Gran Alacant Forum
Gran Alacant Forum => General Discussions => Topic started by: Navantospain on June 11, 2016, 12:59.
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Hello all
So delighted I found this! We are a young Irish family 2 boys 9 and 6, we plan to move to the area after the summer to run an Irish bar over there currently for sale, going over next weekend to finalise the purchase of the business! Firstly!! Are we Mad to do this!! Is the area a good spot for tourism all year along or just summer season?! Plus a mammy question my 2 boys I'm desperately worried about the school situation, my boys haven't any Spanish and my 9 year old boy has some learning and behaviour difficultys, he has the aid of a special needs assistant in school here and I'm just worried that Spanish schools work differently, has anyone any experience that might put my mind at ease,
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We moved out 3 weeks ago. I wouldn't say you were mad it's a great life for the kids what bar is it your taking over
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I would imagine O'Duills.
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You will love living out here. We have been here 14 years. The best ever decision of my life. Keep up with all the local news in the Gran Alacant Advertiser
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i dont think any of that answerd her question really
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Hey all
Yep the business in question is oduills, looks a lovely spot, coming over next weekend to see it! Anyone know the spot?!!
Just nervous of the move but sooo excited as well, practical things I need advice on like a good hairdresser, clubs for my boys, a good supermarket! Then stuff like finding a long term rental, and the school!!
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You are taking on a very good and well used bar. I wish you every success. Did you buy it by the bars advert in the GA Magazine
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Hi the moving to Gran alacant is a great thing . The buying of the bar is probably the worst decision you could do(. Be-leave me been there done that ) Im not saying dont buy that bar,its any bar in Ga . The main problem is the turnover has to be so high to make any profit at all. Because you are selling at such a low price E2,50 for a pint E1.50 for a glass of wine. Thats the going rate in GA ,dont think you can put this prices up because no one will come into the bar. Thats the other problem there are far too many bars in GA. I dont know what you have been told but you will have a 5 month season at the very best to make enough mony to pay your bills for 12 months.( You do the Maths) If you love running a bar and just want to do it because you love that life great. But if you are thinking the bar will pay for yourself and your family to life a nice living in spain dream on. I wish you all the best what ever you do GA is a grate place to live . but earning a living doing any thing in Spain is the bad point.
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We put our 9 year old in the local school, we were able to organise via email mainly. They were very helpful. If you need info then please message me
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As Gunner you do not put your name to your post, which bar did you own
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Thanks all,
Gunner no intentions of making any changes to the existing prices or otherwise to the bar we hope to purchase, its 14 years trading under the same Irish owner so that says quite a lot for its reputation, we won't be doing anything to sabotage that, I've 20. Years pub trade under my belt and my husband is a very successful business man and at the good old age of 35 we both are retiring to Spain but we are too young to do nothing!
We found this business advertised here in Ireland, on the Irish commercial business sites, didn't know about the GA Mag Barry but will be keeping an eye on it from now on Barry due to other ideas floating around!
Steve I'm going to send u a pm now thank you!
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Barry as you well know apart from probably 2 Every bar is for sale on the GA.Lol
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As i have said .I wish you the very best of luck in your new adventure. You have chosen a great place to live in Spain. Just a word of caution Its the last 5 to 6 years were the bar trade has fell off the cliff in the GA ,not only there but the whole of Spain. Just a thought BHS WOOLWORTHS COMET and lots of other business had been going for hundreds of years . Its not the how long have you been going. Its the know when to get out that Matters.
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Life is too short to have regrets ,if you have the cash to spare then go for it the kids will adapt ,they always do .Do die and think ,I wish we had bought the bar,get it done now.
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Which bar did you have Gunner?
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food shop wise - lidl, consum, mercadonia, unide
the school is at the bottom of the hill as far as im aware only school in gran alacant our daughter is going there september, when are you moving out as they are doing registration for september start, im sure you will do well over here, stresfull but enjoyable at the same time
i cant offer a lot of advice as we are still new to the area and still learning ourselves :)
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As everyone says it is quiet in winter months and you will need something to attract customers in, be it Bingo, karaoke , quizzes, special offers etc.
But O duills is in a good spot and has probably not been getting the owners full attention for past 18 months as they were keen to sell and business fell off a fair bit
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Good luck. When do you think you will be taking it over? We will certainly come in for a caña when we are over in August. The Carabassi bars are our locals.
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It might be a stupid question but have you actually seen the bar/its location/competition or been to GA
Regards all
John
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John travelling over this weekend coming to view and make final decision etc, we are researching as much as we can in a practical sense to see if all parts of the jig saw fit for us,
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Good luck to you.
Hopefully, we'll be in for a pint or 10 very soon!
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Like many on this forum we have been in GA for best part of 12/14 years, during this time nearly every bar on the carabassi on top ga and at the commercial centre have changed hands or gone bump several times. Weve even had forum threads guessing the previous names.The bars who are successful are a very small minority. They have a loyal customer base who see them through. The season in ga is short where during the long winters the sun may be shining but the only thing down the Shirley bassey is tumble weed for weeks on end. GA is a brilliant place but commercially difficult to operate in.
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There is a formula that works but it is hard to repeat - I look at the the way Bar Loko has thrived even during winter, always has people in it even in Nov - March. however its in a good location with lots of footfall around it, a south facing sunny terrace. modern decor (I think thats key) fair prices and staff that work their socks off the whole time
You need to be "authentic" but punters are looking for something different during the quieter months
I always thought a lot more could have been made of "E'Spigo" (before it shut) myself with its location
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We've enjoyed many visits to O'Duills since it opened in 2005 (I think) - I do like an good Irish bar, preferably run by the Irish (makes a big difference to me). Not that we'd get into that trade, but if we did, it would be one of only a handful of bars in GA we'd consider. I'd say with an injection of enthusiasm and energy, it could be a great success for you. Obviously it's hard work, but you already know that! The fact that you are retiring so young suggests that you have the luxury of not needing an instant return, which in my book is crucial! If you do go for it, we wish you a warm welcome to GA, and every success in your new business!
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Well said occasional tourist. Some run a bar by sitting on the beach and paying others in wages and contracts. Some run it themselves with much less outgoings. Wrong of someone who will not reveal their name, maybe effecting someones business sale. Mariel and Chris tell me that the bar IS NOT SOLD.
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Thanks so much for all of the info! Don't worry Barry the negative comments wouldn't turn us off they were expected as much as the good ones, very much looking forward to visiting the property and hopefully making it ours, we are not stupid we have done the research we know things are still tough in Europe, but trade is picking up,
I'm very much looking forward to the challenge! The pub looks amazing exactly what we want, and I'm not taking heed of the boo hoo Gang we will figure it all out for ourselves as we go along!! Anyway!! The business is my least concern!! I wanted to know about the hairdressers supermarket and schools!!!!
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Navantospain, you will love it here. So many lovely people and only a few to avoid. We started up the local magazine and ran it very successfully for 12 years before selling it on. Seen lots of comings and goings and if I can help you in any way, do not hesitate to ask me to pass on my good and bad experiences.
So good to see that you have a very sensible head.
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Theres a tiny supermarket practically next door to Oduills for your basics. You have Mercadona Lidls and Consum all together at the entrance to GA and Unide (nee Maxcoop) middle GA. Quicksave, selling english food, top GA. Supermarkets galore. My favs are Mercadona Lidls and Unide. Theres even an Iceland if you drive to La Marina. Also a street market in Thursdays. Cant help with how good the schools are or hairdressers but they are here!!
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Barry its got nothing to do with you what my name is or what bar i own. Some one asked a question and i gave them my opinion backed by over 15 years living in Spain (Thats what forums are for) I did not if you read my replay properly mention any bar by name It was a replay based on owning a bar full stop. If you have a problem with this im more than happy to discus this with you face to face rather than on a Forum.
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I'm still dumbfounded, unless I've got it wrong, that someone is talking on a forum about buying a bar they've never seen in a place they've not been to.
Nothing like a bit of due diligence
Regards all
John
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Totally agree John the benefit of local knowledge is absolutely priceless, as always any body's opinion who doesnt follow the clique is regarded a doomsayer. The reality despite what old editors with a vested interest would have us believe is that the majority of businesses in GA go broke within 2 years and that is a fact like it or not.
Regarding Barloko which is our local these boys have a little goldmine but don't they have to earn it, they're busy 52 weeks of the year selling pints of beer at 2 euros and wine at 1 euro, small margin but massive volume, whereas the carabassi resembles the marie celeste for 20 weeks of the year, if you gave it away you would still struggle to find a customer.
Incidentally Barloko i believe have never advertised hence the clique stays quiet.
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Well said Victor. Totally agree 100% with all you have said.
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look guys I just asked for advice from people on the ground, I've done my homework, we are not stupid, this is not a decision taken lightly or with the mindset to fail, I really didn't expect such a negative response, it's really making me rethink things, with all new business should come local support, and I do hope if we continue with our new venture we will be well recieved!
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Just to re assure you, we live up the hill on Avd Escandinavia and there are several bar restaurants that have been open for many years, for example Tablau los Lunares, El Paripe., Cocoa's, Dragon 2 is open every day of the year, Patagonia Steak House, most of the time. Some places reduce hours in winter as there are fewer people around, but we appreciate the ones that do stay open and give them our custom. We don't go to the Carabassi area much except for Tres Besos, and have never been to Barloko in the G A Centre as we prefer to go to places within walking distance. We have found that the places that fail are people that have gone into business with no previous experience of catering or bar management. We wish you all the best in your new venture if you decide to take it on.
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A bit like buying a second hand car based on a photo of it.
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Will say I do like O'Duills , good position, catches the winter sun, it does heave on Karaoke nights, present owners are great.
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If, as has been said on this thread previously, there are a few bars up for sale why dont you view some of the others in different locations in GA. It sounds like Altomar 2 has more residents in the Winter. You may as well take the time to look whilst you are over and get feedback from more locals if you can. We don't visit in Winter very often but I agree it is very quiet on Carabassi strip in Winter. We tend to drive up the hill just to see people!! Saying that, I prefer Carabassi bars in the summer. They are all close together and feel more buzzy (but just my opinion!!).
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I dont know about "fewer" people around in the winter some areas are deserted. This is the issue with a forum everyone has an opinion and i like most genuinely wish you the best of luck in your new venture. But The reality of business ownership in GA over the last 10 years cant be ignored or rewritten, businesses fail every year unless ive missed something. Even a wealth of experience and deep pockets cant find a customer that doesn't exist.
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Thank you Navanto for your private email to me. Will correspond via that.
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Good luck to you all on your new adventure :) Personally I think that the bar is in a great spot for the winter with the sun terrace and with good food & drinks people will make the trip down.
BW
Maricia
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We disagree that GA is deserted in winter, yes there are fewer holiday makers and some permanent residents go back to their home countries for the Chrustmas holiday but there are still people about, maybe it seems empty because some of the bars and restaurants take their holidays in winter. Some places have realised that there is custom about but these tend to be restaurants rather than bars. You also do not need to charge one and two Euros for your drinks and food, some are prepared to pay for better quality it boils down to who you want to attract into wherever you chose , we personally prefer to go to places with no TV overpowering conversation, but wouldn't say we would never go to one, many people like entertainment.
Ask why bars have closed, maybe it's because there are many more now than a few years ago, so choose wisely, work hard and you will succeed. Best of luck.
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Thats better ive just found my rose tinted spectacles, its january im upstairs at the shirley basey and there are now double the people, oh damn its just my reflection. Incidentally there are 3/4 bars in GA which have a big customer base, all in different parts of ga but one thing in common, cheap beer. Also where are all these new bars that weren't around several years ago please tell, the only thing that's new is the name as the previous owner went bust due to no customers for 5 months of the year.
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We live in a little seaside town in Yorkshire, in the winter it's dead, and I mean dead other than weekend visitors, however compared to GA it's a hive of activity!!
We've spent evenings in bars at the Shirley Bassey strip when our friends and us have been the only people there!!
Mindst you, when your sat there with your coat on to keep warm it's not conducive to a good night out.
Regards all
John
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Gran Alacant is not just the Carabassi area, or as some say the Shirley Bassey? What is that about.?. Are we in London with Cockney Ryhming slang or in Spain ? We are permanent Residents in G A and always have good nights out even in winter, and yes not too many customers in some places, but we still have a great time, but mostly at the weekend, be positive people .
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, or as some say the Shirley Bassey? What is that about.?. Are we in London with Cockney Ryhming slang or in Spain ?
Definitely agree with the above......it has a proper name so why not use it?
As far as opening a new bar is concerned I was under the impession that the current consensus was that the best way to mitigate any losses was to close the bar three months before it opened. :D
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Bit touchy arnt we
Is Cardiac Hill out of bounds as well, I do love a walk up there past the pavements paved in gold
Regards all
John
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Certainly not touchy but this constant "Shirley Bassey" business gets right on my t@t ends!
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Oohhh Stan, I'll refrain myself to only saying it three times a week!!
Years ago we saw a Shirley Bassey tribute at Las Belgas at the Carabassi strip, it's sort of stuck since then.
Las Belgas eh, still miss that place, had some brilliant nights in there
Regards all
John
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John what has happened to the 'like' button. Do you know?
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We go to the shirley bassey most weeks for fish and chips at Aquarius and then a copious amount of cheap wine and beer next door, we also go fine dining in alicante but let us not kid ourselves the SB is just a bit cheap and tacky, and anyone who is there into the early hours knows what i mean, yes it does have a couple of eateries who try and raise the bar but on the whole its little benidorm. And going back to my original point that is why the fine dining in alicante is busy in winter and the shirley bassey isnt.
Your so right John Las Belgas nights out are fondly remembered, in fact when they were there the shirley was probably at its best.
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OMG, how on earth did a post about moving to GA to run a business and enquire about schools, supermarkets etc turn into a cockney rhyming thread and fine dining in Alicante.
BW
Maricia
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John what has happened to the 'like' button. Do you know?
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Hi puddy-woo, no I don't, I'll ask Les.
I used it myself a few times, although I couldn't see any indication that a post had been liked
Regards all
John
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It is very hard to comment on this as we don't know the motivation or the finances of the original poster. As a frequent visitor to GA and hopefully one day a second home owner or long term renter, I do not see GA as a place to make money. I say that as a dull accountant. Agree with other posters places seem to shut permanently or for many months of the year. It always strikes me as more residential than tourist. However, if the poster can 'retire' at 35 they may well have other sources of income and want somethign just to tick over rather than make huge profits. I would personally be more worried about my children going to a Spanish school, unless they could speak Spanish. We each have our own outlooks and worries I guess.
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John what has happened to the 'like' button. Do you know?
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Hi puddy-woo, no I don't, I'll ask Les.
I used it myself a few times, although I couldn't see any indication that a post had been liked
Regards all
John
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Mine works, mind you I'm on Tapatalk, there's greyed out apps at the bottom of every post on my view.
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Mine did on Tapatalk llamedos, now the symbol has disappeared
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Saying that, it did work but when I went back in it had disappeared
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We seem to have gone "off topic" a bit but just to clarify the "like" button, there has never been a "like" button on the forum and I cannot find any code that will let me install one within the SMF forum software. We do, of course, have a GAsbags Facebook page and there is a "like" on that and it seems that Tapatalk also had something similar at one time which has apparently disappeared. I have no control over the Facebook or Tapatalk software so I`m afraid we are stuck with what we´ve got.
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@Navantospain - Still coming? ;D
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There was defo a like button. I pressed it a couple of times
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Only on tapatalk, not on PC
Bert
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"Bertdove" you are right in what you say ... a "Like" has never existed on this Forum. For a number of reasons, which I won´t go into, I believe that this thread has run it´s course and I am therefore locking it. Thank you to all contributors.