Game and activity bars have been around for a long time, they are not a new concept, but over the years they have been evolving into more than just billiard tables and dart boards. London, UK has been a prime example of successful activity bars popping up all over the city from places offering “All-American” batting cages and “True Canadian” curling experiences to mini golf, VR, arcade games and more. 

Even the bars that stick with classic games like billiards, darts, ping pong, and shuffleboard continue to generate revenue and attract new and existing customers due to the fact that they offer more than just a place to sit, drink, and socialize with friends. Even individual bargoers enjoy activity bars to have a pint and challenge others at games, whether they are there to meet people or just want to get out of the house. 

Why Consumers Are Looking for More Than Just a Bar

In a post-covid world, there are an increased number of individuals who continue to work from home. Being home all day often creates the urge to get out of the house and see friends or co-workers to have a good time. A bar is often the choice of many, but the younger generations have shown that they don’t necessarily want to just sit around a table and talk, they want more. 

Surely most people have been in a situation where they meet up with someone they don’t know too well and conversation can get a bit awkward – whether it’s a date, waiting for others to join, or just not in the mood for conversation! What better way to break the ice than take part in a game or activity. 

Younger generations appear to be drinking less alcohol, which can sometimes be a deterrent for them wanting to join others at bars. Adding an activity to the bar outing can make it a reason for non-drinkers to join in without the pressure to have a drink of any sort in hand. 

When the weekend hits, many bars in large cities end up turning into “club mode” late at night when the music is loud, and people want to dance, but that’s not for everyone. Some people just want to have a chill time with friends and that’s hard to do in a setting like this. Activity bars add a unique twist to the traditional bar experience that gives the option of something fun and exciting to do, whether it’s a date night or a night out with a group of friends. You can drink, you can talk, you can hang out, and you can play.

Pros for Business Owners

By offering a game or activity, bar owners can draw additional revenue due to the fact that customers will have the opportunity to enjoy more than just a place to drink and hang out. Customers are more willing to pay a cover charge for a place where they will have more activities to take part in over a place only offering a place to sit.

Customers will keep coming back if you provide them a good time and you will gain more recurring clientele and word-of-mouth customers. We all know how big of an influence social media can be nowadays, so give customers a unique Instagrammable moment to share with their friends and followers!

The Perks of Adding a Street Curling Rink To Your Bar

Offer your clientele the ultimate Canadian experience they didn’t know they needed! 

One of the best perks of adding a Street Curling rink to your bar is that the rinks are easy to set up, can be easily stored away, and moved if you want the option to host a night of something else! It won’t pigeonhole you into becoming “the curling bar” if that’s not what you want, but will offer a new and unique activity that lets people have fun, be competitive, and have a great time. 

Rinks can be used all year round or seasonally, indoors or outdoors. No matter what your setup is, it’s sure to be a hit. 

Street Curling rink setup at Big Family Brewing Co.

Street Curling Bar Event Ideas

Why not go above above and beyond and add some easy-to-do events with our Street Curling setup.

• Host a floor curling singles night where individuals sign up for a curling tournament and when they’re not showing off their skills on the rink, they can mix and mingle! Maybe you’ll be part of the beginning of someone’s great love story!
• Offer a twist on the traditional “happy hour” where customers can draw to the button for a free shot!
• Run an iceless curling league. Just like how many bars offer a weekly darts league or trivia, why not run a weekly iceless curling league to help attract recurring customers. 
• Offer a BOGO for Street Curling customers – the loser buys the winner a drink!

Adding a game or activity to your bar is sure to pay off by driving additional revenue, building a recurring customer base, and attracting new customers organically. Street Curling is a great option, whether you’re ready to go all-in or just try out becoming an activity bar. Our rinks are customizable to show off your brand, providing a great content generation opportunity and an experience your customers are sure to love! Contact us for more information on which rink is right for you, we’re here to help throughout the whole process.