Many bars and restaurants are closed for in-person business. But eventually, all bars and restaurants will reopen.
And the good news is, as the public is chomping at the bit to get out – they will go. In droves. Ensure your bar/restaurant is ready to welcome them with open arms and keep them coming back. Because, habits may change and loyalties may not last: meaning, Americans set free to be in public may immediately go back to what they are used to but are more open than ever to go to the competition. Anywhere.
And this is where you are set perfectly to deploy promotional campaigns that lure and keep a fresh customer base who is, more than ever, so happy and excited to be there.
That said, the elephant in the room is, of course, budget. Many small businesses will likely be operating on a shoestring so may not be able to obtain or refill logoed merchandise. But lean-and-mean is never forever; the economy will get back on track and this means more funds allowable for creative and on-point promotions.
Likely too, many bars may reconfigure their spaces to keep up a rudimentary social distance and this, of course, cuts into profits.
So, what is the best approach? Look ahead and decide on the goals you want to achieve in six months, one year and two years. This is the perfect time as you rebuild your businesses in post-COVID-19.
Glassware, napkins, coasters, stirrers; all these are basic.
According to Buzztime Business, there are more integrative and memorable promotional activities that can be started.
Create fun competitions with giveaways. For example, trivia nights, “Bar Olympics” with typical backyard beer games (beer pong, flip cup, cornhole), dart tournaments, karaoke, and suggest theme nights, such as 70s, 80s and 90s that can include trivia contests. Nice choices for winners include a fleece hoodie, charging stations, earbuds, visors. Another fun addition to suggest is a big eat for the bar – such as a huge portion of chicken wings, for example, for someone who wants to take the challenge and win a printed garment announcing the person won the challenge.
Bars can also celebrate their own anniversaries with special “10” or any other number glasses to mark the occasion. Encourage other fun attractions such as “battle of the bartenders,” where, according to the article, “every month, challenge two bartenders to a mix-off; offer bar and restaurant promotions around the drinks they create.
Is there something special or unique about your bar client? Bring that out. It could be a food item, a cocktail, a milestone, a historic element. This message can be its own logo and appear on guest check holders, napkins, coasters and employee aprons and uniforms.
Within the community, as it too recovers, suggest that the bar client sponsor a team or a charity run.
When professional athletic leagues open back up, this is a great promotion for your bar clients to celebrate and welcome fans.
The concept of conviviality, of sharing, of being together again to enjoy cocktails and conversation will be welcome in a way that recalls the day Prohibition was over. Your creative partnership will help lead your bars out of the darkness and into the good times.