- Cincinnati, OH
A Case Study: How High Grain Brewing Co. Proved Trivia’s Cross-Demographic Appeal
- Sam Mahnke
High Grain Brewing Co., with its two thriving locations in Silverton and Springfield Township, has been a client of Last Call Trivia for nearly five years. Throughout this time, Marketing and Event Director Austin Neal and his team have embraced trivia nights as a cornerstone of their weekly entertainment offerings.
What started as a fun addition quickly became a beloved tradition, proving that trivia has the power to engage patrons across diverse demographics and even the staff.
The Launch: A Packed House and Overflowing Enthusiasm
The first trivia night at High Grain’s Silverton location was nothing short of a spectacular success. “We packed out the entire building,” Austin recalls, “to the point where we had people sitting in the hallway and outside, listening to the questions through open windows and running their paper answers inside.”
The excitement was palpable, and the event set the tone for what would become a staple at High Grain Brewing Co.
"We packed out the entire building," Austin recalls, "to the point where we had people sitting in the hallway and outside, listening to the questions through open windows and running their paper answers inside."
Strategic Adaptation: Catering to Community Preferences
One of the key strategies for High Grain Brewing Co. was understanding their community’s preferences. When they opened their Springfield Township location, they conducted a poll to determine the best night for trivia. “Monday was overwhelmingly the day here,” Austin noted, contrasting with Silverton’s popular Tuesday slot. This adaptability ensured that trivia nights were perfectly timed to meet the needs of each location’s unique demographic.
Engaging All Ages: Trivia’s Broad Appeal
High Grain Brewing Co. witnessed firsthand how trivia could bridge generational gaps. The Silverton location attracted a younger crowd of single individuals and young professionals, while Springfield Township saw more older folks and established families. Despite these differences, trivia nights thrived in both settings. “We have 10 to 12 teams every week at Springfield,” Austin said, showcasing trivia’s universal appeal.
Staff Involvement: A Night of Fun for Everyone
Trivia night wasn’t just a hit with the patrons; the staff at High Grain Brewing Co. also eagerly participated. “Our staff plays, you know,” Austin shared. “They may play on the app or with a piece of paper, challenging themselves and interacting with people at the bar.” This engagement transformed trivia night into a lively, interactive event for everyone involved, making work shifts less mundane and more enjoyable.
Creating Community: The Social Hub Effect
High Grain Brewing Co. became a social hub where friends gathered weekly. “We see a lot of groups of friends where that’s the night of the week they all hang out. It’s their weekly kind of friend hang,” Austin explained. This regular gathering fostered a strong sense of community and loyalty among patrons, making trivia night a cherished tradition.
Overcoming Challenges: Adjusting to Space Constraints
Running trivia in a small venue like Silverton presented challenges, especially when the event took over the entire space. “On a rainy, cold October Tuesday, if you don’t want to play trivia, that’s fine, but you’re going to hear it,” Austin noted. Despite these challenges, High Grain Brewing Co. managed to maintain a vibrant trivia night, demonstrating resilience and creativity in maximizing their space.
Trivia’s Emotional Impact: A Silver Lining in Difficult Times
High Grain Brewing Co.’s trivia nights also provided emotional support during tough times. Austin commented on a touching story about a player who recently lost his brother. “He used trivia night to get together with his friends and his brother’s friends. It was the first time we saw him smile and laugh since the loss.” This moment highlighted the power of trivia to bring joy and solace, even in challenging circumstances.
Austin commented on a touching story about a player who recently lost his brother. "He used trivia night to get together with his friends and his brother's friends. It was the first time we saw him smile and laugh since the loss."
Looking Ahead: Embracing New Opportunities
Austin Neal is keen on exploring new trivia-related ventures, such as incorporating bingo or feud-style games, to keep things fresh and engaging. “Trivia is big here, but I’m curious if bringing in bingo or feud might be more intriguing to this crowd,” he said. This forward-thinking approach ensures that High Grain Brewing Co. will continue to evolve and meet the changing interests of their patrons.
Conclusion: Trivia’s Cross-Demographic Success
High Grain Brewing Co.’s experience with Last Call Trivia underscores the broad appeal of trivia across different demographics. By understanding community preferences, engaging both patrons and staff, and continuously adapting to new challenges, they’ve created a dynamic and inclusive entertainment offering. Trivia nights at High Grain Brewing Co. are more than just games—they’re events that bring people together, foster community spirit, and create lasting memories.
Sam Mahnke
Client Success