If you’re lucky enough to have some commercial property that is situated on a large body of water like a lake or river, then capitalizing on that niche can bring in a ton of money. Whether it is tourists coming on from the surrounding areas or other residents that live on the lake coming in for a break from their day on the water, you definitely have a sweet opportunity that other businesses don’t have. However, you may find that it isn’t as easy as you think bringing in customers off the water, and usually there is a higher lease price or mortgage on commercial property in this type of area. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to tip the odds in your favor when operating a lakeside bar and grill that will help you to make it as profitable as possible.
Offer Boat-Side Delivery
One of the easiest ways to increase sales at your lakeside bar and grill is to offer delivery to your customer’s boats. Many people don’t want to go through the hassle of docking their boat, walking up the dock, and getting a table, but they will certainly order food that can be dropped off quickly. You can even apply for an off-sale liquor license so you can sell ice cold 6 packs of beer to really make your service indispensable. Make sure you have a large banner with information on ordering for boat delivery with a phone number to call since most lakes have excellent cell phone service everywhere.
Offer Boat Parking
If you don’t have a spot for people to park their boats, you might as well close the doors on your bar and grill. One of the biggest ways to make money with your lakeside location is to bring in customers from the lake, so you absolutely must have a place for them to park their watercraft. Imagine a restaurant that didn’t have a parking lot and you can easily understand why boat parking is so crucial to the business model.
Host Events
Hosting events is a great way to engage your surrounding community and bring in more business. Instead of having bands or other live entertainment like a regular bar and grill would have, embrace your lakeside location and consider some events that are more in line with the lake experience.
Kayak and Canoe Show
One easy way to drive a ton of business in a short period of time is to host a kayak and canoe shoe. You can invite vendors from across the country to attend the show, and you can even charge them a fee to setup a booth. The vendors can bring kayaks and canoes for the guests to try out, and you’ll probably even bring in people from a website that reviews kayaks, canoes, and outdoor gear along with people who love the outdoors from your community.
Create a Fishing Contest
Another easy way to create a lot of interest in your lakeside bar and grill is to create and host a fishing contest. People will come from all around to participate and witness the fishing contest, so it will be easy to make a lot of money. Just make sure you advertise you name all over the contest and have the final results take place at your bar and grill to really capitalize on the concept.
