Why are slow nights worth the most?
On a full Saturday, another guest means a longer wait. On a quiet Tuesday, the cooks, the bartender, and the lights are already paid for. An extra guest that night costs you only what's on the plate and in the glass, so most of the check drops to profit.
guests per month = slow nights per week × extra guests × 52 ÷ 12 sales per month = guests × average check profit per month = sales × (1 − variable cost %)A worked example
Two slow nights a week and 12 more guests each is 104 guests a month. At $30 a guest that's $3,120 in sales, and at 60% variable costs $1,248 in profit a month, about $15,000 a year.
Ways to fill a slow night
- Give it a reason: trivia, a game night, a one-night special people plan around.
- Tell people nearby tonight, not next week. Most "where should we go" decisions happen within the hour.
- Show there's no wait. "Walk right in" is a reason to pick you.
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