Last updated on June 26th, 2024

Nothing screams “summer” like a cold brew or cocktail and…

Finish that sentence with the right marketing plan, events, and special touches to make the most of the 2024 summer season.

Here are some ideas to help get you started:

• If you’re bringing on the summer brew – typically a lighter 4% to 5% AC for easy drinking, pale ales, and fruit beers – have a naming contest, tasting, and launch party.
• Create an outdoor seating area. Take advantage of the local view or landscape or build a space with a summer theme where people want to come, relax, and have fun.
• Add music and entertainment. Feature local bands or create a summer playlist. Get guests moving with line dancing lessons. Have a weekly summer movie night – think Jaws, Caddyshack, and Dirty Dancing. Invite the local ice cream or hot dog truck to stop by periodically.
• Don’t forget the games – trivia, cornhole, volleyball, and more.
• Summer-up your menu. Get creative with drinks and their names. Have fun with charcuterie boards and grazing tables. Incorporate local produce into your menu. Serve drinks in small coolers and snacks in mini picnic baskets.
• Update your décor to make it feel like summer. Find what works with your brand. Explore flowers, scented candles, lighting, fun seating, misting fans, tabletop firepits with smores kits, and anything Hawaiian.
• Support local businesses. Incorporate local business products into your menu and décor. If you’re hosting contests, offer prizes from local businesses to build goodwill and a sense of community.
• Hold a fundraiser. Pick a local cause or, even better, a couple of different ones.
• Invite the dog! Whether you make it an everyday thing or a special event, allow paying customers to bring their furry friend and treat them to something on a dog-friendly menu item.
• Create a club, with free tastings, a birthday drink, and even a personalized glass that can be used for discounted drinks.
• Host a tour, pub crawl, brew festival, or scavenger hunt. Join together with other local brewers and restaurants to create an “experience” or “event.”
• Put your feelers out for local farmers markets, community tag sales, county fairs, and other summer events that may need sponsors and vendors.

As you focus on making the most of the upcoming busy season, remember, RBT CPAs can help lighten your load by handling all of your accounting, audit, advising, and tax needs. Find out how we can be Remarkably Better Together. Give us a call or drop us a line.

RBT CPAs is proud to say 100% of its work is prepared in America. Our company does not offshore work, so you always know who is handling your confidential financial information.