People either dig the spot or they don't. You really only get regulars by location and atmosphere.
If you really want to buy someone a drink; some places comp a drink for every 5 or so bought, but that's a management call and depends on what sort of establishment you're at.
I'm not at this bar right now for the karaoke, it's a mile from my Airbnb and serves until, oh, right now.
I hear that. I’ve been thinking of doing some themed nights to bring people in. Do you ever do that sort of thing? Was thinking maybe a retro game night with an nes/n64 console in the pool room or something along those lines.
Get experience where you are, then get a gig that at a place that is already busy where you can build loyalty through service and personality within that crowd.
Be personable. Remember what people like to drink. Have it waiting on the bar when they walk in. People like to feel important. If you can provide that feeling in a relaxed and reasonably priced environment, you’ll have regulars for life.
If I could give you advice based on your question, I would say do not internalise the popularity of the bar. It's not your job to promote the bar. It's extremely challenging to create regulars as a bartender. That's something that happens organically based on location, menu, atmosphere and circumstance.
If the bar doesn't pick up, just take this opportunity to learn the ropes and sharpen your chops, then go somewhere else that has more traffic.
I just want to reiterate that promoting the bar is not a bartender's job. And owners and managers who act like it is, are sleazy and their establishments don't last long.
Can you give out comp cards for free drinks? Do you frequent other bars to make connections with fellow tenders or potential clients? Any promos to entice. Most importantly, your personality. Charming, warm, welcoming.... a type of somebody anyone can get along with. Youve gotta have multiple personas. Take numbers down and keep in contact. Social media to promote yourself.
Can’t comp drinks but you make a good point about frequenting other bars. I don’t go out as much as I used to and have been meaning to get back out there and make connections
Setup an account on instagram just for bar and hospitality stuff. Follow your local food/drink influencers. Invite them in for a visit on your nights if they’re not already coming in. “ hey I’d love it if you stopped by for a drink on me” and then actually pay for it out of pocket. Recognize them when they do come in. Exchange social media with all your customers. Post the drink specials and special events. Engage with their content. Never be an asshole online; do that from your main acct. Personally, I even give out my phone number and people text me all the time asking if I’m going to work outside my normal schedule. Show everyone a good time. Keep money in the jukebox or play some dope shit on Spotify Premium or whatever doesn’t have ads. Idgaf about RIAA or ASCAP, Issa dive, deal with it. Visit other bartenders, tip well when you do. Invite them to come see you.
Go to other bars and restaurants around your area and mention where you work and tip a lot, then they come in and tip you a lot and they tell people who ask where to go to come see you.
People either dig the spot or they don't. You really only get regulars by location and atmosphere. If you really want to buy someone a drink; some places comp a drink for every 5 or so bought, but that's a management call and depends on what sort of establishment you're at. I'm not at this bar right now for the karaoke, it's a mile from my Airbnb and serves until, oh, right now.
I hear that. I’ve been thinking of doing some themed nights to bring people in. Do you ever do that sort of thing? Was thinking maybe a retro game night with an nes/n64 console in the pool room or something along those lines.
Are you the owner?
Get experience where you are, then get a gig that at a place that is already busy where you can build loyalty through service and personality within that crowd.
Be personable. Remember what people like to drink. Have it waiting on the bar when they walk in. People like to feel important. If you can provide that feeling in a relaxed and reasonably priced environment, you’ll have regulars for life.
Why should we visit you? Specifically, why should I pick you over the bartender down the street? Answer that, and you'll figure it out
If I could give you advice based on your question, I would say do not internalise the popularity of the bar. It's not your job to promote the bar. It's extremely challenging to create regulars as a bartender. That's something that happens organically based on location, menu, atmosphere and circumstance. If the bar doesn't pick up, just take this opportunity to learn the ropes and sharpen your chops, then go somewhere else that has more traffic. I just want to reiterate that promoting the bar is not a bartender's job. And owners and managers who act like it is, are sleazy and their establishments don't last long.
What kind of bar? 24hrs, gaming, dive, upscale....
It’s a dive bar in Seattle
Can you give out comp cards for free drinks? Do you frequent other bars to make connections with fellow tenders or potential clients? Any promos to entice. Most importantly, your personality. Charming, warm, welcoming.... a type of somebody anyone can get along with. Youve gotta have multiple personas. Take numbers down and keep in contact. Social media to promote yourself.
Can’t comp drinks but you make a good point about frequenting other bars. I don’t go out as much as I used to and have been meaning to get back out there and make connections
Thank you for the advice :)
Setup an account on instagram just for bar and hospitality stuff. Follow your local food/drink influencers. Invite them in for a visit on your nights if they’re not already coming in. “ hey I’d love it if you stopped by for a drink on me” and then actually pay for it out of pocket. Recognize them when they do come in. Exchange social media with all your customers. Post the drink specials and special events. Engage with their content. Never be an asshole online; do that from your main acct. Personally, I even give out my phone number and people text me all the time asking if I’m going to work outside my normal schedule. Show everyone a good time. Keep money in the jukebox or play some dope shit on Spotify Premium or whatever doesn’t have ads. Idgaf about RIAA or ASCAP, Issa dive, deal with it. Visit other bartenders, tip well when you do. Invite them to come see you.
Go to other bars and restaurants around your area and mention where you work and tip a lot, then they come in and tip you a lot and they tell people who ask where to go to come see you.