What is Happy Hour?

Happy Hour is that special time period in a day during which there is a discount on selected food items, appetizers, snacks, and drinks. Happy hour is mostly offered by restaurants, bars, and cafes to give a discount on drinks, appetizers, and sometimes even meals. It’s one of the most popular marketing techniqu to attract more customers by offering them some discounts or special deals. The happy hour times, deals, and availability vary from location to location. During happy hour, discounts are originally offered on drinks, but nowadays you may see a discount on a variety of food and beverage options.

What type of businesses offer happy hour?

Happy hours are offered by different type of business across the world. It’s a well known promotional strategy that works very well with many business such as restaurants, cafes, bars, spa and wellness centers, etc. The purpose of offering happy hours is to drive more traffic sales by offering some value to customers. Following are some of the businesses that often offer happy hours:

Restaurants

Many restaurants offer happy hours to attract more customers. The general timing for restaurants happy hour is the afternoon or at late night. During the restaurant’s happy hour, you may find discounts on appetizers, snacks, food items, etc.

Bars

Bars and Pubs are some of the businesses that often offer happy hour. Discounts are offered on beverages like beer, wine, cocktails, and sometimes light snacks.

Cafe and Coffee Shops

Happy hours are used as a promotional strategy to fill crowd during slow afternoon periods. Cafe and Coffee Shops offer happy hour during this time by offering special deals on coffees, teas, baked goods.

Gym & Fitness Centers

There are many Gym & Fitness Centers which offers discounts on memebership for classes or workouts during specific hours. The goal is to attract more members during the less peak times.

Beauty Salons

Few salons may offer discounts on manicures, pedicures, or blowouts during specific hours. Discounts are offered during the less peak hours.

Why Happy Hours are Offered?

There are many reasons why happy hours are offered by many businesses. Following are some of the reasons why happy hours are offered:

Attract more customers

Happy hour is one of most famous promotional and marketing technique that is used by businesses across the world. It’s a great way to attract new customers by offering some discounts or special deals. I personally look for happy hour to try a new place to experience the atmosphere and quality of food and drinks without spending too much of money.

Increase Sales during less crowded hours

Mid afternoon and early evening time is usually the less crowded time period, this is why a majority of restaurants and bars offer happy hours at this time in order to attract more customers. It’s easier to fill tables when there is a discount or special deal going on.

Build a loyal customer base

People look for happy hours to enjoy discounted deals on appetizers and drinks. Happy hours give people a reason to come back. In this competitive world, it’s not easy to build a loyal customer base or people who come frequently. If your food and drinks are good and you’re offering regular happy hours, then people will come back for more and this will expand your loyal customer base.

An Edge over competitors

Happy hour is a way to stand out among competitors. Create unique deals or offers which are not available anywhere else. Give people a value for their money and give them a experience that will cherish. Make your business stand out.