And just like that, we’re in 2025. The post-holiday season can be a challenging time for bars and restaurants, with January and February often marking the year’s slowest sales months. With the right strategies, you can turn these quieter months into opportunities for growth and engagement.
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Start the New Year with Fresh Experiences
Start the year by creating a buzz with events or promotions tailored to New Year’s resolutions. For instance:
- Healthy Start Menus: Cater to customers focused on wellness by offering healthier meal and drink options, like low-calorie cocktails or plant-based dishes.
- Special Events: Host themed trivia nights, karaoke competitions, or tasting events that draw crowds seeking entertainment during the winter doldrums.
- Plan a Mid-Winter Celebration: Break up the monotony of the season by creating your own reason to celebrate. Host themed nights, like a “Winter Luau” or “Game Day Extravaganza,” complete with unique food, drink specials, and activities.
The Power of Gift Cards
I know, we are constantly espousing about the benefits of gift cards but January is the perfect time to bring those customers into your establishment. Encourage gift card usage with promotions like:
- Bonus discounts for paying with gift cards.
- Special perks for using a gift card, such as free appetizers or desserts.
Promote these offers on social media and through email campaigns to remind recipients of the value waiting to be enjoyed.
And speaking of email campaigns…
Engage with Targeted Marketing
The more strategic you can be with your marketing the better. Social and email are the easy, cost effective ways to get traffic but keep in mind that more traditional sources like radio and local news could offer significant discounts to advertisers during Q1.
- You have an email list—use it! Target your promotions to specific customer segments and encourage visits with tailored offers or updates.
- Highlight how your venue supports common New Year’s resolutions like spending quality time with loved ones or trying new experiences.
- Use this quieter time to solicit feedback
Seasonal Loyalty Campaigns
The slower months are ideal for ramping up your loyalty programs.
- Offer double points for visits in January and February.
- Incentivize sign-ups with discounts or free items for new members.
By rewarding repeat customers, you create a cycle of consistent engagement that can bridge the gap between the busy holiday season and spring.
Cozy Up the Atmosphere
Winter is the season of comfort. Redesign your space to feel warm and inviting with:
- Seasonal décor that reflects the coziness of winter without feeling like leftover holiday decorations.
- Curated playlists that enhance the ambiance and make your establishment the perfect escape from the cold.
Pair this with unique drink specials like spiced cocktails or warming soups to further embrace the season’s mood.
(BONUS TIP!) Leverage Technology to Stay Top-of-Mind
Use digital signage to promote daily specials, events, and limited time offers to keep your audience informed and engaged.
Want to know more about how Control Play does it?
If you’re ready to get started, let’s start your 3 Step Guest Entertainment Action Plan!
By focusing on these strategies, you can sustain momentum and position your business as the go-to spot for post-holiday fun, comfort, and connection.
