How to score with sports-themed events in your restaurant

From hockey to basketball to football, the opportunities to attract diners to your restaurant to watch sports are nearly endless.

Here are some suggestions to pull off a win in your establishment.

Partner with Local and Direct food suppliers

When events bring in crowds, the last thing your restaurant can afford is a food shortage. Local suppliers are vital to ensuring a consistent and fresh food supply. They often offer the advantage of shorter delivery windows, reducing the risk of delays and ensuring that your kitchen can continue operating without disruptions.

Whether it’s fresh produce, meats, or artisanal goods, sourcing locally not only supports your community but also allows for quicker adjustments to your supply chain in case of an unexpected demand surge.

Did you know? Entegra’s Local and Direct program includes non-food items like decor, lighting and flatscreens.

Serve up reliable services for seamless operations

A successful event experience is more than just good food—it’s about entertainment. If your restaurant is known for showing sports games or other televised events, having dependable television services like DirectTV is crucial. Unreliable TV services or signal interruptions can quickly turn eager customers away, damaging your reputation.

Additionally, consider your staff’s ability to handle the event. Big sporting events can really attract a crowd. Restaurants frequently struggle with staffing issues during peak times. Services like Anserteam and Instawork can help you find temporary or on-demand staff to fill gaps. Whether you need extra cooks, servers, or dishwashers, these platforms allow you to scale your team efficiently, ensuring you have enough support to provide excellent service, even when crowds swell.

Create event-specific specials to boost revenue

What’s a big event without special promotions? Entegra Culinary Consulting can help your restaurant craft limited-time offers (LTOs) that not only align with your event theme but also drive additional revenue. Whether you’re preparing for a game-day crowd or a holiday celebration, Entegra's expert chefs can work with you to design dishes that stand out, using available local ingredients.

Explore Entegra Culinary Consulting.

By offering themed items or limited-time promotions, you’re more likely to attract attention and create memorable dining experiences. Developing LTOs can be a great way to upsell your menu and capitalize on the energy surrounding the event. Plus, unique promotions give customers a reason to return, especially if they know your restaurant offers something exciting for these occasions. And don’t forget about creating exciting drink specials, with or without alcohol.

With prime sports seasons well under way, improving your game by hosting sports-themed events in your restaurant could be the winning move.

Contact us for more ways to implement strategic changes and save on nearly everything you buy for your business.