For international entrepreneurs, opening a business in the United States can be both an investment and a path toward new opportunities. A licensed bar brand offers a recognized concept to build around. This article covers what foreign investors should consider. It isn’t legal or immigration advice, so consult qualified professionals.
Why a licensed brand helps
Launching a business in a new country means learning a new market. A recognized brand with proven recipes and menus reduces the number of decisions you have to make from scratch.
SHOTS licensing gives you permanent rights to the brand, recipes, menus and other assets through one one-time payment, with no royalties, terms or renewals.
Investor visa considerations
Some investors pursue an investor visa tied to owning and operating a US business. Requirements are specific and can change, so work with an experienced immigration attorney.
SHOTS can assist with the application process and help find suitable locations as an additional service.
Choosing a market
Look at population density, tourism, nightlife districts and competition. Each SHOTS territory is set by population density and market potential.
Visit candidate cities in person when possible, at night, on the days you expect to be busiest.
Building your local team
An experienced local general manager can be the difference between a smooth and a difficult launch. Look for someone who knows local licensing, vendors and hiring.
Also line up a local attorney, accountant and insurance broker familiar with hospitality.
Understanding independence
SHOTS licensees operate independently and keep 100% of the profits. The model doesn’t include ongoing management or marketing support, so your local team matters.
You’ll have access to more than a decade of SHOTS digital materials through the cloud-based support model.
Taking the next step
Financing options are available. Every SHOTS location is unique, and we strive to save startup costs for owners wherever possible, without ever sacrificing the SHOTS experience.
Select ‘Foreign investor / investor visa’ on the licensing form and the team will reach out.
Assembling your advisory team
International investors benefit from building a strong advisory team before committing. An immigration attorney can explain the requirements and timeline for any visa path you’re considering. A business attorney can help structure your company and review leases and agreements. An accountant familiar with cross-border matters can advise on taxes and reporting in both countries.
Locally, a commercial real estate broker who knows hospitality can identify suitable spaces and explain lease norms. An insurance broker can set up the coverage bars need. Most importantly, an experienced general manager can run day-to-day operations, especially if you’ll split time between countries. Interview several candidates for each role and ask for references from other hospitality clients. Meet with your team together early so they coordinate. With the right advisers, the process becomes much more predictable. When you’re ready, the SHOTS licensing team can discuss your market and, as an additional service, help with the application process and finding suitable locations.
Finally, plan for the time it takes. Visa processes, licensing and build-outs all have their own timelines, and they don’t always move together. Build a realistic schedule with your advisers, keep a buffer for delays and communicate regularly with your team. Patience and preparation are two of the most valuable assets an international investor can bring.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Relying on general online information instead of an immigration attorney.
- Choosing a market without visiting it.
- Underestimating the importance of a strong local manager.
- Overlooking local licensing timelines.
Quick checklist
- Consult an experienced immigration attorney.
- Shortlist and visit candidate markets.
- Line up a local attorney, accountant and insurer.
- Recruit an experienced general manager.
- Select the foreign investor option on the licensing form.
Frequently asked questions
Can foreign investors license SHOTS?
Yes, including investors pursuing an investor visa.
Does SHOTS help with the visa process?
SHOTS can assist with the application process and help find suitable locations as an additional service.
Is financing available?
Yes. Financing options are available.
The bottom line
A recognized brand can make a new market feel less unfamiliar. Combine it with expert local advice and a strong team.
Where SHOTS fits
SHOTS is a nightlife brand built over more than a decade on quality, ambiance and unforgettable experiences. Through brand licensing, one one-time payment gives you permanent rights to the SHOTS brand, recipes, menus and other brand assets, with no royalties, no terms and no renewals. Pay once, yours for good. Licensees operate independently and keep 100% of the profits. Every SHOTS location is unique. We strive to save startup costs for owners wherever possible, without ever sacrificing the SHOTS experience.
The SHOTS rights include:
- The right to use the SHOTS brand name in your territory.
- Access to the proven SHOTS recipes and menus.
- Digital media rights and more than a decade of SHOTS digital materials.
- Rights to produce branded merchandise.
- A location page on shotsbar.com/.
Ready to talk about your market? Request licensing info and our licensing team will reach out. Each licensing deal is tailored to fit your territory, so the first conversation is about your market, your plans and how SHOTS could work there.
