Starting a club

First question:  Not to get personal, but in what kind of area do you live?  Urban, inner suburban, "normal suburban," exurban, small town, farm, beach, industrial, what?  And what region of the USA?  I've gotten a couple things going in my time and prolly have some practical info for you.

John,

I live in a suburban area, nothing huge, I'd say "normal suburban." I am in the midwest, specifically West Michigan, more specifically Hudsonville, Mi and/or Greater Grand Rapids Area.

Allright, cool... Gerald Ford country... Next question is:  do you have neighborhood friends that play OTB chess?  If so, how many?  It's crucial to get them involved.

You should call the club "pLace"

Ah, that's the problem, I don't know very many people. I know one, maybe two guys who might want to get involved, but this is a remote possibility. Part of the reason I want to start a club is to socialize a little more, meet more people in the area, and have more people to play with. Do you see a way out without friends?

Ok, this is what you can do.  We are in an economic downturn that's gone on for 4 or 5 years now.  It's probably worse in Michigan.  I'd rent a downtown Grand Rapids storefront for like $300/month, max.  Make sure it at least has a counter or bar built in.  Then get an espresso machine and coffee maker.  Real espresso machines are from Italy and can be $10k, but you could probably buy one to start out for under $1,000.  Then get a couple folding card tables and a few chairs and at least one chess board with pieces.  Hook up the power and water and you're good to go.  Get a couple guys to flyer the neighborhood, get a guy to paint your window "Chess Club" or whatever name you want it.  Put a sign on the door that says "Members only."  Once you get the guys hooked on it start charging dues.  Maybe get a couple things going on the side at your club besides chess too.  Make sure you rent a place with a back room for special situations.  That's my advice.   And I'm being totally serious, I've rented quite a few storefronts for this and that in my time -- and I'm a young guy myself.

Oh yeah, another question... Can you cook?  Know anyone that does?  Free food will be a huge draw at your club.  I'd invest in a commercial stove and oven and whip up something different every day for your guys.  That will keep them coming in and ensure your popularity with the locals.  Maybe then get a bona fide pizza oven, food and beverage license if you know the right people and the whole thing will take off.  Yeah, it'll be like an adventure.

lol @ family guy reference

Oh and if you wanna serve alcohol but the local jerk-offs are hassling you about a liquor license, just do the "bottle club" route till you get things smoothed out with the man.  Just charge your guys for the right to bring it in, the right to store it at your club, and the right to pour it in a glass that you provide.  Remember, at that point, you're only providing the space and the glass, while the patrons are providing the alcohol.  What I suggest is $15 a bottle, and $2-5 for each pop.  Trust me, do it like this and you'll be raking in so much dough that you will be able to upgrade to nicer stuff, nicer furniture, chess boards, real wood House of Staunton pieces, maybe part time staff, in no time kid.

John,

Your advice is good, but I was thinking something more casual, a lot of coffee shops and book stores in my area are open to hosting a club.

300 bucks a month for a downtown storefront? not happening, 300 bucks might be what I pay to get in cleaned up.

Yeah i think the commerical landlords may be posting inflated prices for their shops... just walk around downtown and look for the "to rent" signs... hit the ones that have been for rent for a while...offer them the $300.  I'm sure they will take it.  I live in Miami and Miami's a much bigger city than Grand Rapids.

For an idea of managing a group of chess players, you could try creating a chess.com group :-)

all very good suggestions, thanks guys

You could drop into the chess in the park event on Monday's in July over in Holland :D.  Starts at 7pm, 3 left!  @ Moran Park Gazebo 150 W 22nd Street, Holland MI 49423