How to Host a Speed Dating Event at Your Restaurant
Hosting a speed dating night is an excellent opportunity for your restaurant or bar to facilitate romance while also attracting new patrons. Many businesses charge participants a registration or cover fee, which, along with food drink sales, will increase your revenue. In addition to creating a pleasant and playful environment, a successful speed dating event will strengthen your restaurant's reputation and improve the likelihood of drawing first time or repeat customers.
What is Speed Dating?
The first speed dating event took place in California in late 1998 and was inspired by a rabbi who sought to help Jewish singles meet new people and get married. Speed dating is designed to give participants the opportunity to go on mini dates with anywhere from 10 to 25 (or more) people in a single evening. Each date lasts between 3 and 10 minutes, giving the pair time to get to know each other while also keeping them from being stuck with a bad match for too long.
During the dating portion of the evening, a predetermined group of individuals will stay seated at the same tables throughout the night, while the rest of the participants will move from table to table. When the allotted time is up, the host will ring a buzzer or bell signifying that it is time to move to the next date. At the end of the event, participants write down the names of anyone they are interested in; if there is a match, the host will forward contact information to both people within a day or so.
How Should You Prepare?
With the proper tools, planning and executing a successful speed dating night can be both exciting and fulfilling. Once you have decided to host an event, you should begin advertising at least a month in advance to give potential participants plenty of time to sign up. Depending on the size and popularity of your restaurant, consider advertising online, through signage outside your restaurant, in your town's newspaper or magazine, or even on the local radio or TV station.
You could also look into partnering with an online dating site like Match.com or eHarmony, both of which frequently hold regional speed dating events for members. On the special night, it can also be helpful to have a small card with helpful "getting to know you" questions at each table to facilitate conversation between potentially bashful participants. Additionally, provide each individual with a card and writing utensil for them to note the dates they felt the most connection with and are interested in getting to know further.
Why Should You Host a Speed Dating Event?
Much like a trivia or karaoke night, hosting a speed dating event is sure to bring more customers through your doors, boost sales, and allow you to show off your restaurant as fun, welcoming, and the place to be. Whether you have 10 participants or 50, you'll also leave with a few extra dollars in your pocket through registration or cover fees. Most hosts charge between $20 and $80 per person.
Be sure to also have your bar open and stocked, as a drink or two can go a long way towards helping participants relax and open up. You can also offer appetizers and small plates for customers to munch on after the dates have finished up and everyone is mingling. All of these elements create more revenue and visibility for your establishment, which will attract new customers and increase the likelihood of your throwing another lucrative speed dating night.
When it comes to hosting the perfect speed dating night, a little preparation goes a long way. The most important thing to remember is that, ultimately, you are providing a comfortable and welcoming environment for vulnerable singles looking to meet a mate. After all, two of your participants may fall in love, live happily ever after, and, even more importantly, tell everyone they know about how wonderful your restaurant is.
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Blackout Wednesday Marketing
While restaurants capitalize on catering Thanksgiving events and special menus to attract people on Thanksgiving day, bars make their profits the night before Thanksgiving, now infamously dubbed Blackout Wednesday. Also known as Drinksgiving, Blackout Wednesday is the cultural phenomenon of people gathering to enjoy a fun night out at the bar with friends the evening before Thanksgiving. It's driven by college students and young adults returning to their hometowns for the holidays. While this should be a time of comradery and catching up, Blackout Wednesday has a dark reputation, unfortunately. Bars and restaurants see a large increase in alcohol sales on this day, raising safety concerns. Despite its reputation, bar owners have the opportunity to create a redemptive experience for the notorious culture of Drinksgiving. We walk you through Blackout Wednesday bar marketing strategies that draw customers in and create a safe environment for them both while they’re at your business and after they leave it. Skip to the Blackout Wednesday marketing idea that most interests you: Fall Beer Flight Reunion Theme Angel Shots Give to Charity Turkey Costume Contest Transportation Services Speciality Mocktails Pumpkin Kegs Team Spirit Theme To-Go Packages Drinksgiving Promotions Drinksgiving has become a popular tradition for many young adults to gather with friends and kick off the holiday season with a night of revelry. For businesses in the food and beverage industry, Blackout Wednesday presents a unique marketing opportunity. Here are some tips to help you make the most of the occasion and help keep customers safe while they cut loose. 1. Offer a Fall Beer Flight Offer a flight of fall beers to attract guests to your bar the night before Thanksgiving. This allows customers to sample a variety of craft beers that capture the essence of the season. Craft beers have gained immense popularity in recent years, and their special appeal makes them a perfect choice for a fall beer flight. Even large breweries offer selections of fall-flavored beer to choose from. From pumpkin ales to Oktoberfest lagers, breweries have embraced the flavors and aromas associated with fall. These beers often incorporate seasonal ingredients like pumpkin, spices, and even apple cider, creating a sensory experience that captures the essence of autumn. By offering a flight of fall beers, you can provide your customers with a unique and memorable drinking experience, encouraging them to step out of their comfort zone and try something new. 2. Create a Reunion-Themed Event Since Blackout Wednesday is driven by groups of college students and young adults reuniting over the Thanksgiving holiday, embrace this reality and host a “Reunion” themed night at your bar for Drinksgiving. This theme is a great way to attract customers who are looking to reconnect with old friends and classmates while enjoying a night out. To create a successful reunion-themed bar event, consider incorporating elements that will evoke a sense of nostalgia. Start by promoting the event on social media platforms and through targeted email marketing campaigns to reach your target audience of college students and young adults. Decorations: Decorate your bar with memorabilia from the past, such as old yearbooks, sports jerseys, and vintage posters. This will create a nostalgic atmosphere and encourage guests to reminisce about their shared past. Photo Booths: Set up photo booths with props that represent different eras, allowing guests to capture memories with their friends. Drink Specials: To further enhance the reunion theme, offer drink specials that pay homage to popular drinks from the past with a fun twist like our 90s-inspired frozen espresso martini recipe. Music: Incorporate live music or hire a DJ to play popular songs from the attendees’ high school years. This will set the mood and create a lively and energetic atmosphere that will keep guests engaged throughout the night. 3. Protect Patrons with Angel Shots While Drinksgiving celebrations should be a time for fellowship, it's important to address the darker aspects that can arise from excessive alcohol consumption. One such concern is the potential for sexual harassment and violence that can occur. As a business owner or manager, it is crucial to prioritize the safety and well-being of your patrons. One effective way to do this is by implementing angel shots. Angel shots are a discreet way for customers to signal to bar staff that they are in an uncomfortable or potentially dangerous situation. By ordering an angel shot, patrons can discreetly communicate their need for assistance without drawing attention to themselves. Angel shots have gained popularity in recent years as a means of preventing sexual harassment and violence in bars. When patrons feel safe and valued in your establishment, they are more likely to return and recommend your business to others. Word-of-mouth marketing is a powerful tool, and by actively promoting the use of angel shots, you can enhance your reputation as a responsible and customer-centric establishment. 4. Give a Percentage of Sales to Charity Embrace the spirit of giving back and gratitude during the holidays and donate a percentage of sales to charity. By allocating a portion of the proceeds from Blackout Wednesday to charitable organizations, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility while also engaging customers in a meaningful way. To maximize the impact of the donation, communicate your charitable initiative through marketing channels such as social media, email newsletters, and on-premise signage. By sharing the story behind the donation and highlighting the positive outcomes it will bring, businesses can inspire customers to participate and spread the word. When deciding on the percentage of sales to donate, consider your financial capabilities and the impact you hope to achieve. While there is no fixed rule, a common practice is to donate around 5% to 10% of the total sales generated. This percentage strikes a balance between making a substantial contribution and ensuring your business’ financial viability. This strategy not only generates goodwill among consumers but also creates a sense of purpose and connection with the brand. Moreover, businesses can enhance the effectiveness of their charity initiatives by selecting causes that resonate with their target audience. For example, a sports bar might support a local sports team and an LGBTIQA+ bar might donate to alliance organizations. 5. Host a Turkey Costume Contest One creative and fun way to draw a crowd is by hosting a turkey costume contest during your Blackout Wednesday event. By inviting participants to dress up as turkeys, you create a lively and engaging atmosphere that encourages social interaction. Set up a designated area for participants to showcase their costumes and encourage them to interact with the audience. Consider having a panel of judges to evaluate the costumes and determine the winners. This not only attracts customers but also encourages them to stay longer, increasing sales and revenue for your bar. Use these tips to host and promote your turkey costume contest Promote the Contest: To attract college students, market it on TikTok to create buzz and generate interest. Design Eye-Catching Graphics: Make your Instagram posts stand out with aesthetically alluring graphics that showcase the fun and excitement of the contest. Partner with Local Influencers: Social media personalities can help spread the word about your contest to a wider audience. Offer Prizes: Discounts and prizes incentivize participation in the turkey costume contest. Back to Top 6. Offer Transportation Services To keep customers safe and promote responsible drinking, consider offering transportation services. Partnering with taxis or rideshare companies can provide a convenient and safe option for those who aren’t fit to drive. This can be a win-win situation, as the transportation service gains exposure and potential new customers, while your establishment benefits from increased patronage. Negotiate rates or discounts that are favorable for both your business and your customers. Promoting your transportation services is essential to ensure that your customers are aware of this added convenience. Use mobile marketing tactics to inform customers. Highlight the importance of responsible drinking and emphasize your commitment to their safety and well-being. Offering discounted or free rides can make your establishment stand out from the competition and attract more customers who appreciate the extra care and consideration you provide. 7. Promote Speciality Mocktails By including mocktails on your Drinksgiving menu, you can help prevent drunk driving incidents and promote responsible drinking. Mocktails offer a refreshing and enjoyable alternative for those who choose not to consume alcohol, whether due to personal preference, health reasons, or for those who are designated drivers. With the increasing focus on sober nightlife and the sober curious movement, there has been a shift towards offering exciting mocktails on bar menus. When creating a mocktail menu, incorporate a variety of flavors and ingredients to appeal to different tastes. Use fresh fruits, herbs, and unique flavor combinations to create enticing mocktails that stand out like our blackberry mocktail mule recipe. Lean into the Thanksgiving theme and offer cocktails with classic fall flavors that showcase your bartenders' creativity. In addition to the flavor profiles, presentation is key. Garnish with edible flowers, dried fruit peels, and luster dust. 8. Use Pumpkin Kegs One creative way to attract customers to your bar on the night before Thanksgiving is by making pumpkin kegs. A pumpkin keg is exactly what it sounds like, a pumpkin that has been hollowed out and turned into a keg. This innovative idea adds a touch of seasonal flair to your bar and can create buzz on social media. Spread the word and attract customers by promoting images of the pumpkin kegs. Consider creating a dedicated hashtag for your pumpkin keg promotion and encourage customers to share their pictures and experiences using the hashtag. This not only helps to generate buzz and excitement around your bar but also allows you to track the reach and engagement of your holiday marketing efforts. 9. Celebrate Team Spirit Football is an essential part of Thanksgiving for many, so a creative way to make your bar stand out on Blackout Wednesday is to create a sports-themed event. This marries the excitement of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday with the community's passion for local sports teams. To make this event truly special, consider featuring the mascot of the local team. The mascot represents the spirit and pride of the community and incorporating it into the event can evoke a sense of nostalgia and camaraderie among attendees. Consider setting up a designated area where guests can take photos with the mascot or team-related props. Follow these tips to market a sports theme: Sports Decor: Incorporate team colors, banners, and memorabilia throughout your business. Drink Specials: Create themed cocktails or mocktails that pay homage to the local team. Activities: Organize sports-themed games or trivia contests that allow attendees to showcase their knowledge and passion for the local team. Collaborate with Local Businesses: Partnering with local businesses like sports apparel stores or local sports bars creates cross-promotional opportunities. This can help generate buzz and attract a larger crowd to your Blackout Wednesday event. 10. Promote To-Go Packages Some people prefer to celebrate Blackout Wednesday at home with a smaller group of friends as opposed to at a crowded bar. You can still capitalize on the day by putting together to-go packages that help your customers elevate their experience and enjoy professional-quality drinks and gourmet snacks from the comfort of their own homes. Check out Blackout Wednesday takeaway package ideas below: Pumpkin Spice Hard Seltzer: Create your own pumpkin-flavored housemade hard seltzer for the package. Fall Beers: Create a bundle of fall beers for patrons to enjoy at home with friends on Drinksgiving. Hard Cider: Hard cider is a delicious fall beverage that's perfect for gluten-free patrons and those who don't like the taste of beer. Cocktail Kits: Make it easy for your customers to create their favorite cocktails at home by offering cocktail kits. These kits can include all the necessary ingredients, such as spirits, mixers, garnishes, and even recipe cards. Appetizers: Sell to-go appetizer packs that pair with your beers and cocktails. These can be classic bar bites or creative Thanksgiving-inspired foods like baked brie smothered in cranberry sauce, smoked turkey wings, and loaded sweet potato skins. Back to Top Drinksgiving presents a unique opportunity for bars and restaurants to capitalize on the increased foot traffic. By implementing creative marketing strategies such as themes and menu specials, establishments can maximize their sales and create a memorable experience for their customers. Keeping customers' safety at the forefront of your Blackout Wednesday through rideshare discounts and angel shots builds brand loyalty and leads to repeat customers.
12 Live Event Ideas for Restaurants
As a restaurateur, you’re in the business of food. To see more repeat customers, get into the business of fun by hosting weekly live events. As time goes on, Americans are increasingly interested in spending their money on entertaining experiences, and this is the perfect opportunity for your business to provide that entertainment. From running live trivia games to teaching a bartending class, these 12 easy live event ideas will bring guests back on repeat – without breaking the bank for your restaurant. Shop All Event Planning Supplies Host Live Trivia Games Bring everyone together over a little friendly competition. Trivia games are popular everywhere from neighborhood restaurants to sports bars. Here’s how to get into the action: 1. Live Trivia Tournament You have several options when it comes to hosting live trivia games. Some restaurants hire an outside trivia host. Others do it all themselves, from creating the questions to the hosting. No matter which format you choose, there is one “secret” to success when running trivia: make it an ongoing tournament to ensure repeat business. Invite guests to form teams and compete for 6-7 weeks. Select a great prize, like a sizeable gift card or bar tab for the winning team. 2. Corporate Trivia Faceoff Companies are always looking for team-building events and exciting off-site venues for meetings. Invite them to your restaurant and offer to run a game of trivia. You could also create a tournament where teams made up of employees from different companies compete against each other. The winning company can select a charity – and your restaurant makes a donation. 3. Trivia with a Tasting Twist If you want to spotlight some of your beverages or new menu items, you can host trivia games that double as tasting events. To make the event even more engaging, create a special menu and incorporate trivia questions based on the dishes’ ingredients. Educational Entertainment Ideas If your customers are eager for interactive fun, you can engage them with these educational events and workshops. 4. Craft Workshop No, we’re not talking about craft beer. The latest trend in restaurant entertainment is craft night: from painting a masterpiece to planting a fairy garden. (Although, if you have a killer craft brew list, why not call your event “Arts and Crafts?”). Like trivia, these workshops spark socializing among patrons – creating a lively atmosphere that everyone wants to be a part of: Build a Terrarium: Provide guests who have signed up ahead of time with supplies like stones, plants, and soil in order to create their own terrariums. This interactive activity not only keeps your customers interested, but it gives them something to take home that they can associate with your event. Paint and Sip: Hire an artist to walk your guests through a painting step-by-step as they sip your beverages and eat appetizers. Just like the terrarium event, your guests leave with something and have made memories at your business. Pint Glass Painting: This event could be hosted by your own staff members. Provide pint glasses and painting supplies (look at your local craft store for paint that is specifically for painting glass). Then, let guests get creative! 5. Chef and Bartender Demos Show off the talents of your team with live bartender and chef classes. You give patrons a chance to bond with your staff, which helps to foster loyalty. Once a week, try running these live events: Mini Mixology Class: Ask your bartender to run a short, 15-minute class once a week. The class can be a short tutorial on how to make classic cocktails: from mojitos to whiskey sours. These classes can double as marketing moves. Use Facebook Live to live stream your class: you’ll show everyone what they’re missing! Secrets of the Chefs: Similar to the mixology course, your chef steps outside the kitchen for a quick demo. She can reveal “secrets” like how to achieve perfect grill marks on steak and how to really know when pasta is al dente. Musical Entertainment We’ve covered trivia and classes, but no list of live event ideas is complete without music. There’s nothing wrong with bringing in a band or musician, but it can get expensive. You also run the risk of your live music becoming just background music. Instead, try these live music events to add excitement and an interactive element. 6. Open Mic Night Invite local musicians or other creatives to take the stage with a weekly open mic night: Make Music Competitive: Just like trivia games, open mic nights are best when prizes are on the line. You can run your open mic night like the hit TV show American Idol. Invite a professional musician or two to judge the performers. The winning musician becomes the next week’s judge. Stand Up Comedy: Already run an open mic night for musicians? Now, let aspiring comedians take the stage with a comedy open mic night. Create themes like “Best Dad Joke” and let the crowd vote on their favorite contestant. 7. Radio Station Remote Broadcast Contact a local radio station that plays music which appeals to your target audience. Cater to millennials? Aim for Top 40. See more seniors at your restaurant? Contact the oldies radio station. Invite the DJ from the radio station to broadcast live from your restaurant. On top of the entertainment appeal, it’s great exposure for the radio station and your establishment. 8. Dance Party Dim the lights. Move the tables. There, you’ve got a dance floor. Just add music and these live event ideas: Offer a Dance Class: Hire a dance instructor to teach guests at your restaurant. Vary the theme each week from salsa to the foxtrot, hip hop to line dancing. Let Your Staff be DJs: DJs can be pricey to hire. Why not let a staff member create a playlist and emcee a dance party? Have Decade Theme Nights: Each week, play tunes from a different decade. Invite patrons to dress up for that decade. What about a throwback prom night? Guests can rock that 1990s tux or dress (or find one at the thrift store). Create a Club There’s a reason bars and restaurants create “mug clubs.” Clubs give patrons VIP status and a built-in community. You can even invite members of existing clubs to hold their weekly meetings and gatherings at your restaurant and then use these ideas for launching your own clubs. 9. Game Night Club Invite patrons to get their game on at your place: Trivia Club: Trivia lovers may not be satisfied with just one night of live trivia games! Invite the diehards back on a separate night for extra-challenging trivia. Or, they could be tasked with creating questions for your next night of trivia. Classic Bar Games: Have a dart board, pool table, or shuffleboard? Ask the best players if they’d like to teach newbies how to play in a weekly bar games club. Offer them a small bar tab as a thank you. 10. Book Club Book clubs are big with everyone from seniors to young adults. While book club members typically meet at a different member’s home each week or month, you can bring them into your restaurant instead. You could even ask your bartender to create a cocktail based on the club’s featured book. 11. Booze Club Create a spirited club around a love of spirits, wine, or beer: For Craft Beer Fans: Let craft beer fans be first to taste your new brews. On occasion, invite a local brewmaster in to share tasting notes. Wine Wednesday or Whiskey Wednesday: Run specials on wine or whiskey on Wednesdays and offer exclusive tastings for club members. 12. Charity Meetups Charities and non-profits need places to hold weekly and monthly meetings. Could you provide the space for free? Charity Night: Take your charitable efforts a step further with a weekly “charity night.” Donate 10% of the proceeds to the featured charity. Your heartfelt ways will pay off, because customers may remember your generosity and come back to support more charitable events. Supplies for Your Live Event Don't forget to stock up on helpful supplies for your live event! Check out some of the products that can help you say organized: Wristbands - Identify the over-21 crowd or VIP customers with disposable wristbands. Name Badges - Name badges come in handy for speed dating events or group meetups. Coat Check Tags - If you're hosting a charity night or auction, you can make the event more special by doing a coat check. After guests exit your restaurant, they should still be hungry…for their next visit. Entertaining events – like live trivia games and interactive workshops – send them home with great memories, and a reason to return for more.
Everything You Need to Know About Pop-Up Restaurants
From large cities to rural towns, pop-up restaurants are a growing trend taking chefs and consumers by storm. Offering anything from fast-casual fusion dishes to high-end gourmet meals, this concept lends itself perfectly to those looking to express their creativity and those who wish to consume it. Read on to discover what a pop-up restaurant is, the benefits of running one, and important tips for success. What Is a Pop-Up Restaurant? A pop-up restaurant is defined as a restaurant that operates temporarily in a previously determined or unexpected location. This idea is inspired by supper clubs, which were popularized in the 1960’s as informal dining settings where only dinner is served. How Long Do Pop-Up Restaurants Typically Last? A restaurant pop-up can last from several hours to several months. If you’re operating a pop-up restaurant to raise money for a charity event, it may be beneficial to limit your opening to a night or two. The limited availability is meant to generate buzz and create a sense of urgency for potential customers. If you’re a chef or restaurateur looking to test the market for a new restaurant concept, a longer run in your pop-up kitchen may be beneficial. Staying open for several weeks or months can allow you and your staff to reveal and resolve potential issues and learn if you’re targeting the right market. If customers respond positively to your concept, it could be time to turn your pop-up restaurant into a permanent fixture. Where to Operate a Pop-Up Restaurant The appeal of pop-up restaurants is that they can appear in almost any location, with the understanding that your pop-up must be in an area that's safe to cook and serve food. Creative pop-up locations could include recycled shipping containers, old unused buildings, parks, city-wide festivals, or roof-top gardens. Another great location to hold a pop-up kitchen is in an already established restaurant. Create connections with local diners or family run restaurants only serving breakfast and lunch. At night, you can utilize the unused kitchen and dining areas to offer your own original menu concept. Purpose of Pop-Up Restaurants Whether you’re a chef or restaurateur, there are a few different reasons why you may be considering your own pop-up restaurant. Below are a few common reasons why one may opt for a pop-up concept rather than a brick-and-mortar location. Temporarily test out restaurant or menu concepts Open a kitchen to supply food for benefits or charity events Attract potential investors looking to see your concept in action Chefs can offer high-end, gourmet food at a more affordable price by cutting out restaurant costs Offer total creative freedom to chefs without a large risk factor Benefits of Pop-Up Restaurants Pop-up restaurants are trendy for a reason. They offer growth potential combined with less financial risks for chefs, while consumers get new and exciting menu concepts they may otherwise never experience. The novelty nature of these types of restaurants appeals to foodies, millennials, and consumers of all ages. Pop-up restaurants depend on technology and social media to spread the word, just as millennials depend on these platforms to show them the next best restaurant to visit. Pop-up restaurants offer a money-saving solution for restaurateurs, which can mean lower prices on typically high-end foods. Additionally, consumers are willing to pay a premium on unique foods and concepts they’ve never encountered before. With a limited menu filled with reasonably priced dishes, your consumers may be more inclined to try a larger variety of foods than they otherwise would have. And if your concept doesn’t go well in one part of the city, simply pack up and head to your next destination without the financial burdens of a brick-and-mortar location. How to Start a Pop-Up Restaurant No matter how spontaneous, creative, or temporary your pop-up restaurant may be, it’s imperative you follow all local and federal regulations. Just because you aren’t opening a permanent brick-and-mortar location doesn’t mean you can operate without the proper paperwork. Think of your pop-up restaurant as being similar to a catering business, you’re offering food on-site and need to ensure the health and safety of your customers. Consider the following as you prepare to open your pop-up restaurant. Obtain a temporary business license (requirements vary by state) If you plan on serving alcohol, obtain a temporary liquor license (requirements vary by state) Make sure your venture is covered by insurance, especially public liability insurance Always keep accurate booking for tax purposes Train all employees in proper food safe practices Implement a HACCP program You must have access to electricity and running water Tips for Opening a Pop-Up Restaurant Once you’ve decided to transform your concept into a pop-up restaurant, there are a few ways to help ensure success. Follow the below tips to get the most out of your pop-up restaurant. Create a limited or prix fixe menu Because pop-up kitchens are typically short on storage space, a prix fixe menu may be beneficial to use. This limits the amount of food and supplies needed to be stored, especially when compared to dishes ordered a la cart. To add diversity to your pop-up, change your prix fixe menu every few nights and keep customers coming back for new and different offerings. Give guests the option of BYOB BYOB puts the pressure of obtaining a temporary liquor license off of you, as well as storing and serving the alcohol. If you're in an area that allows it, give guests the chance to bring their own bottle they can enjoy as they please. This will also encourage guests to stay longer, relax, and order more food. Offer chef residencies in your current restaurant Offering guest chefs a temporary residency allows restaurateurs who already own a brick-and-mortar store to capitalize on this trend. Host a gourmet or high-end chef in your restaurant for a limited amount of time to offer guests a completely different dining experience. Advertise on social media Keep your marketing costs low by maintaining an active presence on social media. Use Twitter to tweet your pop-up location for the day, and post plenty of pictures on Instagram to attract hungry crowds. Shorter times can create a bigger sense of urgency Depending on the purpose of your pop-up, keeping your stay short and sweet may be a profitable alternative to longer set-ups. When customers know they have a limited time to try your exotic and creative foods, they’ll be less likely to delay a visit. Pair your pop-up with another local event If your city hosts large events like block parties, festivals, or carnivals, time your pop-up restaurant to coincide with the event already guaranteed to draw in large crowds. Working with organizers of the event to offer food could even land you a prime set-up spot or free marketing. Pop-up restaurants can be a rewarding experience for chefs and consumers alike. Take the time to research your local laws and regulations, and hone in on creative locations that will draw in crowds eager to get a piece of your latest concept. Because of their low commitment level, pop-up kitchens are a great way to test out menu ideas, gauge community interest, and have fun with the food you love.