He is offering something they like better. Cheaper, friendlier, better ambiance. Maybe you were the only option before and now they can go somewhere they have more fun.
You should do some soul searching about what differentiates your competition. If your local market is really a captive economy small town where outsiders are unwelcome, you’re going to have to become a local or you’ll probably get displaced again if your next venture is successful.
OP…. You do realize that this happens in your line of work. The failure rate of bars and restaurants is incredibly high. I’m not sure why you are mentioning that you are from California. I’m not sure why the Bible Belt matters. Bars and restaurants are super risky everywhere.
Just going to give a consumer’s perspective. If you transform your bar into a strip club, you will be known as the business that couldn’t hang as a legit bar so they had to bring strippers in. If you do want to open a strip club, I would do it in a different location, and not immediately after you close the bar.