How your bar can get more involved in your local community
There are multiple benefits to making your business an active part of your local community, from improved visibility and brand image to a boost in customer numbers and easier recruitment and retention. In this article, we suggest just some of the many possible ways to support your community. Find one that’s right for your bar, or come up with your own creative way to get involved.
How your bar can become more involved in your community
Source locally
Buying directly from local producers supports other small business owners in your area, keeps money in the community and helps your business put down strong roots. Having local beers, spirits, wines or food on your menu also helps your bar to celebrate provenance and create a sense of place.
Sponsor local teams or events
Whether it’s sponsoring a local sports team or supporting other community events, this is great PR and can be a fantastic way to put down stronger roots in your area. Forming connections with local groups can also open up new opportunities for collaboration, learning and growth.
Host your own events
Can you use quieter days to host events at your bar? If Monday afternoons are always dead, you could close for customers and host workshops or tastings that align with your offering. This can bring in additional revenue and provide a fun way for people to connect and learn new skills.
Donate to local causes
Show you care by donating money or time to fundraisers for local charities, relief programmes and other causes. You could also partner with a charity and set up a standing donation where a certain percentage of sales of a particular drink is redirected to their cause. Include 1-2 paid annual volunteer days in your employment contracts and encourage your staff to use these days to get involved in the community in a way that feels meaningful for them. Alternatively, close for one day a year and do volunteer work as a team – this is a great way of strengthening employee bonds.
Offer your space
Offer your space for local groups to have meetings or small events, establishing your business as a community hub. This could be in private function rooms, if you have them, or simply during quieter business times.
Highlight local talent
Use your space to showcase the creative talent in your community. Why not offer the walls in your bar as an art gallery for local artists? Hosting live local music is another great way to connect with your community while attracting new customers.
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