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Q: How do you make a cafe, restaurant or bar work here?
I've known a few westerners who've opened cafes and restaurants here and I haven't seen any of them really succeed. I've known bars that have done well but otherwise it's looked really really tough. One fella nearby even opened a charming little french patiserie. It looks as out of place as an evening gown on a horse. Always empty. Although I think the reason there is the guy can't bake. His cheesecake tastes like feet. But back to the original question; what is the secret to successfully running a cafe or restaurant or bar here in the glorious PRC.
I've asked myself that very same question. I think the successful ones you see down here in Guangdong had/have two big (related) things going for them.
1. Access to near unlimited start-up/operating capital.
2. #1 provides placement in Premium location around posh areas where rich Chinese & expats live/shop/hang-out. (example- Guangzhou: Zhujiang New Town / Shenzhen: Central Book City or Shekou )
*I am totally speculating.
I think location is key! Also, demographics would help out too. If you could possibly set your bar near Sanlitun area that would be a plus since many foreigners and chinese go there to drink alcohol with friends.. . Other than location which should be top on your priority you should make the place look nice and the menu affordable.
what i miss is the local pub with darts that is not designed for a lot of people , just a small place in a neighborhood to spend an hour or two and go home close, nothing like that around , always have to travel so far or sit in a crowd at a mall restaurant to have a drink.
I think any type of business you start up in the PRC will be difficult..unless you open up a chain brand cafe/restaurant like McDonald's or KFC- but that requires a lot of capital. Other than that there isn't really any "secret" to successfully running a place- just pure luck.
den:
I've known people who worked hard and busted their asses..does that mean they're luckier than other people?!? Some people don't do Sh*t and they have all the luck in the world..
I have had the same thoughts in the past
the best I could come up with is that there are not enough foreigners in one area
and it is not interesting enough to keep the locals on going patronage
as people have said location is the key
the other thing is What is your draw card?
philbravery:
the special thing that makes people want to go to a place
stage act .worlds biggest noodle , giant crocodile,strippers .....ect 
