Discover how breweries are creating value menus to attract customers and what this trend means for bartenders and the hospitality industry.
The Rise of Value Menus in Breweries
According to VinePair, the craft beer industry is taking a cue from fast-food chains and introducing value menus to attract customers. Breweries are now offering affordable beer and food pairings, similar to McDonald's McValue Menu, to draw in customers who are looking for a budget-friendly night out. This trend is a response to the current economic climate, where costs are high and customers are looking for ways to save.
The Benefits of Value Menus
Breweries are seeing the benefits of offering value menus, including increased foot traffic and customer loyalty. By offering affordable options, breweries are able to attract customers who may not have otherwise visited. For example, Three Roads Brewing in Virginia introduced a "Mile Marker 5" value menu, which includes pints of four different beers for $5 every day. This menu has become a staple at the brewery, with customers sticking around for several hours to sip on multiple beers.
Delivering Quality at a Low Cost
Breweries are finding ways to deliver quality without cutting corners. Von Ebert Brewing in Oregon, for example, offers a 20-ounce pour of its American light lager for $3. This beer has won awards, but the brewery is able to keep costs low by using a simple recipe and long lagering time. The brewery's brewmaster, Sam Pecoraro, says that customers are getting an "intentional and purposeful beer" for their money.
The Scrimp-Splurge Mentality
Breweries are also finding that customers are willing to splurge on other beers once they've saved money on a value menu item. This is known as the scrimp-splurge mentality. By offering affordable options, breweries are able to entice customers to try other beers that may not be on the value menu. This can lead to increased sales and customer loyalty.
What This Means for Bartenders
So, what does this trend mean for bartenders? Here are a few takeaways:
- Know your customer: Understand what your customers are looking for and be able to offer them affordable options. This can help increase foot traffic and customer loyalty.
- Get creative with menu offerings: Consider offering value menus or affordable pairings to attract customers. This can be a great way to differentiate your bar from others in the area.
- Focus on quality: While it's tempting to cut corners to keep costs low, remember that quality is key. Focus on delivering high-quality drinks and food, even at an affordable price point.
Start Your Bartending Career Today
If you're interested in a career in bartending, consider checking out our bartending programs. We offer training and certification programs to help you get started in the industry. With the rise of value menus and affordable options, now is a great time to get started in bartending. Find a location near you and get started today!
About this article: This bartender-focused analysis was curated from industry news sources by ABC Bartending College using AI assistance. We synthesize and translate hospitality industry reporting for bartenders and aspiring professionals. See sources below for original reporting.
Original Reporting
This article is based on reporting from the following source:
