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Author Topic: E. Dean Cole sells Atlanta Lights  (Read 9132 times)

Stones

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Re: E. Dean Cole sells Atlanta Lights
« Reply #15 on: January 27, 2022, 07:39:48 AM »
If it is open this weekend, he sold the business. If something opens there in the next 1-2 months, he sold the lease and some equipment.

If it sits empty for the next 4-6 months, he just handed the keys back to the landlord.

I have opened and closed things before. If they don't work, you close. This guy just can't admit it did not work and he never made a profit to his followers, so he needs to say "sold" and not "closed".

Ultimately he made the right business decision to stop operating.

@Viva La Vega nails it. As a promoter, you never admit failure. President Trump has failed at many business enterprises -- as have lots of entrepreneurs -- but you will never hear him say he couldn't make it work. (And I am not trying to turn this into a political discussion).

A promoter/hustler like E. Dean Cole wants to spin the most positive story possible and then move on to the next thing. That's what promoters do.

Travelguy90

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Re: E. Dean Cole sells Atlanta Lights
« Reply #16 on: January 27, 2022, 09:38:13 AM »
A lot of people like the idea of having a bar or restaurant especially in the Caribbean but have no interest in the nuts and bolts of running such a place.  It is more than opening the door and playing host.  Shooting shit with the fellas, flirting with girls, and just hosting a party.

There track inventory, manage food and liquor costs, manage staff, make sure said staff is following proper health guidelines, manage labor cost, proper staffing, proper food rotation, proper pricing to cover operation costs, and still make a profit.  That's just the operational stuff.  There is also publicity, community engagement, and event planning to generate revenue.  Just keeping folks engaged on social media is a lot of work if you plan to do it yourself.

Ill ad to this, employees dipping into the till,dont forget the hand outs for shake downs and bribes  local politicians
Curious, say you rent one of those small spots off near bailees on the way to the beach for the 300$ a month they require and you open up a small daiquiri spot or something leisure. You barely turn a profit because it’s more of a chill spot rented for the boys rather than a legit business. If attempted to get shaken down, do you explain you not pulling in any money or just close up shop that same month to avoid a headache? I was curious about having a small spot if I ever stayed long term for maybe 3-5 months for maybe half the time I’m actually there and wouldn’t want to actually have a business business because the effort is not worth it for me. I could probably make it work but due to corruption it’s cutting into my profits and I have to have some employees with work ethic not lazy and sitting around hoping for a check.

Is there any beef, resentment or recourse? “The gringo didn’t want to pay the tax so he closed shop, but he’s still here and I don’t like it!” Just asking, I rather waste 300-500$ on a bs venture that would bring me joy despite knowingly burning money because it’s insignificant, than stress myself trying to net a 500-1000$ profit after all the overhead is accounted for.
Cheaper ways to do things, doesn’t indicate quality, or lack of

MrNavigator

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Re: E. Dean Cole sells Atlanta Lights
« Reply #17 on: January 27, 2022, 09:52:23 AM »
A lot of people like the idea of having a bar or restaurant especially in the Caribbean but have no interest in the nuts and bolts of running such a place.  It is more than opening the door and playing host.  Shooting shit with the fellas, flirting with girls, and just hosting a party.

There track inventory, manage food and liquor costs, manage staff, make sure said staff is following proper health guidelines, manage labor cost, proper staffing, proper food rotation, proper pricing to cover operation costs, and still make a profit.  That's just the operational stuff.  There is also publicity, community engagement, and event planning to generate revenue.  Just keeping folks engaged on social media is a lot of work if you plan to do it yourself.

Ill ad to this, employees dipping into the till,dont forget the hand outs for shake downs and bribes  local politicians
Curious, say you rent one of those small spots off near bailees on the way to the beach for the 300$ a month they require and you open up a small daiquiri spot or something leisure. You barely turn a profit because it’s more of a chill spot rented for the boys rather than a legit business. If attempted to get shaken down, do you explain you not pulling in any money or just close up shop that same month to avoid a headache? I was curious about having a small spot if I ever stayed long term for maybe 3-5 months for maybe half the time I’m actually there and wouldn’t want to actually have a business business because the effort is not worth it for me. I could probably make it work but due to corruption it’s cutting into my profits and I have to have some employees with work ethic not lazy and sitting around hoping for a check.

Is there any beef, resentment or recourse? “The gringo didn’t want to pay the tax so he closed shop, but he’s still here and I don’t like it!” Just asking, I rather waste 300-500$ on a bs venture that would bring me joy despite knowingly burning money because it’s insignificant, than stress myself trying to net a 500-1000$ profit after all the overhead is accounted for.

The key to any new small business is to keep your overhead low and that business NOT being your source of major income. It needs to be something you love doing and that you not looking for a profit from anytime soon.

If it's something you can do on your own or with someone who has your same mindset then that works too. So I would say that what you are talking bout doing may work out well. As long as you keep your expectations low, don't look for investors and have FUN!

Travelguy90

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Re: E. Dean Cole sells Atlanta Lights
« Reply #18 on: January 27, 2022, 10:06:18 AM »
Mr.N that was my idea. Not quite a beach bar, but similar to one but as a niche for mixed drinks I enjoy making. Heck I’d be willing to be my own customer because I enjoy bartending and chilling, but the second it’s too stressful I’m done with it because it’s a hobby for me. I just wouldn’t want external factors to bother me, because it wouldn’t be worth my time or safety.

Something really small and starting as a hobby becoming a stress is something I can’t deal with. It’s like a sex addict wanting to quit porn because of the different directors and directions because they can’t focus on just having sex/fun. I have no long term plans to be in the DR but I can make a lot work with blenders, TVs, etc for a kickback spot. I wouldn’t want someone to view it as competition or I have it like that when it’s not my goal and next thing you know I am dealing with a shakedown or other problems because some think I’m making 500$ a day when I’m cool breaking even or pocketing 40$ just to cover rent and bills
Cheaper ways to do things, doesn’t indicate quality, or lack of

Viva La Vega

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Re: E. Dean Cole sells Atlanta Lights
« Reply #19 on: January 27, 2022, 10:34:44 AM »
Mr.N that was my idea. Not quite a beach bar, but similar to one but as a niche for mixed drinks I enjoy making. Heck I’d be willing to be my own customer because I enjoy bartending and chilling, but the second it’s too stressful I’m done with it because it’s a hobby for me. I just wouldn’t want external factors to bother me, because it wouldn’t be worth my time or safety.

Something really small and starting as a hobby becoming a stress is something I can’t deal with. It’s like a sex addict wanting to quit porn because of the different directors and directions because they can’t focus on just having sex/fun. I have no long term plans to be in the DR but I can make a lot work with blenders, TVs, etc for a kickback spot. I wouldn’t want someone to view it as competition or I have it like that when it’s not my goal and next thing you know I am dealing with a shakedown or other problems because some think I’m making 500$ a day when I’m cool breaking even or pocketing 40$ just to cover rent and bills

Start with a business plan.

https://restaurant.eatapp.co/blog/restaurant-business-plan

Most importantly, act on the information the plan provides at the end vs writing the plan to suit your needs.

Pretty good chance the first few plans you write, after you answer all the possible issues/questions in advance, at the end you realise the business just does not make any sense.

Dollars to donuts the business guru this thread is dedicated to did not prepare a business plan. Likewise the genius who took that great location near the casino and parked a car in the front door effectively blocking the entrance.

Lastly a business is not a hobby, if you are serious it takes 13 months of 13 hour days to get you to the level of work/life balance you seek. If after 13 months you are not making a profit, and taking days off when you want, hand back the keys and do something else.

2Up

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Re: E. Dean Cole sells Atlanta Lights
« Reply #20 on: January 27, 2022, 11:30:02 AM »
I've said it once, i've said it twice, and i'll say it again.

The best type of business to own is a business where you don't have to deal directly with people.

Business examples: Online Business, Crypto & Stock Trading/Investing, etc. Or even remote job is better.

This especially applies if you want to live in another country as an expat. All you need is an internet connection, and you can conduct your business/work in the comfort of your home without everyone knowing your business or what you do for a living.

Wise words

jd66

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Re: E. Dean Cole sells Atlanta Lights
« Reply #21 on: January 27, 2022, 12:39:21 PM »
A lot of people like the idea of having a bar or restaurant especially in the Caribbean but have no interest in the nuts and bolts of running such a place.  It is more than opening the door and playing host.  Shooting shit with the fellas, flirting with girls, and just hosting a party.

There track inventory, manage food and liquor costs, manage staff, make sure said staff is following proper health guidelines, manage labor cost, proper staffing, proper food rotation, proper pricing to cover operation costs, and still make a profit.  That's just the operational stuff.  There is also publicity, community engagement, and event planning to generate revenue.  Just keeping folks engaged on social media is a lot of work if you plan to do it yourself.

Ill ad to this, employees dipping into the till,dont forget the hand outs for shake downs and bribes  local politicians
Curious, say you rent one of those small spots off near bailees on the way to the beach for the 300$ a month they require and you open up a small daiquiri spot or something leisure. You barely turn a profit because it’s more of a chill spot rented for the boys rather than a legit business. If attempted to get shaken down, do you explain you not pulling in any money or just close up shop that same month to avoid a headache? I was curious about having a small spot if I ever stayed long term for maybe 3-5 months for maybe half the time I’m actually there and wouldn’t want to actually have a business business because the effort is not worth it for me. I could probably make it work but due to corruption it’s cutting into my profits and I have to have some employees with work ethic not lazy and sitting around hoping for a check.

Is there any beef, resentment or recourse? “The gringo didn’t want to pay the tax so he closed shop, but he’s still here and I don’t like it!” Just asking, I rather waste 300-500$ on a bs venture that would bring me joy despite knowingly burning money because it’s insignificant, than stress myself trying to net a 500-1000$ profit after all the overhead is accounted for.

Mr.N that was my idea. Not quite a beach bar, but similar to one but as a niche for mixed drinks I enjoy making. Heck I’d be willing to be my own customer because I enjoy bartending and chilling, but the second it’s too stressful I’m done with it because it’s a hobby for me. I just wouldn’t want external factors to bother me, because it wouldn’t be worth my time or safety.

Something really small and starting as a hobby becoming a stress is something I can’t deal with. It’s like a sex addict wanting to quit porn because of the different directors and directions because they can’t focus on just having sex/fun. I have no long term plans to be in the DR but I can make a lot work with blenders, TVs, etc for a kickback spot. I wouldn’t want someone to view it as competition or I have it like that when it’s not my goal and next thing you know I am dealing with a shakedown or other problems because some think I’m making 500$ a day when I’m cool breaking even or pocketing 40$ just to cover rent and bills

Unless you are planning to be there every day and truly invest your efforts into the business, It will be a waste of time and resources that you soon wish you would have never ventured into.

Running a business and making it profitable takes hard work and it's even tougher to accomplish in a country that thrives on corruption.   You will still be that gringo they will constantly take advantage of.

Sounds like you are really thinking about it as a hobby so if you have money to burn go for it but your chance of turning a profit is less than zero.

You will regret that you ever ventured down that path.

Think about what your actual start up costs might be as well as on going fixed overhead and costs of good sold and in your case costs for drinks you consume for yourself plus cost of drinks that you comp for your friends and it won't take long the business will be so far in the red it will no longer be any fun.




Travelguy90

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Re: E. Dean Cole sells Atlanta Lights
« Reply #22 on: January 27, 2022, 01:03:10 PM »
JD66 you probably are right. I probably would be better off renting a larger apt and having get togethers in the spot. I know a lot of frat guys as I’m 30 and know the 23-40 year old guys who hit sosua and Cartagena frequently. A location near the beach to drink, shoot the shits and eye women was the main goal. I pretty much do that on the beach, I’d just be doing it near the beach on an actual location instead of home, that’s why I figured a 300$ spot might be practical if I didn’t have any expectations. However I don’t want to regret anything so I’d just get a bigger spot and we can do all that inside, and hunt outside. I kept getting offers to be a tour guide but it’s not really my thing long term.

I like business to be business and leisure to be leisure but I guess trying to combine them in the DR definitely would backfire given the other factors.
Cheaper ways to do things, doesn’t indicate quality, or lack of

jd66

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Re: E. Dean Cole sells Atlanta Lights
« Reply #23 on: January 27, 2022, 01:25:20 PM »
JD66 you probably are right. I probably would be better off renting a larger apt and having get togethers in the spot. I know a lot of frat guys as I’m 30 and know the 23-40 year old guys who hit sosua and Cartagena frequently. A location near the beach to drink, shoot the shits and eye women was the main goal. I pretty much do that on the beach, I’d just be doing it near the beach on an actual location instead of home, that’s why I figured a 300$ spot might be practical if I didn’t have any expectations. However I don’t want to regret anything so I’d just get a bigger spot and we can do all that inside, and hunt outside. I kept getting offers to be a tour guide but it’s not really my thing long term.

I like business to be business and leisure to be leisure but I guess trying to combine them in the DR definitely would backfire given the other factors.

Sounds like a better thought process.   Might not hurt to inquire about the cost to rent for one of those locations as perhaps it could work out as short term chill pad for you and your friends and leave the headaches of operating a business in the rear view and just enjoy your time there.  They might be down to a short term month to month kinda thing and your buddies can all chip in to cover the costs as well as damages lol.

I know when I go to Sosua it is to relax and enjoy

stinqu

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Re: E. Dean Cole sells Atlanta Lights
« Reply #24 on: January 27, 2022, 04:33:27 PM »
I know nothing of business in the DR beach bars, but it is close to what friends of mine have tried in "Hobby Farms" in Ontario. Even after the tax breaks most crash and burn.

JayMillz

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Re: E. Dean Cole sells Atlanta Lights
« Reply #25 on: January 27, 2022, 05:41:56 PM »
So dude came to his senses.  I can't see moving out of the USA to invest my time in a business that is labor intensive, especially a restaurant.  Perhaps in Sosua where there is gringo pricing you can keep your head above water, but food is pretty inexpensive in developing countries.

If anything, I could see investing in a rental apartment or something that is low maintenance.
Sosua = (S)imps (O)r (S)uckers (U)sually (A)merican

lazy_monger

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Re: E. Dean Cole sells Atlanta Lights
« Reply #26 on: January 27, 2022, 05:52:55 PM »
JD66 you probably are right. I probably would be better off renting a larger apt and having get togethers in the spot. I know a lot of frat guys as I’m 30 and know the 23-40 year old guys who hit sosua and Cartagena frequently. A location near the beach to drink, shoot the shits and eye women was the main goal. I pretty much do that on the beach, I’d just be doing it near the beach on an actual location instead of home, that’s why I figured a 300$ spot might be practical if I didn’t have any expectations. However I don’t want to regret anything so I’d just get a bigger spot and we can do all that inside, and hunt outside. I kept getting offers to be a tour guide but it’s not really my thing long term.

I like business to be business and leisure to be leisure but I guess trying to combine them in the DR definitely would backfire given the other factors.

You can do it but you have to approach it with same seriousness that you would if you were going to open a hardware store in Sosua.  Listen Viva La Vega, come up with a plan, do your due diligence, and keep your start-up cost and overhead low.  Less you put in easier to recoup your investment.  Full disclosure, I have a bar in a tropical location, it is new, and we have achieved the first goal of it being self-sustaining. It pays for itself. I worked in bars through college to my 20s and I have experience putting together and running an organization and did my due diligence and worked with locals that understand how things work.  The start-up cost was relatively low so if it failed it wouldn't be a disaster.   It is a niche spot so we are basically competing with ourselves.  We weren't willing to put in the kind of money to compete against established businesses.  You have to build a good team and have clear process of how things should work or you are going to be living that business 24/7. 

It ain't easy but others have done it.

stinqu

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Re: E. Dean Cole sells Atlanta Lights
« Reply #27 on: January 27, 2022, 07:52:12 PM »
Openning a business anywhere means a 24/7 comitment

lazy_monger

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Re: E. Dean Cole sells Atlanta Lights
« Reply #28 on: January 27, 2022, 09:25:38 PM »
Openning a business anywhere means a 24/7 comitment

True.  However, you can set it up that you don't have to be physically there 24/7.  That's why building your team matters.

MACK

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Re: E. Dean Cole sells Atlanta Lights
« Reply #29 on: January 28, 2022, 01:02:19 AM »
I KNEW THAT PLACE WAS NOT GOING TO LAST. HE BIT OFF MORE THAN HE COULD CHEW.

 







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