- Boise, ID
How Lost Grove Brewery Used Trivia for Bars to Drive Bar Crowds and Boost Sales
- Sam Mahnke
When Lost Grove Brewery opened its doors in October 2017, they were eager to create a unique and engaging atmosphere for their patrons. The founders were passionate about
sustainability, being a B Corp brewery, and were always on the lookout for innovative ways to entertain their guests.
It wasn’t long before they decided to spice things up with trivia nights, a decision that has paid off in more ways than one.
A Unique Start: From Dry Erase Boards to Digital
Lost Grove didn’t just follow the traditional route with paper and pen for trivia answers; they innovated right from the start. To align with their eco-friendly ethos, they introduced small dry erase boards for teams to submit their answers. This not only reduced waste but also added a quirky charm to the event. Trivia host Jeff, a mainstay at Lost Grove, embraced the idea enthusiastically, erasing boards as answers came in and keeping the event running smoothly. This setup became a beloved feature until the COVID-19 pandemic hit, forcing a shift to digital solutions.
Jake Black, CEO of Lost Grove Brewery, recalls, “When we first started, instead of doing it by paper and pen, we bought small dry erase boards and markers. Jeff, our host, was a champ and bought into it right away. He would sit there and as the boards came in, he would look at the answers, erase them, and put them down on the clean pile. It was a fun little story until COVID hit.”
Adding a unique spin to your trivia night can help your event stand out. Focus on what makes your venue unique and find a way to incorporate that into your events for a one-of-a-kind experience your customers can't find anywhere else.
Thriving Through Change: The Digital Transition
The transition to digital trivia during the pandemic was seamless for Lost Grove, largely due to their strong partnership with Last Call Trivia. As in-person events came to a halt, the brewery continued to host trivia nights online. Remarkably, they managed to maintain a vibrant community of participants, with Jeff hosting virtual trivia sessions that drew in 10-12 teams consistently. The brewery even sweetened the deal by offering winners free six-packs and crawlers, encouraging patrons to enjoy their favorite brews while playing from home.
Jake highlights, “We continued running our trivia games online during COVID, and Jeff did a
great job hosting them. We had a pretty good turnout, around 10-12 teams each time. We even offered free six-packs and crawlers for the winners to keep the engagement high.”
Consistency is Key: The Impact on Business
Trivia night at Lost Grove has become a staple, consistently drawing a crowd and rivaling the busy Fridays and Saturdays. Every Thursday, without fail, the brewery hits around $3,000 in revenue, proving that trivia is not just a fun event but also a significant driver of business. The consistency and quality of the trivia nights, paired with Jeff’s engaging hosting style, have made Thursdays one of the most reliable nights for the brewery.
Jake notes, “Trivia night is one of our most consistent nights in terms of attendance and revenue. We can count on making about three grand every Thursday, which is fantastic. It’s a steady night that we can rely on, almost like clockwork.”
An established trivia night is one of the best ways to transform a typically slow or inconsistent night of the week into a reliable money maker for bars and restaurants. With a new experience every game, teams return to challenge themselves and their opponents week after week.
The Personal Touch: A Relationship Built on Trust
One of the standout aspects of Lost Grove’s experience with Last Call Trivia is the strong relationship they’ve built with the company. From the seamless transition to digital trivia to the personal attention and quick resolutions provided during minor hiccups, the support has been exemplary. The brewery appreciates the proactive approach of Last Call Trivia and is excited about the opportunity to expand upon their partnership.
Jake expresses, “We’ve only had one or two hiccups in the seven years we’ve been doing trivia. Last Call Trivia has been great in handling those issues quickly, whether it was a scheduling mix-up or technical difficulties. Their customer service has been impressive.”
Establishing trust in a business partnership is especially important in the field of live events, as occasional snags are inevitable. Partnering with a company you trust provides peace of mind in knowing that any issues will be resolved swiftly.
Looking Ahead: Expansion and New Ventures
With an expansion planned at their Hyde Park location, increasing indoor seating by 70, Lost Grove is poised to elevate its trivia offerings even further. They are particularly excited about potentially introducing Family Feud-style games and self-hosted Music Bingo, expanding their trivia repertoire to attract a wider audience. The upcoming holiday season presents the perfect opportunity to launch a themed trivia night, possibly centered around Christmas movies, to celebrate the expansion and continue building their loyal customer base.
Jake shares, “We’re looking forward to exploring new game formats like Family Feud and Music Bingo, especially with our upcoming expansion. Themed trivia nights also seem like a great way to bring in new faces and keep things exciting.”
+20%
the last 3 months Tuesday net bar sales have been 20-25% higher than Wednesdays and Thursdays (comparable shifts).
Conclusion: A Winning Formula
Lost Grove Brewery’s journey with Last Call Trivia is a testament to how a well-executed trivia night can become more than just a weekly event—it can be a cornerstone of a business’s community engagement and financial success. By staying innovative, maintaining a strong partnership, and continuously adapting to new challenges, Lost Grove has found a winning formula that keeps patrons coming back for more.
This case study highlights the power of creativity, consistency, and collaboration in creating memorable experiences that resonate with customers and drive business growth. As Lost Grove looks to the future, they’re ready to continue raising the bar—one trivia question at a time.
Sam Mahnke
Client Success