Bars are social hangout spots, so cultivating a fun atmosphere is integral to their success. If people enjoy the vibes of your bar, they’re more likely to return and patronize your business. 

How can you foster an unforgettable ambience? Here are 6 tips for your establishment. 

1. Lean Into a Theme 

What sets your bar apart from the competition? Select a theme that appeals to people in your community. If your town has college or professional teams, you could create a sports-friendly atmosphere. Research shows 70% of people are sports fans, so it could be an excellent strategy. This theme should include framed jerseys from local athletes and big game watch parties. 

If you don’t want the whole bar under one theme, consider individually themed nights to engage customers. For instance, you could host trivia games based on popular TV shows or movies. Take advantage of holidays year-round by decorating and serving special drinks. These themed nights give first-timers a terrific excuse to check out your establishment.  

2. Choose Intimate Lighting

When customers walk into the building, make them feel relaxed with intimate lighting. If the fixtures are too bright, they may feel uncomfortable and less likely to enjoy themselves. Use natural light during the day to uplift moods and engage customers. Experts say sunlight positively affects mental health, so it’s suitable for cheerful atmospheres. 

For the interior, you want the tones and brightness to fit your desired atmosphere. Bars generally select warm lighting to make customers feel at home and uplift their moods. Get creative and use different fixtures — such as pendant lights — for an eclectic mix. Bar owners should avoid strobe lights and elements that are too bright and distracting.

3. Make Outside Seating Attractive

While most of the action occurs inside the building, it’s wise to make the outside seating attractive for your customers. This approach allows you to serve more customers and avoid overcrowding indoors. Use comfortable couches, fire pits, and string lights to put your clientele in a back porch atmosphere. How popular will your bar be on summer nights?

Another way to enhance your bar’s atmosphere is to make the outdoor space entertaining. Place fun games like cornhole, pickleball or giant Jenga to engage customers and provide friendly competition. While the outdoor space is intriguing, bar owners could make mistakes by not preparing for the weather. Make the area easy to assemble and dismantle as needed. 

4. Curate a Fitting Playlist

Music is among the most defining elements of bars, so owners should be aware of their selection. Curate a playlist that fits your clientele and their music tastes. With the right music, you can fine-tune the ambience you want. Here are a few ideas:

 

• Upbeat: Bars are terrific for letting loose and having fun after a long day. Therefore, it’s common to hear upbeat popular music from mainstream artists. 
• Relaxed: Conversely, you could give your customers a relaxed atmosphere. For this setting, curate a playlist with acoustic guitar songs and let your guests enjoy the softer music.
• Grungy: The alternative route is to play grunge music. These songs from Nirvana, Pearl Jam and similar groups transport customers to Seattle and the grunge scene. 

5. Invite Local Artists to Perform

Pre-selected playlists help bar owners who focus their efforts on other bar activities. However, you can take your business to the next level by inviting local artists to perform. These mini-concerts attract fans of these musicians and engage the community with home-grown talents. If they have a successful career, your bar gets credit for platforming them. 

Regardless of your music choices, bar owners must control the music and make it pleasant for guests. One mistake to avoid is letting the sound become too loud for anyone to enjoy. A 2021 study found loud music and leisure noise were a common cause of chronic hearing loss and other ear conditions. Ensure customers can hear the music without compromising their health.  

6. Hire Friendly Bartenders

Bar owners can customize their establishments and make minor changes for an excellent experience. However, their efforts only go as far as the bartenders take them. Your employees should embody the spirit of your bar and help customers feel at home. When training new workers, encourage them to seek feedback from veteran colleagues and get used to the job.

Fostering an unforgettable atmosphere starts with attitude. Encourage your bartenders to smile for customers, as this emotion fosters positivity in bars and makes the experience more enjoyable. Employees should make regulars and newcomers feel at home whenever they enter the bar. For even more fun, the bartenders could host trivia nights or perform karaoke. 

Boosting Your Bar’s Atmosphere for Fun Nights

When your customers talk about their bar experience, the atmosphere significantly determines their conversation. If they enjoy their first time, they could return and regularly visit your spot. 

Creating a fun atmosphere for employees and clients involves focusing on minor details and avoiding crucial mistakes. With careful planning and execution, your bar could become a staple for community members. 

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