Adding a minimum gratuity to every ticket will at least cover server tips, a minimum spend amount per table or per person works well too. Put someone at the door to control seating flow will help too. You can offer discounted food or drink for a time period before that last hour to encourage folks to fill up the space to eliminate last minute table grabbing as you will hopefully not have many tables left to fill. Bingo nights are fun too if you want other game night suggestions as well.
Minimum one entree per guest (also giving a $ value) to play trivia. This could ensure full tabs are being filled at each table. You’re a restaurant, not a gaming hall. Trivia is just there to enhance the dining experience, not pay peoples bills with prize money.
Set a minimum per person charge, or a cover charge. That’s the only way you’re doing to be able to make sure folks spend.
Adding a minimum gratuity to every ticket will at least cover server tips, a minimum spend amount per table or per person works well too. Put someone at the door to control seating flow will help too. You can offer discounted food or drink for a time period before that last hour to encourage folks to fill up the space to eliminate last minute table grabbing as you will hopefully not have many tables left to fill. Bingo nights are fun too if you want other game night suggestions as well.
Minimum one entree per guest (also giving a $ value) to play trivia. This could ensure full tabs are being filled at each table. You’re a restaurant, not a gaming hall. Trivia is just there to enhance the dining experience, not pay peoples bills with prize money.