If you are working to get your liquor license or are otherwise taking steps to start and operate a successful bar, you might not be thinking about things like offering food for sale. However, even though it might seem like an unnecessary hassle for your business, it can be smart to serve food at a bar. These are a few reasons why you might want to think about adding some sort of menu to your new establishment.

1. Bring People in the Door

A lot of people like to head out in the evenings in search of both food and drinks. If your business only offers drinks, you might miss out on those who are looking to nosh on something delicious after a long day or week at work. If you offer tasty food -- particularly if your food is unique, affordable and/or well-received -- you can help bring more people through the door in the first place. If customers come in to have a bite to eat, there's a chance that they'll have their first drink -- and more beyond that -- at your establishment.

2. Encourage People to Stay Longer

Along with bringing people in through the door, having a menu can also help encourage people to stay at your bar a little bit longer. If customers take the time to check out the menu, place an order, wait for their food, eat and wait for their friends to finish eating, it will increase the chances of them getting to know -- and enjoy -- your bar. This can encourage customers to stay longer, which can boost profits and interest in your establishment.

3. Make it Easier to Handle Intoxicated Customers

Dealing with intoxicated customers can be a pain, but it's part of owning a bar. Luckily, if you have food to offer, you will be better equipped to handle those who have had too much to drink and not enough to eat. By offering intoxicated customers something to eat, you can encourage them to sit in one place, get something in their stomachs and sober up.

As you can see, even if you aren't thinking about serving food at your bar just yet, it is something to consider. Whether you opt to invest in full-scale equipment for a full kitchen or if you decide to keep your menu simple, providing at least minimal dining options for your customers can be a smart decision for these three reasons and many more.

Contact a company like Arizona Liquor Industry Consultants for more information.