Different Ways To Run a Pub
There are many different ways to run your own pub business and some business models come with more risk than others. Before you get the keys to your own pub, it is important you do your research to decide which business model is best for you. This includes seeking independent professional advice.
Greene King Pub Partners Operating Models
At Greene King Pub Partners, we believe in the partnership model – this is where we partner with you, combining your flair with our expertise and 200 years of experience – to create great pub business together.
At Greene King Pub Partners, we offer two different ways for you to run your own pub business. This is either as a pub franchisee, or as a pub tenant or lessee.
These are two very different operating models, which reflect the different levels of support you may want or need from us in order to make your pub a success. No matter which model you operate with us, as your business partner we’ll be there to help you wherever we can to make your pub businesses a success.
Other operating models
Other operating models include managed pubs, where you are employed to run a pub, and free houses, where a pub is fully owned by you.
Managed pub
In a managed pub, you are directly employed by a brewery or pub company who owns the pub business and property to run the pub. In return, you receive a salary or wages. Everyone working in the pub is employed by the pub company or brewery, who also has responsibility for the management and upkeep of the pub.
Free house pub
With a free house pub, you own the pub property yourself and are self-employed. As such, you employ everyone in the pub and are responsible for paying their salaries and wages. As you own the pub building too, you are responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of your property.
Independent advice
If you are not sure which business model is right for you, it might be best to seek independent professional advice from an expert. The British Institute of Innkeeping (BII), the independent trade body which supports publicans across the UK, has verified suppliers and partners whom you can seek advice from. The BII also has lots of information on their website that you can use to get a better understanding of which pub business model might be best for you.