Pattaya Beer garden – 1 Month on.

[PattayaPete]

We have been open 1 month now so its time to review progress.

 

The thing about starting any new business is that you have to build it first and spend all the money to get it right and then hope it works. You can ask people, do surveys and conduct focus groups but in the end there are no guarantees that it will work That is why most new businesses fail.

 

Paattaya is harder than most places to get a new business going and many, many people have blown a lot of cash trying. The bar business is the most notorious and can suck up cash faster than a Soi 6 stunner. I’ve been involved with successful and less successful businesses before and the first month is the most critical. You can generally tell after one month if it is going to work or not.

 

So what is the verdict on the Pattaya Beer Garden.

 

I’m predicting it will be a great success and will become an important part of the Pattaya scene for a significant number of people. Operationally we broke even in the first month which is a pretty amazing feat. It’s never happened with any other business I’ve been involved in. More importantly though, it’s clear that we already have some very staunch supporters.

 

The numbers are still small but a significant portion of both freelancers and customers are extremely enthusiastic about the new venue. It’s not just talk either as both groups have been showing their support in the most important way, by using the bar regularly. So a big thank you to everyone who has visited. For those who have not made it yet, I hope to see you soon.

 

I write these posts every Sunday. Last week I wrote about the changes that various people have suggested, including making it more like a disco, turning up the music and changing the style to suit the girls more. When I got to the bar on Sunday evening, Ann rushed up to me and asked what on earth I had written. She explained that she had been called over by a number of customers who begged her to not listen to these suggestions. They were so passionate about it that she was worried I’d written something bad. Don’t worry the basic format is not going to change. We will be fine tuning and tweaking it over the next few months but no major changes are envisaged.

 

Although I have a very good feeling about the place I am not complacent about it. We still have lots of problems to sort out and even with the great start nothing is guaranteed. There is still plenty of room for us to stuff it up and even the most successful bars can see their fortunes fall if the owners and staff loose the plot. We are far from perfect and have a lot of work to do to raise the standard to an acceptable level.

 

Freelancers are still light on the ground, particularly in the afternoon and early evening. While I think time will take care of that, we are actively working every day to promote the bar to the girls. We are looking at extending the Thai food part of the menu. Presently we are selling three Thai meals for every one farang meal but the girls have been complaining the choice is too limited. We will be adding further Thai items this week.

 

It may sound strange for a bar but last week we added a lot of ice cream treats to the menu. We can now do a full range of Sundaes, Parfaits, Floats and Milk Shakes. The afternoon crowd particularly seems to appreciate the cool treats and while not being good for the waist line it is very pleasant sitting on the balcony in the heat and devouring an ice cream creation. In keeping with the spirit of the bar, the ice cream specials are cheaper than you will find in the ice cream bars on Walking Street.

 

As May comes to an end, so do our opening promotions. Many people have availed themselves of the very cheap happy hours, freelancer and barfine promotions. For June I want to concentrate on the most important thing which is getting more freelancers into the bar. To this end, the Freelancer discount will continue through June. Bring your own freelancer and ask for the “Freelancer Discount” and you will receive a 100 baht discount off your bill. Please ask your waitress clearly for the “Freelancer Discount” In addition to the discount we will give the girl a voucher for a free drink for her and three of her girl friends on her next visit.

 

Free Som Tum continues to be available for the girls all day. They make it themselves but all the ingredients are laid out for them. Quite a few guys have been trying this as well. You are welcome to try your own culinary skills also if you can handle this favorite Thai dish. Maybe get your girl friend to show you how.

 

Girls cooking up a treat.

 

Even farangs can get involved.

 

Happy hours will also continue through June with all bottled beer at 50 baht, except corona. Happy hour times are 3 pm – 5 pm and again 9 pm – 11 pm, every day. Our permanent low prices on Spirits continue, all day, every day with most drinks costing 65 baht.

 

Thanks again for the enthusiastic support we are getting. I promise we will be working very hard to try and exceed your expectations.

 

Pete

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[FatherMojo]

Breaking even for the first month...

 

Thanks for the updates and I can't wait to visit the place again.

 

FatherMojo

[Siege]

I won't get out there till December/Jan I will stop in more than once, It looks great. Thanks for the pics and the update hope you can keep them coming.

[chrisbrewer]

Hi Pete

 

Glad it's all going well mate.

 

See you next week.

[jimmac]

That nice spread you got in yesterday's Nation tabloid should help! Good luck!

[rockinjerry]

Congrats on your first month, and WOW-you broke even!

 

Keep the updates cumming as very interesting to read your progress. I look forward to visiting PBG!

[Sailfast]

Dammit!!!!!!! You are making me homesick

[nohlsson1]

Very impressing Pete, I can't wait to see it first hand.

[capdagde]

Hi Pete

 

Sorry that winglady and I have not been by for a wee while. We have been collecting trophies. We will come by tomorrow afternoon for sundowners with our birthday girl B.

 

Good move on the ices - each niche should be studied. Think about some ices with a shot (or two) of alcohol on top for mongers like me - a nice afternoon alternative to beer or long drinks.

 

When we ate last week in the evening we took Thai food - it was excellent - sapicey with good lip afterburn.

 

You will succeed - just need to keep your eye on the ball - but you know that....

 

Chok dee

Andy Cap

[PattayaPete]

That nice spread you got in yesterday's Nation tabloid should help! Good luck!

Yep, that was a bit of a coup (oops wrong word for Thailand).

 

Here is a link to the story Nation Newspaper Article 24 May 2008

[capdagde]

Yep, that was a bit of a coup (oops wrong word for Thailand).

 

Here is a link to the story Nation Newspaper Article 24 May 2008

 

"Unusually Peter admits that he has received some complaints that drink prices are too low". Will you be adding porky pies to menu too, Pete?

 

I also find it unusual that you admitted that.... Or will fuel prices and "public opinion" force prices up?

 

Andy Cap

Edited May 25, 2008 by capdagde

[PattayaPete]

It's true, I swear it.

 

More than a few guys expressed the opinion we would not be able to survive at our pricing level and felt they would rather pay more than see the bar go broke.

 

Honest, I couldn't make this stuff up.

[Mescalito]

Good hear that the first month has been so successful -- great work, Pete! I'm glad I was able to stop in on several occasions on my recent trip, and I definitely enjoyed the place.

[cluster]

Hey Pete

 

I won't be in Pattaya for a while yet (12 months - sod it!) but your place is on the must visit list.

 

Looking forward to reading more reports & seeing pics of the bar & the lovelies therein!

 

Cheers

 

Cluster

[Big_Brian]

Yep, that was a bit of a coup (oops wrong word for Thailand).

 

Here is a link to the story Nation Newspaper Article 24 May 2008

 

That's fantastic free publicity Pete. How much did it cost?

[bigdelta]

1st month break even-that's a profit in my book!

Be there the 1st week of June.

[wacmedia]

Hi,

 

My presence at the bar is totally dependant on the performance of the long eared quadrupeds !!! Hope to sink a few looking out at the sea soon.

[glynbuk]

Great update and write up in the Nation

 

Looking forward to visiting at xmas

[Nuevo]

Hello PP,

 

I seriously hope this bar works out. My trip is not until November. As you know there is a long and hot slow season ahead of you. If you can make it to December, good for you. You will have past the first hard times.

 

It's a great concept. I am hoping your still there and things are hoping when I arrive! If so, I will gladly join as one of your happy customers multiple times during my Pattaya visit.

 

Take care,

 

N1

[SPRING]

Been nearly living there since I arrived May 7th, so yeah I guess I kinda like the joint

Just stay away from Angel A-GO-GO, the least few times they ripped me off by flat refusing to admit I gave them a 1000 baht note and gave me change for a 500 baht notes, and I know this post is concerning Petes beer garden but after last night its still got me pissed off

All the best, more positive input incoming

[stevoman]

Surely I am misreading your post as it comes accross as if you have been ripped off a FEW times by the same scam.If so you sure are a "Bugger for punishment" as the saying goes!

[Mikey]

Hi Pete

 

Cant Wait to get there see you in ten days. Now go and get me some Vodka.

 

Mikey

[randi]

Pete

 

PBG looks good and I will be down in Pattaya next month so will drop buy and check it out, grab a bite to eat and see what else I can get up to... haha