Charlotte’s hospitality industry is booming. With a population of nearly 900,000 and a strong sports and social culture, the demand for good bars and pubs is high. The city ranks among the top 10 fastest-growing metro areas in the U.S., making it a hotspot for new hospitality ventures (Source: U.S. Census Bureau).

Pubs in particular thrive in cities like Charlotte where people value community, craft beer, and live entertainment. According to the National Restaurant Association, 75% of adults say dining out is a leisure activity they enjoy, and with Charlotte’s vibrant brewery and nightlife culture, a well-designed pub can be a profitable investment.

While it’s impossible to give an exact figure without a tailored quote, here are the main costs involved in opening a pub in Charlotte:

1. Location & Real Estate

• Renting or purchasing a space is one of the biggest expenses.Costs vary depending on the area—Uptown Charlotte
• will be more expensive than areas like Plaza Midwood or NoDa, known for their indie bar scene.Leasing costs
• typically range between $30-$50 per square foot for prime hospitality locations (Source: LoopNet).

2. Interior Build-Out & Design

• Whether transforming an existing bar or starting from scratch, the interior fit-out is crucial.
• Custom bar craftsmanship, booths, snugs, and lighting all play a role.
• High-end finishes and traditional handcrafted woodwork (especially for Irish-style pubs) can increase costs but add timeless character.

3. Kitchen & Equipment

• If your pub serves food, expect additional costs for a commercial kitchen setup.
• Equipment, ventilation, and fire safety regulations must be factored in.
• Some bars opt for partnerships with food trucks to reduce upfront kitchen costs.

4. Licenses & Permits

• To serve alcohol, you’ll need a North Carolina ABC permit.

• Additional permits include buildings inspections, health department approvals, and occupancy licenses.
• These can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending of the scope of your projects.

5. Staffing & Operations

• Finding skilled bar staff, especially with experience in craft cocktails or beer, is essential.

• Many new bars underestimate payroll costs, which can be a major factor in early profitability.

• According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, average hourly wages for bartenders in North Carolina are $13.86 per hour, excluding tips.

While startup costs may seem high, a well-designed pub in a prime location can become a long-term success. On average, a pub’s profit margin ranges from 10-15%, but well-managed bars can push this higher through strong branding, food sales, and entertainment offerings (Source: Restaurant Owner).

Charlotte’s thriving beer culture means that a pub with a strong beer program—whether focused on local craft brews or an authentic Irish draft list—has the potential for higher-than-average beverage sales.

Why Work with the Irish Pub Company?

f you’re considering building a pub in Charlotte, experience matters. At the Irish Pub Company, we’ve designed and built over 2,000 pubs worldwide, blending authentic design with modern functionality. Our approach includes:

✅ Authentic Craftsmanship – From traditional Irish snugs to contemporary bar layouts.

✅ Turnkey Solutions – We handle design, fit-out, and branding so you can focus on running your business.

✅ Tailored Design for Success – Every project is designed to maximize customer experience and profitability.

Building a pub isn’t just about creating a space—it’s about crafting an atmosphere where people want to gather. Whether you envision a bustling Irish bar in South End, a gastropub in NoDa, or a classic tavern in Uptown, we can help bring your vision to life.