Why December and January Are the Perfect Months to Start a Trivia Night at Your Bar
As a bar or restaurant manager, you might think it’s better to start a new trivia night during the slower months of February and March. After all, why add something new to your calendar when foot traffic is already strong during the holiday and early winter season? However, starting a trivia night in December or January can actually set you up for greater success—not just during the busier months but throughout the year. Here’s why:
1. Capitalize on Higher Foot Traffic
December and January naturally bring more patrons to your establishment. From holiday parties and end-of-year celebrations to New Year’s outings, these months see an increase in people dining out and meeting up with friends. By launching a trivia night during this period, you have a built-in audience to help you gain momentum.
One of the best ways to grow a successful trivia night is through word of mouth. No matter how much advertising you do, many players will discover your trivia night by chance. Imagine a group coming in for dinner, stumbling upon a trivia night, and enjoying themselves so much that they return week after week. This organic growth is much easier to achieve when your venue is already bustling.
2. Build Your Audience for Slower Months
While February and March are typically slower months for the bar and restaurant industry, a strong trivia night can be your secret weapon to keep sales steady. Starting your trivia night in December or January allows you to build a loyal audience during peak months. That way, when foot traffic dips later in the year, you already have a dedicated group of regulars who come specifically for trivia.
If you start in February or March, you’re starting with fewer faces in the room. While it’s certainly possible to grow a trivia night during these months, the process will take longer because your starting audience is smaller. A December or January launch gives you a head start, ensuring that your trivia night is well-established by the time the quieter months roll around.
3. Create a New Experience for the New Year
The New Year is a time when people are looking for fresh activities and ways to socialize. Adding a trivia night to your schedule in January aligns perfectly with this mindset. It’s an easy way to attract customers who are looking for something new to do and to encourage them to make your bar or restaurant part of their weekly routine.
4. Boost Sales on Otherwise Slow Nights
Trivia is a proven way to drive sales on slower nights, such as Mondays, Tuesdays, or Wednesdays. Even in December and January, these midweek nights tend to be quieter compared to weekends. A trivia night gives customers a reason to come out on these days, increasing food and drink sales and keeping your staff busy.
5. Set Yourself Apart from the Competition
By starting your trivia night in December or January, you position your bar or restaurant as a go-to destination during a busy season. Many venues overlook the opportunity to launch events during these months, thinking it’s unnecessary. This gives you a competitive edge by creating a unique experience that draws customers in—and keeps them coming back.
THINK AHEAD FOR SUCCESS!
Starting a trivia night during the busy months of December and January might seem counterintuitive, but it’s actually the best way to ensure long-term success. By leveraging the increased foot traffic and building a loyal audience early, you set your trivia night up to thrive—even during the slower months. So don’t wait until February or March to get started. Launch your trivia night now, and watch as it becomes a cornerstone of your bar or restaurant’s weekly lineup.