Dawson Bars
Dawson Bars – How to Open a Bar (From Someone Who’s Opened 40+)
I’m Geoff Dawson, and since 1992, I’ve opened more than 40 bars across Washington, D.C., New York City, and Virginia. From pool halls and beer gardens to live music rooms and cocktail lounges, I’ve learned what works — and what doesn’t.
On this channel, you’ll find:
• Real-world advice on how to open a bar — from scouting locations to building your team
• Video walkthroughs of bars I’ve opened, including Franklin Hall, Bedrock Billiards, Penn Social, and many more
• Behind-the-scenes stories from 30+ years in nightlife
• Lessons on design, community, and bar culture in Washington, D.C. and New York City
If you’re serious about opening a bar — or just love the energy of great places to drink, gather, and play — hit subscribe and follow along.
📍 Based in Washington, D.C. + NYC
🌐 Learn more at https://dawsonbars.com
From MMA DISASTER to Bar Design: 20 Years working with Billy Colbert
Inside the 1969 Basement Bar Hidden Beneath Astro Beer Hall — A Smoky Bar Without the Smoke
Tall Boy DC: Big Beers, Smoked Wings & Shaw’s Best Laid-Back Neighborhood Bar
Every neighborhood deserves a Nanny O'Brien's; it fits like an old glove, better every day.
Our first four bars were crushing it... Velocity Grill brought us back to earth.
Quincy Hall — A New Neighborhood Favorite Born Beside a Legend
How Losing Everything Led Us Underground — RocketBar’s Origin Story
Free popcorn and a staff that truly loves this bar. Jackpot is the bomb!
Lost & Found-- Take one old building, add some love and a bit of luck, shake and pour. Perfect!
Franklin Hall was inspired by the thought of Ben Franklin and FDR sharing a drink by a fire. Perfect
25 Years of Memories… and One Heartbreaking Goodbye to Buffalo Billiards
Pinball to Pool: How a Basement Dive Became Atomic Billiards, Our Second Bar Success
My pool shark cousin got me hooked on the game, and that love created Bedrock Billiards.