- Philadelphia, PA
A Case Study: How Stateside Vodka Bar Turns Themed Trivia into a Winning Formula
- Sam Mahnke
In August 2022, Stateside Vodka Bar, nestled in the heart of Philadelphia, faced a common challenge: how to draw a crowd on typically slow weeknights.
Known for its unique status as a vodka distillery’s bar, Stateside needed something more than just a stellar drink menu to bring in patrons during off-peak times. Enter Last Call Trivia and the power of themed trivia nights.
The Solution: Themed Trivia Nights
Mike Baschoff, General Manager of Stateside, quickly saw the potential of trivia for bars to create a buzz. The bar began hosting trivia nights, initially experimenting with general knowledge events. However, it wasn’t until they started incorporating themed trivia nights that things really took off.
Their first foray into themed trivia was a Halloween horror movie special, and it was an instant hit. The niche themes proved to be a magnet for new patrons by drawing in fans who might not have otherwise visited a vodka distillery bar.
As Mike explains, “We saw themed nights as an opportunity to bring in folks who hadn’t experienced trivia with us before. Themed nights offered something fresh and exciting, especially during the slower summer months.”
Themed trivia nights are a great way to supplement a weekly general knowledge game. Promoting a themed game can introduce a new players to the venue, many of whom will go on to become repeat customers.
The Impact: From Niche to Mainstream
The themed trivia nights at Stateside did more than just fill seats—they created a new wave of repeat customers. By offering themes like Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, and Star Wars, the bar attracted a diverse crowd of enthusiasts.
These special events not only brought in niche audiences but also converted many into regulars who returned for general knowledge games.
Mike shared, “The numbers have been ticking up, themes aside. We’ve noticed that people who come for a specific theme often come back for our regular trivia nights. It’s great to see them enjoy the experience and want to return.”
The Experience: A Community Atmosphere
Central to the success of Stateside’s trivia nights is their exceptional host, Eric. Known for his charisma and ability to manage the digital aspects of the competition seamlessly, Eric has cultivated a loyal following. Regulars often exchange numbers with him, ensuring they never miss a game. His vigilance in preventing cheating and his engaging personality have made trivia nights at Stateside not just a game, but a community event.
The bar has also been proactive in scheduling themed trivia nights well in advance, planning events that align with popular interests and seasonal themes. This forward planning ensures a steady flow of new and returning guests, keeping the atmosphere lively and the business thriving.
What sets trivia nights apart from other events is the atmosphere of community and connection. Over time, the host develops a bond with the players which creates a more personal, elevated experience.
The Results: Consistent Weeknight Success
While Tuesdays may not rival the revenue of Fridays or Saturdays, they have become Stateside’s most consistent weeknight thanks to trivia. Mike notes, “Our trivia nights are consistently our best weeknights. We don’t have much going on during other weekdays, but we can always count on a good turnout for trivia.”
Themed trivia has proven particularly effective during the slower summer months, helping to maintain a steady stream of patrons. The bar’s ability to offer something unique and fun has made trivia nights a reliable draw, even when other events might struggle to attract a crowd.
Hosting a consistent, weekly trivia night is the key to success because customers can build the event into their schedule. Periodically hosting themed trivia nights to supplement the regular weekly game can introduce a new audience to the venue, leading to more repeat patrons.
Future Plans: Expanding the Trivia Experience
With plans to expand their bar space and add more TVs, Stateside is looking to enhance the overall experience for their patrons. The addition of themed trivia nights has not only bolstered their weeknight attendance but also provided valuable insights into what their audience enjoys. As they continue to grow, the bar aims to offer a diverse range of entertainment options, with Last Call Trivia at the forefront.
+20%
Over the last 3 months, Tuesday net bar sales have been 20-25% higher than Wednesdays and Thursdays (comparable shifts).
Conclusion: The Power of Niche Appeal
Stateside Vodka Bar’s journey with Last Call Trivia highlights the power of niche appeal. By tapping into specific interests and offering themed trivia nights, they’ve been able to draw in new patrons and convert them into regulars. This strategy has not only increased weeknight attendance but also strengthened the bar’s community atmosphere.
The collaboration with Last Call Trivia has been a resounding success, providing Stateside with a reliable and engaging entertainment option. As they continue to expand and innovate, Stateside remains committed to offering a unique and enjoyable experience for all their guests, proving that with the right approach, even a niche event can become a cornerstone of a business’s success.
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Sam Mahnke
Client Success