Many pub quizzes are not reaching their full potential, especially when it comes to making money. There are many ways a successful night can be judged, but as a pub its style is the money that flowed behind the bar. Here are 5 foolproof formats you can use for pub or any quiz.
- Host a pub quiz on the weekends. It’s not for everyone and certainly not if you’re already busy on the weekends. But if you’re a quiet pub, perhaps in a village or a bit out of town, instead of sticking with the tradition of holding it on a weekday, move it to a Friday or Saturday night. Quiet pubs all too often miss this trick and even busy pubs can miss this opportunity. If your pub doesn’t have extra stuff on the weekends, run a quiz, then people will be more willing to visit and participate.
- Have different things and ways that you can earn something in the breaks. Let’s say you have 2 10-minute breaks in a 2-hour pub quiz, why not fill them with light entertainment? Some ideas included opening the accumulator box, moving it closer to the bull, and so on. While one person goes upstairs to get drinks, the rest of the team is entertained.
- Do table rounds. Set up some quick and simple table rounds for the interval. Table rounds are basically mini puzzles that are placed on the table for people to do. Pictures, anagrams, storyboards, and slogans are examples of good table rounds. A clever one is to put bar snack pictures to guess, as these put ideas into people’s minds to buy them. It is important to note that it should be explained that the rounds of the table have nothing to do with the main quiz.
- Have bar games. Mini competitions in between some of the rounds are a great way to get your customers enjoying the night. This type of activity is particularly effective when you are hosting the pub quiz on the weekend. You can, although it is not always recommended, give prizes. The final grade does not have to be just about general knowledge. Some are good at trivia and some are better at games and puzzles, trying to broaden your experience.
- Offers a limited menu. Allow people to have cheaper but quality bar food. Too often you go to pubs and they have a huge food menu at night events. Reduce the amount for a pub quiz on the menu and make it a special pub quiz at a proper discount. You’ll get couples with kids who want to eat out without the kids before quiz night. Another offers other discounts for teams, if possible try to stop serving when the pub quiz starts, but if you do it on weekends start at 8:30-9:00 to get the food custom.
There are many more ways to make a fun pub quiz profitable, but these are just a few simple ideas to try.
