10 Creative Ideas to Attract More Customers and Make Your Bar More Fun
Running a bar is more than just serving good drinks, it’s about creating an experience that keeps new customers coming in and old customers coming back for more. If you’re wondering how to boost foot traffic and make your bar the go to spot in town, you’re in luck. Here are ten creative ideas to attract more people to your bar and make it the most fun place around.
1. Run Happy Hours
Happy hours are a tried and true way to bring in more customers, especially during slower times. Offer discounts on popular drinks or create a special menu with discounted cocktails, beers, and appetizers. A well promoted happy hour can turn a quiet evening into a bustling one. Consider varying the specials each week to keep things fresh and exciting. Stay on top of the other Happy Hours at businesses in your area so that you can find your niche, whether it’s the day of the week, time of day, or the kinds of drinks and apps you offer specials on.
2. Have Karaoke Nights
Who doesn’t love belting out their favorite songs? Karaoke nights can attract a wide range of customers, from seasoned performers to shy first timers. Keep the energy high with a good sound system and encourage group sing alongs to create a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Offering drink specials for performers or groups of friends can also encourage participation.
3. Host Weekly Musical Bingo
Musical Bingo is a perfect blend of trivia and entertainment, making it a fun way to draw a crowd. Instead of calling out numbers, you play snippets of popular songs, and players mark them off on their bingo cards. You can theme the night around specific music genres, decades, or holidays to keep things interesting. It’s an easy event to set up and will have customers eagerly returning each week. In a world full of karaoke and trivia, which, don’t get me wrong, are both a ton of fun too, spice things up with this relatively new form of weekly interactive entertainment, which combines the musical appeal of karaoke with the competitive draw of trivia nights.
4. Host Live Screenings of Games or Fights
If your bar has a TV, leverage it to host live screenings of major sports events or fights. Whether it’s the Super Bowl, UFC matches, or the World Cup, these big ticket events bring people together. Offer drink specials or create themed food and drink pairings based on the event to enhance the experience.
5. Host Live Screenings of Popular Shows Like The Bachelor
Live screenings aren’t just for sports fans, you can also capitalize on the popularity of hit TV shows like The Bachelor or Survivor. Create a fun, themed atmosphere where fans can gather to watch together. Offering “Bachelor” themed cocktails or appetizers inspired by the show can make your screening events even more fun and memorable. The serial nature of these shows will keep people coming back week after week to find out what happens in a more fun and lively atmosphere than just sitting around at home.
6. Host Open Mic Nights
Open mic nights are a great way to bring in local talent and create a community vibe at your bar. Whether it’s stand up comedy, poetry, or live music, open mics provide entertainment while encouraging patrons to return regularly. Highlight local talent and promote these nights heavily on social media to attract new customers. You can even offer discounts to customers if they are buying a drink for one of the performers, which is sure to make everyone have a better time.
7. Introduce Rotating Special Menu Items
It’s important to have some signature beverages and dishes that your restaurant or bar is known for, but keeping your food and drink menu fresh is a crucial way to keep regulars coming back and drawing in more patrons. Introduce rotating specials that highlight seasonal ingredients, local produce, or topical holiday themed items. Consider adding a “Bartender’s Choice” cocktail or weekly “Chef’s Recommendations” for food specials to keep things exciting and add a more personal touch.
8. Network with Local Restaurants and Bars to Organize Guest Bartender Nights
Collaborating with other local businesses can be a mutually beneficial way to help you expand your customer base. Guest bartender nights, where bartenders from other popular spots in the area take over your bar for the night, are a fun way to bring in new patrons and attract others in the industry to come check out your bar. Customers from other bars will follow their favorite bartenders, helping you bring in new faces while offering something different.
9. Schedule Pop Ups with Local Artists and Businesses
Hosting pop up events with local artists, food trucks, or small businesses can create buzz and bring new patrons to your bar. Whether it’s a craft fair, art show, or food tasting, or vintage fill a bag, these events provide a unique experience for your customers and support other local entrepreneurs, creating a win win situation for everyone involved.
10. Offer Discounts for Theme Nights
Everyone loves an excuse to dress up. Hosting themed nights, like a ‘90s throwback party or a Halloween costume contest, can make your bar feel like a special destination. Offer drink discounts to those who come dressed according to the theme to increase participation and keep spirits high. Theme nights also provide a great opportunity for fun photo ops that can help your bar trend on social media.
Conclusion: Keep Your Bar Fresh, Fun, and Engaging
In today’s competitive nightlife scene, it’s important to stay creative and keep your bar exciting. Implementing any of these ideas will not only help attract new customers but will also give your regulars something new to look forward to. Whether it’s weekly Musical Bingo, karaoke, or themed dress up nights, the key is to make your bar a place where people want to return again and again. Look to experienced entertainment companies like Good Thomas Entertainment to make hosting weekly events like these an effortless addition to your bar’s interactive entertainment roster.