The other day I was reading through our local newspaper, and one of the local bars and eateries had an interesting advertisement. The very popular watering hole and brunch restaurant claimed to have the; “Longest Happy Hour in the City – 12 Hours!” Indeed, I laughed, because I was reading the newspaper at Starbucks and talking to an acquaintance who I’d just met. And then I said that’s not a happy hour; “that’s a happy day,” and what an excellent restaurant bar strategy to bring in more clientele.

Being curious about the success of such a strategy, and the fact that it seemed brilliant to me, I decided to cruise by and check it out. No, I’m not really a big drinker, nor do I want to sit for 12 hours and go on a drinking binge even if the prices are super low, but my interest was in whether or not this strategy was working for them. It turns out it was, and the place was packed with no seats available. It’s just as well, as I had work to do, and I didn’t feel like taking the day off.

However, you must understand I live in a tourist destination hotspot, and a golfing community. People come here from all over the world to relax and enjoy themselves, and play a little golf. And why not go to a restaurant or bar which is under a constant and continuous happy hour? Makes sense right? Now then, what about implementing such a strategy in your restaurant, would that work for you? Remember you have to turn a profit, but with the economies of scale and the place having full with lines out the door, you might actually be able to make this happen. Read the rest of this entry »