Bar trivia can turn slow weekday nights into profitable opportunities. The best times to host trivia, based on customer habits and revenue trends, are:
- Tuesday & Wednesday (7-9 PM): High attendance, boosts food and drink sales.
- Thursday (6-8 PM): Combines happy hour with pre-weekend buzz.
- Monday (8-10 PM): Attracts service industry workers, increases Monday revenue by 40%.
- Wednesday (5-7 PM): Targets after-work professionals with drink and appetizer specials.
- Tuesday & Wednesday (6:30-9 PM): Aligns with dinner hours, driving food and drink orders.
Trivia events increase table occupancy (98%) and player retention (85%), but success requires proper planning, a skilled host, and consistent marketing. Use affordable services like Cheap Trivia for pre-made question sets, marketing materials, and easy setup to maximize profits.
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Top 5 Weekday Hours for Bar Trivia
Data on customer habits and revenue trends in the hospitality industry reveals specific time slots that consistently drive higher profits for bar trivia events. Here are the top five weekday hours to consider:
1. Tuesday & Wednesday 7-9 PM
This is the sweet spot for trivia nights. It’s convenient for working professionals and encourages dinner orders alongside drinks, boosting per-table revenue. High attendance rates during this time make it a top choice for maximizing food and beverage sales.
2. Thursday 6-8 PM
This slot draws in the happy hour crowd and those gearing up for the weekend. Pairing trivia with food specials can keep patrons around longer, often leading to increased dinner orders during the games [2].
3. Monday 8-10 PM
Mondays are typically quiet for bars, but trivia events during this time have shown surprising success. They attract service industry workers on their night off and create a loyal following. Many venues report a 40% increase in Monday night revenue compared to regular non-trivia nights.
4. Wednesday 5-7 PM
Perfect for the after-work crowd, this slot works well when combined with appetizer deals and drink specials [2]. It’s an early option that appeals to professionals looking for a quick and fun activity before heading home.
5. Tuesday & Wednesday 6:30-9 PM
These mid-evening hours are great for neighborhood bars. They align with dinner time, encouraging food and drink orders while keeping the event short enough for participants to get home at a reasonable hour.
| Time Slot | Best Day(s) | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| 7-9 PM | Tue/Wed | High attendance, boosts food & drink sales |
| 6-8 PM | Thursday | Combines happy hour with pre-weekend buzz |
| 8-10 PM | Monday | Draws service industry crowd, builds loyalty |
| 5-7 PM | Wednesday | Targets after-work professionals |
| 6:30-9 PM | Tue/Wed | Aligns with dinner hours, increases orders |
While these time slots are proven to perform well, success also depends on how you plan and execute trivia nights during these hours. Next, we’ll explore the advantages and potential challenges of hosting events at these peak times.
1. Cheap Trivia
Cost Benefits
Hosting trivia nights with Cheap Trivia during high-traffic weekday hours helps bar owners boost profits without much hassle. Affordable trivia packages keep expenses low while increasing customer turnout and sales during busy times [2].
Variety in Trivia Content
Offering a mix of trivia topics keeps customers coming back. Here’s a breakdown of popular formats and when they work best:
| Content Type | Why It Works | Ideal Time Slots |
|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge | Appeals to a wide crowd | 7-9 PM weeknights |
| Sports Themes | Draws in sports fans | 6-8 PM Thursdays |
| Movie/TV Topics | Popular with younger guests | 8-10 PM weeknights |
| Picture Rounds | Boosts engagement | Any peak hour |
Simple Setup
Cheap Trivia makes hosting trivia nights easy with weekly packages starting at $15.99. Each package includes over 40 questions, pre-made rounds, and marketing materials in both PDF and PowerPoint formats. This streamlined approach lets bars focus on running the event rather than creating content.
Affordable Marketing Options
Promoting trivia nights doesn’t have to break the bank. Bars that succeed often combine social media campaigns with local collaborations to attract a steady crowd. Trivia nights also set your bar apart from competitors, offering a unique draw while keeping promotion costs manageable [2].
Cheap Trivia is a practical option for boosting profits, but hosting events during peak hours may come with its own set of challenges.
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Pros and Cons Overview
Here’s a closer look at the upsides and challenges of hosting trivia nights during peak weekday hours:
| Aspect | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Attendance | - High table occupancy (98% during events) [1] - Strong player retention (85% weekly) [1] - Brings in groups on slower nights like Tuesdays and Wednesdays |
- May disturb regular customers - Requires ongoing promotion to keep attendance steady |
| Revenue | - Longer customer visits (average of 2 hours) [4] - Boost in food and drink sales - Higher spending per table |
- Prize costs eat into profits - Extra staffing expenses - Initial equipment costs |
| Operations | - Pre-made trivia question sets available - Comes with marketing materials - Flexible scheduling options |
- Requires a dedicated host or MC - Audio equipment setup needed [4] - Staff training required |
| Customer Experience | - Fun and social activity - Encourages friendly competition - Incentives for group participation |
- Potential issues with sound or space - Longer wait times during busy hours - Service may slow down during peak times |
| Marketing Impact | - Boosts social media engagement - Opens doors for local partnerships - Helps differentiate your brand |
- Ongoing promotion costs - Competes with nearby venues offering similar events - Requires regular updates to trivia content |
Success with weekday trivia depends on careful planning. To make the most of it while addressing potential hurdles, focus on these strategies:
- Timing Is Key: Host events during slower weekday hours to turn quiet periods into revenue opportunities.
- Staff Preparation: Train your team to handle trivia night operations efficiently.
- Invest in Equipment: Start with quality audio gear and upgrade as your events grow.
Conclusion
Hosting trivia nights on slower weekdays can transform them into profitable opportunities, with table occupancy reaching an impressive 98% and weekly player retention at 85% [1]. To make trivia events successful, it's crucial to plan thoroughly - this includes having reliable equipment, a skilled host, and consistent marketing to ensure a strong return on investment.
If you're aiming to make your trivia nights more profitable, here are some practical tips:
- Choose the Right Night: Pick quieter evenings like Tuesdays or Wednesdays to avoid competition.
- Boost Sales: Introduce themed food and drink specials to encourage spending.
- Create a Community Feel: Promote team participation and reward regular players.
- Track and Improve: Analyze attendance and sales data to fine-tune your approach.
The key to a thriving trivia night lies in balancing fun competition with a welcoming social atmosphere. When paired with efficient operations, trivia nights can become a standout feature of your venue, driving steady weekday revenue.
FAQs
How to make money from a pub quiz?
Turning a pub quiz into a money-maker comes down to hosting a great event and smartly boosting sales. Trivia nights can turn quiet weekdays into bustling, profitable evenings by focusing on these areas [5][3]:
Making the Event Stand Out:
- A lively, engaging host and reliable audio equipment are non-negotiables.
- Use trusted trivia providers to keep the questions fresh and interesting.
- Ensure your handouts are clear, and the overall presentation looks polished.
Boosting Revenue:
- Schedule trivia nights strategically and pair them with themed food or drink specials.
- Offer team-based pricing to draw bigger crowds.
- Provide incentives, like prizes or discounts, to encourage regular attendance.
For example, NYC Trivia League keeps players coming back by offering 50 new questions and custom rounds every week [6]. Affordable trivia providers make it simple to start hosting without a huge upfront cost.
What to Measure for Success:
- How many players return each week.
- Average spending per team.
- Food and drink sales during trivia hours.
- Team sizes and overall attendance numbers.