Good sports

UK sports bar operator Bar Sport, which operates four large-scale operations in Cannock, Walsall, Rugby and Loughborough, believes that the time has come for the successful concept to realise its potential.

In unveiling plans to operate a franchise scheme, Bar Sport founder and managing director Scott Murray says: "We have launched a 'genuine' franchise opportunity based on a proven formula, which is like nothing else in the market. Our franchisees will benefit from an expert team at their disposal, complete with advice ranging from finding the right site to branding, as well as national discounts from suppliers and the option to trade 'free of tie'."

John Donnelly, Bar Sport's non-executive chairman, will play an instrumental role in the group's franchise. His successes are numerous and include growing the Holiday Hypermarket from a concept to a total of 38 10,000-square foot superstores in little over three years. He was also instrumental in putting Virgin Holidays on the high street in up to 100 travel shops.

He says the company aims to transform Bar Sport into a global product and plans to introduce new aspects to what is already a successful formula. To assist in the growth of the brand, the company will be announcing some exciting initiatives in the coming months, all of which will be to the benefit of its new franchise partners.

Mr Murray says the concept is about much more than simply showing sports events to customers. "We don't just show sport, we're all about sport and delivering the customer experience," he says. "We even stipulate having screens in the toilets to avoid the half-time rush and with multi-screen presentations, customers can watch the game of their choice."

Each Bar Sports venue is decorated with genuine sports memorabilia, including the kits worn by many of the world's top stars.

"We have, in essence, taken a concept from the US and developed it to be ideal for the UK," says Mr Murray.

He believes that now is a good time to be launching the franchise. "Property can be acquired at a lower cost than this time last year, and there is a swell of talented individuals on the look out for employment opportunities.

"We are a sport-loving nation and Bar Sport has a proven reputation for attracting a broad consumer base. I see no reason why we will not have 100 Bar Sport outlets within the next three to five years," he says.


Investment level: Initial £35,000 franchise licence fee. Investment fee for fit out starts at £40 per sq/ft depending on condition of premises
Email: scott@barsport.co.uk
Phone: 01543 467554
Franchise classification: Bars; entertainment; sports