How to Build a Beverage Menu at an Axe Throwing Venue

To create a beverage menu that resonates with your customers, understanding who they are is crucial. Axe throwing venues often attract a broad demographic, including young professionals, corporate teams, birthday parties, bachelor and bachelorette groups, and even families. Each group may have different beverage preferences, so tailoring your menu to cater to a wide range of tastes is essential.

Example: Consider conducting surveys or informal interviews with your customers to gather insights into their beverage preferences. You might discover that your weekday corporate clients prefer a selection of craft beers and wines, while weekend visitors, such as younger groups, may lean towards trendy cocktails or hard seltzers. By understanding these preferences, you can create a menu that appeals to all segments of your customer base.

Insight: Don’t forget to account for non-drinkers or those who prefer non-alcoholic options. Offering a variety of mocktails, specialty sodas, and flavored waters ensures that everyone, regardless of their drinking habits, feels included in the experience.

Axe throwing is an activity filled with energy and excitement; the right beverage can elevate this experience. Beverages serve as refreshments and integral components that enhance the social and celebratory atmosphere that axe throwing fosters. The drinks you offer can complement the venue’s rustic, adventurous vibe or contrast it with something unexpected and refreshing.

Example: Imagine a group of friends who have just finished a round of axe throwing. They gather around a table to celebrate with a round of craft beers, reliving their best throws and laughing over near-misses. The choice of beverages here enhances the camaraderie and the overall enjoyment of the outing.

Insight: The ambiance of your venue plays a vital role in the types of drinks you offer. A venue with a more rugged, outdoorsy feel might benefit from a beverage menu focused on hearty ales, while a more modern, sleek venue could feature craft cocktails with a contemporary twist.

Crafting a beverage menu that suits an axe throwing venue involves balancing variety, quality, and theme. Your menu should include a mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, with options that cater to different tastes and occasions.

Alcoholic Beverages

Alcoholic drinks are often a staple at recreational venues, and axe throwing is no exception. However, the types of alcoholic beverages you offer should align with the unique character of your venue.

Example: Craft beers are a natural fit for an axe throwing venue, given their popularity and the wide range of flavors available. You might offer a selection of local and regional brews, highlighting the best that your area has to offer. Including a rotating tap that features seasonal or limited-edition beers can keep your menu fresh and exciting.

Insight: Consider offering a curated list of spirits and cocktails that tie into the theme of axe throwing. For instance, you could create signature drinks with names that reflect the sport, such as “The Bullseye” or “Lumberjack’s Choice.” These thematic drinks not only add a fun element but also become part of the overall branding of your venue.

Non-Alcoholic Beverages

It’s essential to provide non-alcoholic options that are just as appealing as alcoholic ones to ensure that all guests, regardless of their preference or drinking habits, can enjoy something unique.

Example: Specialty sodas, artisanal lemonades, and mocktails can be excellent additions to your menu. For instance, a handcrafted ginger beer or fruit-infused water can be refreshing alternatives for those who choose not to drink alcohol.

Insight: You can also market non-alcoholic beverages to those driving or who prefer to stay sharp during their axe throwing session. Offering a wide range of these drinks can encourage longer stays and repeat visits, as guests feel they have plenty of options.

Seasonal and Thematic Drinks

Introducing seasonal and thematic drinks can add excitement to your menu and give customers a reason to return throughout the year. You can tie these drinks to holidays, special events, or even the changing seasons.

Example: In the winter, a hot spiced cider or a warm mulled wine can create a cozy atmosphere, while in the summer, a refreshing iced tea with a twist of lemon can be a hit. You could also create themed drinks around popular events or holidays, such as a green-hued cocktail for St. Patrick’s Day or a red, white, and blue drink for the Fourth of July.

Insight: Seasonal drinks not only keep your menu dynamic but also provide an opportunity for creative marketing. Promote these limited-time offerings through social media, in-house signage, and special events to draw attention and encourage customers to try something new.

A successful beverage menu relies heavily on solid supplier relationships and effective inventory management. Your relationships with suppliers can impact the quality, cost, and availability of the beverage menu at your axe throwing venue.

Example: Building a good rapport with local breweries, wineries, and distributors can give you access to exclusive products, better pricing, and insider knowledge about upcoming releases. This allows you to offer unique drinks that aren’t available at other venues, giving you a competitive edge.

Insight: Regular communication with your suppliers is key. Discussing trends, customer preferences, and upcoming events can help you anticipate demand and ensure you always have the right products in stock. Additionally, using inventory management software can help you track which items are selling well and which are not, allowing you to adjust your orders accordingly.

Pricing your beverages correctly is crucial to the profitability and accessibility of your menu. You want to offer prices that reflect the products’ quality while being fair and attractive to your customers.

Example: Consider implementing tiered pricing for different categories of drinks. For instance, you could have a base price for standard domestic beers and a premium price for craft or imported options. This approach allows you to cater to various budgets without compromising on quality.

Insight: Offering happy hour specials or group discounts can encourage larger groups to order more, increasing your overall sales. Additionally, consider offering package deals that combine axe throwing sessions with beverage options, providing a value-added experience that’s hard to resist.

Serving alcohol at an axe throwing venue comes with a unique set of legal responsibilities. Ensuring your venue complies with all local laws and regulations is essential to maintaining a safe and reputable business.

Example: Depending on your location, you may need specific licenses to serve alcohol, and there may be restrictions on serving it to particular groups, such as minors. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with these regulations and ensure you train all your staff in responsible alcohol service.

Insight: Promoting responsible drinking is crucial in an environment where physical activity is involved. Train your staff to recognize signs of intoxication and to intervene when necessary. Additionally, offering a variety of non-alcoholic beverages and encouraging guests to stay hydrated can help maintain a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone.

Once you craft your beverage menu, it’s time to market it effectively. Promoting your drinks can drive sales, attract new customers, and enhance the overall experience at your venue.

Example: Social media is a powerful tool for showcasing your beverage offerings. Posting high-quality images of your drinks, especially with action shots of axe throwing, can create a buzz around your menu. Consider running promotions or contests on platforms like Instagram or Facebook, encouraging customers to share their experiences for a chance to win a free drink or a discount on their next visit.

Insight: In-house marketing is equally important. Use signage, table tents, and menus to highlight your most popular or unique drinks. Additionally, consider creating special events or themed nights that tie your beverage offerings into the axe throwing experience, such as a “Brew and Throw” night where customers can enjoy discounted beers while participating in a friendly axe throwing competition.

Building a beverage menu at an axe throwing venue is an art that goes beyond simply offering drinks; it’s about creating an experience that resonates with your customers and enhances the overall atmosphere of your space. As you’ve learned throughout this guide, the key to success lies in understanding your audience, thoughtfully curating your offerings, and consistently delivering quality and value. Remember, a well-thought-out beverage menu can transform a good axe throwing session into a great one, turning first-time visitors into regulars and setting your venue up for long-term success.