How Can You Make Money on the Non-Alcoholic Happy Hour?

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The market for non-alcoholic drinks is growing. Reasons for sobriety are wide-ranging and can include health, religion, addiction recovery or just a commitment to being the designated driver for the evening. If you want to attract non-drinkers to your bar or restaurant, it’s important to give them options. Sure, you can offer soda, water, or juice, but that’s pretty boring – and it puts little or nothing into your till. With the rise of intriguing (and expensive!) craft cocktails, don’t sober drinkers deserve more? Doesn’t your bottom line?

Attract drinkers and non-drinkers alike 

People enjoy going out for drinks after work and on weekends. Those who don’t drink alcohol don’t want to be left out of the fun. Why not turn your beverage creativity to drinks without alcohol as well?

Feature a choice of alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails on your happy hour options. Add a zero APV brew to your beer list. Up your soft drink game with flavored seltzers, sparkling water, ginger beer, or other upscale sodas. Mexican sodas, especially, are growing in popularity.

Consider the “sober curious” 

Much like those who frequently chose vegetarian options without committing to a fulltime vegetarian lifestyle, the sober curious will often choose a non-alcoholic option. Journalist Ruby Warrington’s new book, Sober Curious: The Blissful Sleep, Greater Focus, Limitless Presence, and Deep Connection Awaiting Us All on the Other Side of Alcohol explores this trend. This wellness-oriented development can provide a wealth of opportunity for smart bars and restaurants who are willing to accommodate the needs of those looking for fun and tasty non-alcoholic options.

Happy Hour can be for food, too!

Feature easy-to-share appetizers as well as drink specials. Charcuterie boards or Mediterranean plates are simple to make with even a minimal kitchen. Flatbread pizzas are another great option that both meat-eaters and vegetarians can customize and enjoy.  Venues such as comedy clubs are switching from a two-drink minimum to a two-item minimum. This ensures that you are covering the costs of entertainment without expecting people to drink if they are abstaining for any reason.

Looking for more ideas to boost your bottom line?

The experts at Horizon Hospitality can assist you in recruiting restaurant managers who have a finger on the pulse of the latest trends and their eye on your bottom line. Contact us today to speak to one of our restaurant recruiters.

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