Here’s another idea for you …

A friend of mine used to have a very good restaurant/bar business that was actually like four different places rolled into one.

From 11am – 2pm: The place was open for lunch from 11 till 2 serving mostly sandwiches, soups, burgers and wings (the house specialty, which they served 15 different ways).

From 4pm – 6pm: Re-opening at 4, the place became the neighborhood pub, where regulars would gather and drink and unwind from the day in a quiet, friendly corner bar atmosphere.

From 6pm – 9pm: The kitchen would re-open at 6 serving a full menu – everything from burgers and steaks to their famous wings in a full family-friendly restaurant atmosphere.

From 9pm till close: A band would take the stage around 9 and the place became a live music club. Though the kitchen remained open till 11, no minors were admitted after 9pm unless accompanied by a parent.

All this took place in a small building of probably less than 2500 sq. ft. including kitchen, that was originally built in the 40s/50s as a deco style service station/garage. The automotive theme was kept (along with the original garage bay doors, which could be opened to a private patio on nice sunny days)and the place was decorated like a museum of antique automotive memorabilia.

The business was very successful until my friend’s wife finally forced him to sell it because of the long hours involved. A new owner took over and tried to run it strictly as a nightclub, which failed miserably.

I used to help out there frequently, doing everything from kitchen duty to bartending to doorman/bouncer. I still remember all the original recipes and might just try to reinvent the place myself someday.