Australian Venue Co has been putting its best half-foot forward, offering everything at half-price at its Sydney pubs during January as it strives for recovery.
Eight Sydney bars are fronting a fresh start for ‘21 with ‘Sydney’s Happiest Hour’ offering 50 per cent off all food and drinks bills from 5-6pm, every day throughout January 2021.
“Half price bills mean Sydneysiders can catch up with friends twice as much this summer!” said Michael Gavaghan, venue manager of The Winery.
The promotion is taking place at Cargo, Bungalow8, The Rook, Untied, Manly Wine, The Loft, The Winery and Beer Deluxe on King Street Wharf. There is no limit to how many times patrons may claim the discount – available through the group’s online ordering systems or custom app.
AVC CEO Paul Waterson says they have seen the impact and benefits over the past few weeks.
“It’s worked really well in coaxing the punters back in. We are finding people try different drinks and meals that they wouldn’t normally get.”
The group took a very proactive approach to retaining staff during and following the pandemic shutdown, coming to offer signing bonuses for new staff in December. The Sydney promotion is one step in plans to rebuild on trade in the 150-odd pubs in the portfolio.
“We think it’s worth investing in getting people back, particularly those who may not have been back to a pub since the re-openings,” remarks Waterson.
AVC is pleased to report overall sales are now trading in line with the same corresponding period last year, although the recovery is somewhat uneven.
CBD venues in Melbourne and Sydney have so far only returned to 65 per cent of last year’s sales, but have been offset by really strong trade in regional and suburban areas, likely underpinned by the number of people still working from home.
“Perth, Darwin, Adelaide and Queensland are standouts, with sales well above last year,” notes Waterson.
“We hope with Melburnians and Sydneysiders coming back to the office in the coming weeks that the CBD venues will continue to recover.”
