The BIG Black Book of Bar Promotions - Introductory Guide - Promotions

Oct 13, 2026

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Marketing and promotions strategies for bars and restaurants are explored through the lens of measurable, practical actions. The introduction explains why marketing feels intimidating and difficult to evaluate, then frames promotions as an “old school” method that works due to novelty and customer excitement. It emphasizes fierce local competition and the importance of exceeding guest expectations. The text then begins listing proven bar promotion ideas, including a customized mug membership program, tournaments, and other themed events.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryGeneral

FormatPDF

Pages19

Reading Time7 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Why promotions are hard to measure

Why promotions work via novelty

Proven bar promotion ideas

Customized engraved mugs program

Weekly or monthly tournaments

Flip off Mondays promotion

Bartending classes

Trivia or karaoke night

Amazing Race

The BIG Black Book of Bar Promotions 51 of the Most Effective and Compelling Promotions Guaranteed to Pack Your Bar and Sky-‐‑Rocket Your Profits By Dave Allred, TheRealBarman Owner/CEO of Bar Patrol INTRODUCTION I think we can all agree that marketing and promotions are exhausting endeavors. That one word: Marketing, as it stands by itself, is very intimidating. Not because it’s scary, but because it’s so vague. There are so many different ways to market, which one do you choose? Which ones actually work? Put some flyers on windshields? Put a chalkboard out on the sidewalk with some clever quote? You could spend years trying to decide how to market and get people into your establishment. This is not only true of our industry but of all industries. If you look online you’ll find thousands of people claiming that they are media gurus and marketing expert, but I have as much trust in them as I do in my dog when I leave the room with a rib-eye sitting on the table. And why is that? Because it’s so goddamn hard to measure. I mean, there are ways to measure with codes you put on coupons or if they have to say they saw you on Facebook in order to receive their discount, but the ongoing measurement of these deals is exhausting and leaves you chewing your nails until your fingers are bleeding nubs while you try to figure out if it’s all worth it or not. With that said, this is not an all-encompassing marketing guide. Facebook and e-mail marketing are two of the most powerful things you can do, and we cover those in other training series. For now, let’s take that first step and look at promotions, because even though their old school, they work. And they work because they possess novelty. Something new, and people get super-excited things that are new and shiny, like a cat chasing a light on a wall. The BIG Black Book of Bar Promotions There are no two ways about it, the competition to gain customers and get them to give up their hard earned money is fierce among bars and restaurants. If you aren't creative and think up ways to pull them in, you might as well pack your shit and close up shop because your job as a bar/restaurant owner is to provide an experience that exceeds your guests expectations, and if their experience at your bar involves watching a Tuesday night tennis match on the tv while the bar across the street is rocking Tuesday night blues (cue crickets here), pour yourself a beer to cry in because you won't have guests for long. With that said, customer service is still top dog in keeping your guests coming back for more, but here are the top bar promotions that I've seen work in multiple bars over several years that will help make it rain in your bar and attract money like a magnet. In other words, they are tried and true and will turn people’s attention your way like sharks to blood. 1. Customized engraved mugs membership program. This one takes some involvement on your part, but it is as badass as it gets when it comes to bar promotions. I'm talking a Viking-like kind of bad-ass-ness, which is exactly what you'll feel like when you hoist your personalized copper or tin mug to the sky to toast your comrades while discussing village pillaging and horned helmets. I've seen this work best for a draft beer club, but you can use it in anyway you want. Basically after a regular drinks 100 draft beers (or whatever you decide) they get their name engraved on the mug and they leave it at the bar. Every time they come in, you pull their mug off the shelf and fill it up with their favorite frothy draft or grog or whatever else makes them feel manly. This promotion creates a deep customer loyalty unlike any other bar promotion I've seen, similar to frequent flier miles for an airline. 2. Host a weekly or monthly tournament. This is best to do during the beginning or middle of the week to draw people in. It could be anything that appeals to the competitive: darts, poker, pool, corn hole, beer pong.

FAQs

Why does the document say marketing is intimidating and hard to measure?

It says marketing is intimidating because it is vague and offers many choices, while ongoing measurement of promotional deals is exhausting. It notes that while some tracking is possible through coupons or social media actions, full evaluation is still difficult.

What principle does the document use to explain why promotions work?

Promotions work because they offer novelty—something new and shiny that excites people and draws attention. The text argues that even “old school” promotions succeed for this reason.

What are examples of the bar promotions listed in the document?

Examples include a customized engraved mugs membership program, hosting weekly or monthly tournaments, and “Flip off Mondays” where guests flip a coin for a discounted first drink. The document also mentions bartending classes and trivia or karaoke nights.

Oct 13, 2026

Upload by Kurz