Has the Pandemic changed the way we socialise?
It has taken a while, but city centres and urban areas are starting to get busier. The hospitality industry is reporting a slow but steady increase as people return to bars, pubs and restaurants for after work drinks and meals.
But you might be surprised to hear that for office-workers, it’s less about that Friday Feeling and more about Thirsty Thursday as working – and drinking habits – have changed.
With many city workers still working partially from home, a new hybrid routine has developed – with Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays becoming core office days, and Monday and Friday being the days spent at home.
“In terms of pattern in the cities, Mondays tend to be quieter, Fridays tend to be quieter, Thursday very strong,” Phil Urban, the chief executive of the pub and restaurant group Mitchells & Butlers, which owns the O’Neills and All Bar One chains told The Guardian (May 2022). “While the suburban business is still doing well, people who would have had a meal or a pint near their home are doing it in London.”
So, how can bar and restaurant owners capitalise on this change in behaviour? We have identified some top tips below:
Local Marketing
- Ensure local office workers are aware of where you are and what you can offer! Promote yourself on social media and use local marketing to drive footfall during the week. #ThirstyThursday and #ThursdayNight are popular hashtags to use on your posts.
Mid-Week Promotions
- Consider more mid-week promotions – a post 5pm Happy Hour or Drinks and Meal offers can entice customers looking for a deal. Make sure you plan your stock management to cater for any mid-week peaks. And don’t forget the soft drinks for those who are driving or up early in the morning … it is still a week night after all!
Events and Functions
- Think about functions – often co-workers might want to book a large space for a post-work event or party. Make sure you have space available and can accommodate their needs even if it is mid week.
Staff Rotas
- Review your staffing rota! You may need to schedule more staff on Thursday to cope with demand, but reduce shifts on other quieter nights.
Hopefully the transition is one that we can all benefit from. ThirstyThursdays and TGIF Friday celebrations sound good to us!
If you are looking for support for your pub, bar or restaurant, why not get in touch? Our EPOS systems seamlessly take care of payments, orders and stock leaving you time to focus on what matters. Giving your customers a great time!
For more information please email: sales@langleybusinesssystems.co.uk.
