what do people want in a bar?

Question

we opened a bar business a couple of months ago. At first, business is good but lately, people coming in the bar gets fewer. What do you suggest? Any new idea for promotions, gimmick or advertisements? What do people really want in a bar? What do they enjoy most in a bar?

Answer 1

As a long time bartender I would say that the bartender is key. Hire a good looking girl with personality....one that is mature and knows how to subtly flirt with the customers without going overboard. Next.....that games like trivia that sit on the bar are good to have around and add income. If you have a pool table great....if not and have the room, get one. If you can sell package goods, do it....add income and makes people stop in and see the place. Frosted mugs of beer are great, especially if cheap. Can you serve food? Do Taco Tuesday.....or something like that (3 tacos for a buck in a basket)......as far as your advertising goes it has to be very gimmicky. I have done award winning designs in that respect (bartending was my other job)....email me if you need some help [e-mail] and put bar ideas in the caption line

Answer 2

For me its music, alcohol selection (and specials!), and the service staff.

Music: Nothing booming through the speakers so loud that I can't have a conversation. I personally would LOVE to find a nice piano or jazz bar.

Alcohol: Nothing makes me crazier when a place doesn't have Grey Goose. And it also pizzes me off when they have specials like 2-4-1 (which I love!) but don't include the goose! I understand that you have to charge more for it, but still include it!!! And 2-4-1 specials always reel us in.

Staff: They need to be polite, well trained, and well-dressed. Of course, this goes along with my whole desire to find an upscale type bar... but I prefer staff to be in black and white -- easily identifiable. They should also be smart enough to recognize regulars or even potential regulars and treat them very well!

A few other things that pop into my mind:

Lighting: Not too bright! No woman wants the lights to be up and in her face highlighting make-up and flaws! Soft lighting and candlelight are best!
Possible promos: Martini night (offer several at great prices); 25 cent beers (in small cups, of course!); Wine tastings

Regardless of the style of bar be certain you have several TVs that carry all the important games. See, in that instance both my hubby and I will be happy -- he doesn't care where we are as long as there is beer and sports and I'm happy becuase it is classier than the sports bar with peanuts on the floor.

Answer 3

around here theres a bar that has .25 cent beer night from i think 8-10 or 11 pm every thursday night so maybe you can do the same and change the day, and list night they had all you can drink for $5 from 8-12, also get new that you guys are new and you are open to the public, also make sure your liqour isnt any more expensive then the guy next door. maybe some kareokee (probly spelled it wrong), some DJ's (maybe get some begginers to start with, you know the ones that will do anything just to get the name out there and not to worried about doing it for the money),

Answer 4

When you're talking about a bar, it is true that sex sells. Think about Hooter's - the food is terrible, but it's served to you by half naked chics. So, for a bar, I would say having hot bartenders of both sexes is a good thing. Also, you have to have a ladies night (at least once a week) where the women drink either for free or for very little. If the drunk chics are there, then the heavy drinking, high paying, drunk guys will come.

Answer 5

Number one thing is a good bartender. Doesn't matter what the environment is....... you need someone with a bit of intelligence and is able to talk to anyone...... redneck to rich guy. Someone who finds out the name of every regular in there because you can stop for a beer anywhere. Are you bartending or always hanging around? Not a good idea, customers don't like that. Find someone, give them some trust and let them entertain........ not doing so is the number one reason bars fail. A good bartender will find out what the customers want and can then tell you..... not you trying to figure out what they might want. Its cheaper that way too. Also you simply must give away a drink here and there.... no promo tab=no bar.

Answer 6

I used to tend bar and we were always pretty busy.
Pool tables - start a league or have a weekly tournament.
Electronic Dart Boards - league or weekly
Juke Box with decent music that gets changed out regularly
Decent drink prices
And it never hurts to have attractive bartenders.

I used to go to a bar that would have you write your name on your donated dollar bills and then they tacked it to the ceiling. Every year they donated that money to the local children's home.

Talk to your distributors and see if they have any promotions they can offer you. Contact one of the alcohol companies who have "girls" ie Bud Girls, Jaeger Girls, etc. and arrange to have them come out, that's always a big draw if advertised well.

Happy hour specials, happy hour muchies or food specials can also be a big draw.

Good luck!!

Answer 7

have quarter mania beer night.
dart boards and a pool table
daily drink special
happy hour
juke box

Find a niche, something no one else has. Ask the people who do come in your bar if they have any ideas, suggestions, or changes they'd like to see.

I love being able to play my fave songs, play some pool, and drink for awesome prices!!!

Answer 8

Invest in a Megatouch machine. They take up hardly any space on a bar.

Hire a kicking hot bartender and make her wear a tank top. Sex sells.

Answer 9

Music. Hot chicks. interactive stuff like graffitti boards. Bubbles. different areas to hang out includeing vip kinda rooms. sporting events and pay per veiws.
good luck

Answer 10

well maybe a little live music.. a little food. maybe flyers get great promoters. maybe a singles night... make sure u got great liquor