Are you thinking about opening your own shisha lounge but not sure where to start? Here are some key things you need to consider and include when starting up your very own shisha lounge.
Location, Location, Location
One of the most important factors to consider when starting a shisha lounge is the location. Make sure to choose a spot that is easily accessible, has enough parking, and is in a popular area where your target customers are likely to visit. It is also important to get an idea of what theme you want to go with, for example, a rooftop shisha bar will have a different location to a lowkey traditional lounge.
Licensing and Regulations
Before you open your doors, make sure you have all the necessary licenses and permits required to operate a shisha lounge in your area. This includes health permits, tobacco licenses, and any other local regulations you need to comply with. This will vary from country to country and even within the regions so familiarize yourself with your local legislations that are in place. Speaking to your local council offices or someone who may know more is a good place to start if you cannot find the details online.
Quality Shisha and Equipment
Invest in high-quality shisha and equipment to ensure your customers have the best experience possible. Choose a variety of flavors and make sure your hookahs are clean and well-maintained. No one will want to use a shisha if there is marks on it from a previous user. Make sure you have spares on hand for if a customers shisha stops working when they are in the session so you can quickly replace it. Investing in quality equipment will help you make this part much easier.
Comfortable Seating and Atmosphere
Create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your lounge with comfortable seating, dim lighting, and Middle Eastern-inspired decor unless you have your own theme you want to pursue. Make sure your customers feel relaxed and at home when they visit. We provide LED lighting that is attachable to shisha's to create a more personalized lighting experience for each user. A theme should be unique and something where you can let your creative thoughts flow. Having something you are proud of and is unique to you with create authenticity to your style. However, whilst being creative, still make sure you look at customer habits of what they prefer as this is how you will attract a larger number of customers.
Menu and Drink Options
Offer a diverse menu of shisha flavors and drinks to cater to different tastes. Consider serving traditional Middle Eastern teas, coffees, and snacks to enhance the experience for your customers. If you are going down the route of selling alcohol too, make sure you have plenty of cocktails and mocktails for your users. The effectiveness and suitability of selling alcohol will entirely depend on region, population and customer base. In either instance, make sure that you have a menu and plenty of beverage options to suit your major clientele.
Marketing and Promotion
Once everything is set up, don't forget to promote your shisha lounge! Use social media, local advertising, and word of mouth to spread the word and attract customers to your new establishment. SEO is a good way to bring organic traffic to your website but when you are looking at creating a brand for a physical location, social media, local advertising, and word of mouth is where you should invest your time in. Create a professional website to build greater credibility whilst promoting online.
Start Up Costs
One of the most important things to think about when starting any business is the start up costs. This will include your business license and registration. You will also need to consider the cost of the place that you will be operating out of (this is usually a monthly rent price). On top of that, all the equipment that you will have to fill the premise and if you require staff. These are things you will become aware of as you move through the process of starting your own shisha lounge.
By considering these key factors and including them in your planning process, you'll be well on your way to starting your own shisha lounge. Good luck!