Looking to Open a Sake & Karaoke Bar Near the Newark Arena. What Do You Think? (Jersey City: neighborhoods, college)

[NJTrendsetter3000]

Ok, I need an honest, no-holds-bar (but educated) opinion...

I'm a young entrepreneur looking to open a nice, trendy hang out spot in Newark (my hometown). I'm considering opening a sake and karaoke bar near the Newark arena (adjacent to the light rail). I currently work in Brooklyn where there has been a lot of redevelopment in the downtown neighborhoods over the past several years. I'm hoping that I can bring some of that positive energy to areas of Newark other than the Ironbound.

I would like some honest opinion on my ambitious efforts from people who either live or work near the city. PLEASE don't turn this into a debate on Newark politics, urban decay, etc (that might be a stretch).

Thanks

[GiantRutgersfan]

I dont think I would have the stones to open a bar in Newark. Definitely a lot of risk involved.

I am in my mid 20s and I dont see any outsiders coming to a place like this in Newark. Sports crowd is not going to be into karaoke either.

I admire your desire to improve your city, but "positive energy" does not make you a living

[DarkWolf]

Try neighboring Harrison , that city is on the PATH towards change and alot of positive things are underway. A Karaoke Bar would fit nicely in Downtown or near the New Developments.

[beachrunner]

I work in Newark and I am not sure if people from my office would go. Most people I know have no interest in going out after work (they said when they first started they did, but then stopped). They just want to get back to their families. When they do go out, it is usually to the Arena Lounge or Brick City.

Although you might have luck attracting the college crowd from the area (one thing to watch out for is safety, since most places do not seem to stay open late).

[Obrero]

Do you already have a liquor license? Not easy (or cheap) to come by....

[NJTrendsetter3000]

No licence yet, but my grandfather owned a bar a few years back so I know that's one of the (many) cost of doing this type of business in NJ.

[liamnwk]

Don't bother unless you want to lose money as there isn't much a of crowd that would be into it. 944 Martini is already dying as the crowds are not there if you want to use that as an example.

Jersey City/hoboken would be a better choice or even New Brunswick if you can afford it

[EBWick]

If I was going to open a place by the arena, I'd open a pizza/hotdog joint with cheap draft beer for the arena crowds. It's nothing fancy, but neither is Newark.

[liamnwk]

Originally Posted by EBWick

If I was going to open a place by the arena, I'd open a pizza/hotdog joint with cheap draft beer for the arena crowds. It's nothing fancy, but neither is Newark.

yup- that would do well OR a mobile fallafel place/stand would make a killing and have low overhead

[GoodSchoolols]

You are probably better off opening that type of bar in nearby Hudson county