Patio Season Checklist

Mar. 17, 2015

Few on premise opportunities reap revenue rewards as quickly as a patio can. Add an infamous Midwestern winter to the equation and you’re sure to have a bunch of hunkered down bar and restaurant-goers teeming with anticipation for the spring. 

We caught-up with our very own Nightlife Supplier Support Manager James Feeley and asked him to relay the essential tips for setting up shop on the patio to maximize sales throughout the sunny seasons ahead.

1.) Plan a Launch: 

Consider offering an exclusive group of loyal customers the opportunity to sample the cocktails you’ll be serving-up for the spring by throwing a preview party prior to your first official patio day. Rewarding customers for their business will only inspire them to spend another season patronizing your establishments—and they’ll most likely spread the word on social media.

2.) Invest in Seasonal Swag from Supplier Partners: 

Work closely with your Wirtz Beverage Sales Consultant this season to stock-up on umbrellas, pitchers, and other branded items that can help you up sell mixed drinks and craft beers to your spring time patio crowd. 

3.) Coordinate a Cohesive Events Schedule for the Season: 

Tap local resources to make sure your event schedule is consistent with the festivals, sporting events, and holidays the local community values. If you’re looking to develop relationships with a broader range of customers, patio season is the perfect time to test the waters by featuring a sport, band, or holiday as a part of your business plan. 

4.) Develop Spring-Inspired Features and Pairings: 

Inspire your customers to Spring clean their standard drink order by featuring seasonal food pairings and highlighted cocktails and craft beers. Nurturing the emergence of new cocktail recipes and menu items with attractive pairings can make your patio stand out above the competition. Collaborate with your Sales Consultant to find the pairing ideas that work best with your customer’s existing favorites.

5.) Update your Social Media Channels with Proper Information: 

When the time is right, update your fans and followers on social media with information about your establishment for the season. Include the hours your patio will be open, seasonal specials, and planned events.

Contact your Wirtz Beverage Sales Consultant today to get a jump-start on the patio season!