81 Best Business Ideas For Bartenders [2024]

Interested in starting a business as a bartender in 2024?

If managed well, building a business as a bartender could be more lucrative than employment. So, which are the best business ideas for bartenders?

We put together 27 of some of the best bartender business ideas you can start in today.

For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other bartender businesses to help you see what it takes.

Here's the full list:

1. Start a beverages business ($1.79M/month)

Starting a beverages business could be an exciting way to leverage your bartending skills and supplement your income. As a bartender, you already have a good grasp of consumer preferences, a knack for creating unique and refreshing drinks, and an eye for high-quality ingredients, all of which are crucial for success in the beverage industry. This business venture could range from creating your own line of artisanal cocktails, soft drinks, or craft sodas to establishing a small coffee or tea shop.

You could start by experimenting with your own drink recipes and then scaling up to distribute these unique beverages to local retailers or online customers. With your background, you have an edge in perfecting flavors that resonate with customers and in knowing how to sell these drinks effectively. This could be your gateway to turning your side gig into a thriving business that diversifies your income streams and fulfills your entrepreneurial aspirations.

2. Start an event management company ($131K/month)

Starting an event management company could be a natural progression for you as a bartender. You likely already possess essential skills like a basic understanding of events and exceptional communication abilities, making you adept at interacting with C-suite executives, event attendees, donors, brand sponsors, and vendors. This foundation could serve you well in managing and coordinating events.

The event management and planning industry is growing rapidly, with experts predicting a 10% growth rate in the coming years. Given this trend, venturing into event management not only represents an exciting career move but also a profitable business opportunity. You could choose to focus on social and entertainment events, corporate gatherings, or become a versatile, general event management company, tapping into endless opportunities in the field.

3. Start a video production company ($156K/month)

As a bartender with a keen eye for engaging interactions and storytelling, starting a video production company could be a lucrative side business or full-time venture. You could leverage your unique perspective from the nightlife and hospitality industry to create compelling videos for bars, restaurants, and local businesses looking to enhance their marketing strategies. Through your deep understanding of what engages patrons, you could produce commercials, online ads, and product showcases that resonate with audiences.

Additionally, your knowledge of the service industry could position you to craft corporate training videos that visually communicate best practices in customer service and efficiency. Providing your clients with visually captivating content could not only supplement your income but also allow you to exercise creative skills beyond the bar.

4. Start a party planning business ($164K/month)

Starting a party planning business could be a perfect side hustle for you as a bartender, allowing you to leverage your existing expertise in delivering stellar customer experiences. By drawing on your organizational skills, creativity, and natural ability to interact with a diverse clientele, you could seamlessly transition into planning events that leave a lasting impression. Your experience dealing with party atmospheres and understanding what makes a great event gives you a unique edge in this industry.

In party planning, you'll manage budgeting, establishing timelines, selecting ideal venues, and acquiring necessary permits, all of which require meticulous attention to detail—something you're already good at. Your hands-on experience with themes, décor, and catering coordination would further bolster your skills, enabling you to offer a full-service experience. With a genuine desire to help others enjoy themselves and your knack for multitasking, you could transform your passion for hospitality into a thriving business venture.

5. Start a travel company ($259K/month)

Starting a travel company could be a fantastic opportunity for bartenders to supplement their income and explore entrepreneurial avenues. As a bartender, you already excel at social interaction and customer service, essential skills for organizing trips and dealing with clients. You could plan unique travel experiences tailored to specific groups, such as fellow bartenders looking to explore famous nightlife hotspots or food and drink enthusiasts seeking culinary tours.

With your knowledge of the best local spots and entertainment activities, you could offer curated travel packages that include top-notch lodging and transportation. Moreover, your network within the hospitality industry could provide invaluable partnerships, opening doors to exclusive deals and unique experiences for your clients. This side business not only leverages your existing skills but also lets you diversify your income streams in an exciting and fulfilling way.

6. Start a food blog ($38.5K/month)

As a bartender, you could leverage your knowledge of mixing ingredients and creating delightful culinary experiences by starting a food blog. Your expertise in flavors and presentation would allow you to share unique recipes and healthy eating tips that appeal to a wide audience. You could focus on creating content that highlights budget-friendly and easy-to-make dishes, helping your readers maintain a healthy lifestyle without breaking the bank.

Starting a food blog would not only allow you to supplement your income but also give you a platform to educate people on the importance of keeping healthy food. By sharing insightful information and engaging with your audience, you could grow a dedicated following and potentially monetize your blog through ads, sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing. The blend of your bartending skills and passion for food could make your blog a unique and enjoyable side hustle or even a full-fledged business.

7. Start a CBD business ($84.9K/month)

As a bartender, you've already got a knack for understanding customer needs and creating a welcoming atmosphere, skills that can seamlessly translate into running a CBD business. Given the skyrocketing growth of the CBD market, expected to expand at a CAGR of 21.7% in the coming years, you could capitalize on this burgeoning industry by becoming a CBD distributor or marketer. Engaging directly with your bar customers provides a unique opportunity to introduce them to CBD products, potentially expanding your customer base and boosting your income.

Think about creating CBD-infused cocktail mixers or starting a CBD subscription box service, where you could leverage your hospitality experience to curate relaxing, wellness-focused products that appeal to your existing clientele. Additionally, if you enjoy sharing your knowledge and engaging with an audience, you might consider running a CBD podcast or blog, where you could discuss the benefits of CBD and review products.

The health and wellness angle also pairs well with the growing consumer awareness around CBD's effectiveness in managing conditions like anxiety, pain, and inflammation. By diversifying your skill set and tapping into this emerging market, you could create a lucrative side business or even transition into a full-time entrepreneurial venture.

8. Start a recruitment business ($333K/month)

As a bartender, you have honed your networking skills and developed a keen sense of people’s strengths and potential. This unique ability to connect with individuals could be leveraged to start a recruitment business, where you match employers with top-tier candidates for their job openings. The process involves understanding a client's hiring needs, sourcing and screening candidates, and utilizing your networking and interviewing skills to ensure a good fit.

With your experience interacting with diverse personalities and your knack for matchmaking, you could provide a valuable service in today's competitive job market. Recruitment businesses help companies save time and resources while securing the best talent, making this a rewarding opportunity for someone who enjoys facilitating career growth and building professional connections. This side venture could not only supplement your income but also utilize and expand your existing skill set into a profitable business.

9. Rent party & events venue ($184K/month)

As a bartender, you could leverage your experience in the hospitality industry by opening a rent party and events venue. Your familiarity with facilitating social interactions, managing crowds, and creating a memorable experience makes you uniquely suited for this type of business. Beyond just serving drinks, you understand the dynamics of a good party, making you an incredible asset to clients looking to host birthdays, weddings, and corporate events.

Given that the events industry is rapidly growing, your role could transition into a lucrative business opportunity by renting out event spaces. With the increasing demand for venues for various functions—from corporate meetings and product launches to personal celebrations—you could carve out a profitable niche. Additionally, using your bartending skills, you can offer integrated services like customized drink menus and on-site bartending, providing a comprehensive package that attracts more customers.

10. Start an online fitness business ($78K/month)

As a bartender, you could leverage your flexible schedule and customer interaction skills to start an online fitness business. With the increasing popularity of convenient and accessible online fitness programs, you could create workout plans, offer virtual training sessions, or share fitness tips and routines through social media or a personal website.

No need to worry about overhead costs like rent or maintaining a physical location – all you need is a computer and an internet connection. By utilizing your bartending hours wisely, you could supplement your income, build a loyal following, and maybe even transition to a full-time fitness career in the future.

11. Start a virtual events business ($185K/month)

As a bartender, you could leverage your customer service skills and extensive network to start a virtual events business. The shift towards online interactions, spurred by the 2020 global pandemic, has increased demand for virtual meetings and events. With your ability to create engaging atmospheres and your understanding of what makes an event lively, you could ideate, plan, and execute memorable virtual experiences for various clients.

Moreover, your familiarity with different types of audiences could be a significant advantage in making these virtual events successful and engaging. Whether it's a corporate event, a virtual happy hour, or a themed party, your expertise in creating a welcoming and interactive environment could set you apart in the burgeoning virtual events industry.

Starting this venture could allow you to supplement your income while exploring a new and exciting business domain that utilizes your existing skills, network, and passion for creating memorable experiences.

12. Start a youtube channel ($146K/month)

Starting a YouTube channel could be a lucrative and exciting way to supplement your bartender income or even build a new business. With plenty of YouTube channel success stories to draw inspiration from, you could capitalize on your bartending skills by creating content, such as tutorials on making popular cocktails, unique drink recipes, or tips on perfecting your customer service.

Given YouTube's established monetization system, you could generate revenue as your subscriber count grows and your watch hours increase. Joining the YouTube partner program, for example, requires at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the previous 12 months, so consistent and engaging content could help you reach that goal. By sharing your passion for mixology and the bar scene, you could build an audience eager to learn from your expertise.

13. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)

Starting a podcast could be a fantastic way for you to supplement your income and make extra money as a bartender. Imagine creating and producing audio content centered around the nightlife scene, cocktail recipes, or bar management tips. With your unique insights and experiences, you could choose a niche that resonates with a broad audience curious about the bartending world.

You could begin this venture on a budget by investing in basic recording equipment like a microphone and headphones, and using an affordable hosting platform to publish your episodes. Sharing your podcast on social media and through word of mouth could help you build an audience, and over time, you might attract sponsors or advertisers. This not only provides an additional stream of income but also enhances your reputation as an expert in the field.

14. Start a camping brand ($1.68K/month)

As a bartender, starting a camping brand could allow you to tap into the lucrative outdoor adventure market while leveraging your passion for nature. By developing and designing quality tents, packs, headlamps, and other camping accessories, you could cater to fellow outdoor enthusiasts who seek performance and reliability in their gear. Your unique perspective from working in a vibrant, social environment could help in creating a brand that resonates well with a community-oriented audience.

Moreover, focusing on innovative technologies and sustainable materials would give you an eco-conscious edge, appealing to the growing demographic of environmentally-aware consumers. Whether you choose a direct-to-consumer model or pursue wholesale deals, building a camping goods company offers the opportunity to transform your interests into a supplementary income stream or even a full-fledged business. By equipping others to comfortably enjoy nature, you could turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality while carving out a niche in the thriving outdoor recreation industry.

15. Start a dropshipping business ($414K/month)

As a bartender, you could start a dropshipping business to supplement your income or create an additional stream of revenue. This business model allows you to sell products without the need to hold inventory, making it an ideal side hustle that you can manage even with a busy work schedule.

You could capitalize on your industry knowledge by choosing a niche related to bartending, such as specialized bar tools, unique glassware, or cocktail ingredients. Setting up an online store on platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce and sourcing products from reliable suppliers on AliExpress, you could create a seamless shopping experience for your customers.

By focusing on marketing and customer service, you could grow your dropshipping business, all while managing your expenses and monitoring profit margins to ensure profitability. This venture not only provides financial flexibility but also gives you a creative outlet and an opportunity to leverage your bartending expertise in a new way.

16. Start a supplements company ($392K/month)

If you're looking to supplement your income or even start a new venture entirely, launching a supplements company could be an exciting possibility. As a bartender, you regularly interact with a diverse crowd, including fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals, making it a natural fit for pitching dietary supplements, vitamins, and protein powders.

The low startup cost and the ability to run the business from home make it highly accessible. You could begin by promoting your products to your existing network and bar clientele, potentially turning your regulars into loyal customers. With a bit of entrepreneurial spirit, you could create a profitable side hustle or full-time business, leveraging your social skills and community connections to build a successful supplements brand.

17. Start a medical device company ($183K/month)

While it might seem unconventional, as a bartender, you could consider starting a medical device company to supplement your income. Bartenders often possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, which are crucial for networking, pitching ideas, and building relationships with stakeholders in the medical field.

Leveraging your ability to handle high-pressure situations and manage a variety of tasks simultaneously, you could transition these skills into managing a business. Partnering with medical practitioners or technologists can bridge the gap in technical knowledge, allowing you to focus on the business and operational side. This entrepreneurial path offers unique possibilities to create innovative solutions that could make a significant impact in the healthcare industry.

18. Start a food startup ($185K/month)

As a bartender, starting a food startup could be a fantastic way to supplement your income and channel your passion for culinary arts. Given your experience in handling beverages and understanding flavor profiles, you could leverage these skills to craft a unique food menu, whether it's for a food truck, bakery, or online food business. Imagine pairing your culinary creations with custom cocktails, creating an irresistible combination for your customers.

You could also consider food manufacturing or wholesaling, offering snacks and meals that complement your mixology expertise. This way, you're not only adding an additional revenue stream but also diversifying your professional skills and experiences. With your keen sense for taste and customer preferences, a food startup could be both a fun and rewarding venture.

19. Start a watch brand ($157K/month)

As a bartender, you could leverage your unique access to a diverse clientele by starting a watch brand, tapping into the thriving global market for luxury accessories. Your interactions with patrons provide an excellent opportunity to gauge interest and receive direct feedback on distinctive designs and quality materials, helping you refine your product to reflect your customers' personal styles.

Whether you're introducing a high-end mechanical watch collection or innovative smartwatches, your reputation in the community can aid in building a loyal customer base through word-of-mouth and personalized marketing. Strategic branding and savvy use of social media could help your startup watch brand capture market share, turning your side business into a potential fashion empire.

20. Create a website builder ($667K/month)

As a bartender, you could supplement your income by starting a website builder business. This venture centers around creating a user-friendly platform that allows individuals and businesses to design their own websites effortlessly, using drag-and-drop features and customizable templates.

The market for websites is massive, with small businesses, freelancers, and personal brands all in need of a professional online presence. By offering an easy-to-use website builder, you could tap into this growing demand, providing a valuable tool for those looking to establish their digital footprint without needing sophisticated coding skills.

Starting a website builder business requires an understanding of web development and user experience, but the rewards are significant. You'll be empowering others to create their own websites efficiently, opening up new income streams and potentially transforming your side gig into a full-fledged business.

21. Start a soap business ($67K/month)

As a bartender, starting a soap business could be an excellent way to supplement your income and flex your entrepreneurial muscles. With your flexible working hours, you could easily develop soap-making as a side hustle, dedicating your free time to creating unique, high-quality products. Given that soap businesses can often be home-based, your initial investment might be relatively low—likely less than $1,000 for supplies.

The rise in popularity of handmade skincare products provides a ready market for your offerings, and the barrier to entry is not overly challenging. Plus, your experience in dealing with diverse clients can give you valuable customer insight, allowing you to cater your soap products to a wide audience. As your soap business grows, the potential to turn your side hustle into a full-time venture becomes increasingly attainable, offering you both financial rewards and creative satisfaction.

22. Start an online jewelry store ($165K/month)

Starting an online jewelry store as a bartender could offer you a flexible and rewarding way to supplement your income. You could leverage the growing online jewelry market to tap into a broader customer base while taking advantage of your downtime between shifts to manage your business. The U.S. jewelry market, valued at $76 billion in 2020, offers lucrative potential, especially with diamond jewelry being one of the most valuable categories.

By choosing the right e-commerce platform, you could easily showcase your unique collection, manage inventory, and secure transactions, making the shopping experience enjoyable for your customers. This side business allows you to combine your entrepreneurial mindset with a stable income from bartending, potentially transitioning to a full-time venture in the future if it becomes successful.

23. Start a men's clothing line ($60.4K/month)

As a bartender, you could leverage your unique social network and exposure to launch a men's clothing line. With the growth of the menswear market outpacing the women's market, thanks to a cultural shift towards men focusing more on their appearances, the timing couldn't be better. You’re already in the perfect environment to observe trends, understand style preferences, and gather instant feedback from a diverse clientele.

Moreover, bartenders are known for their personable nature and excellent communication skills, which are essential for marketing and brand-building. You could start small by promoting your fashion line through social media and word-of-mouth, gradually expanding it as you gain traction. Utilizing a mix of online and traditional marketing strategies, you could transform a side project into a profitable business, supplementing your income and potentially even paving the way to full-time entrepreneurship.

24. Start a skin care product line ($110K/month)

Starting a skincare product line could be a lucrative side hustle or even a full-fledged business for bartenders looking to supplement their income. The skincare industry is booming, valued at 130 billion USD in 2021 and expected to grow at a rate of 4.6% annually until 2030. This expanding market presents a golden opportunity for you to develop your unique skincare solutions, catering to the rising consumer demand for effective and innovative products.

As a bartender, you already possess some valuable skills such as creativity, customer interaction, and attention to detail, which could be seamlessly translated into developing and marketing your skincare line. Imagine creating a product that not only stands out but also satisfies customers who are constantly searching for the next best thing in skincare. With your hands-on approach and the industry's robust growth, you could turn this into a successful business venture, ensuring products are both safe and beneficial for your clients.

25. Start a bedding company ($741K/month)

As a bartender, you could start a bedding company to supplement your income by tapping into the demand for quality sleep products. Know how crucial a good night's sleep is after a long, exhausting shift, you would likely appreciate the value in offering exceptional mattresses, bedsheets, and pillows. You could carve out a niche based on your firsthand understanding of the importance of comfort and relaxation, specializing in either luxury sheets or affordable yet high-quality linens.

Choosing the right manufacturer to partner with would be a critical step. By researching thoroughly, you could ensure that you find suppliers who deliver good quality bedding at a reasonable price. Once you've secured your products, setting up a website and social media accounts would be essential for reaching potential customers and building your brand in a competitive digital marketplace. This entrepreneurial venture could not only generate additional income but also provide you with a flexible side business that complements your bartending career.

26. Start an ecommerce marketing agency ($463K/month)

As a bartender, embarking on the journey of starting an eCommerce marketing agency provides a unique and lucrative business opportunity. You could leverage your meticulous attention to detail and customer service skills to help online sellers achieve their eCommerce business goals. With your flexible schedule, you have the time to educate yourself on current eCommerce trends and to build your digital marketing skills.

By focusing on a particular niche or offering end-to-end services, you could assist brands in balancing production, launching creative campaigns, and growing their eCommerce presence without them needing to hire full-time staff. The demand for eCommerce agencies is clearly growing, as online sellers strive to stay competitive in a fast-paced market. This venture would not only supplement your income but also allow you to expand your professional skill set beyond the bar.

27. Become a vehicle exporter ($1.4M/month)

As a bartender, you could find the excitement of international trade and high-end cars appealing by starting a vehicle exporting business. This side venture involves acquiring vehicles locally and selling them to international buyers, tapping into a global market with rising demand for elegant sedans, resilient SUVs, or vintage collectibles.

In this business, you could leverage your negotiation skills and customer service expertise to connect with global buyers. Understanding import-export regulations, shipping protocols, and foreign exchange rates would add to the thrill, making it an adventurous and lucrative venture. Embrace this opportunity to diversify your income and explore new entrepreneurial heights.

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.

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