There's more to February than Valentine’s Day. Sure, the 14th should be a good day for sales if your bar is a Valentine’s destination. But then again, all those cooing couples might go for an expensive dinner in a restaurant and leave you high and dry. So, make sure you maximize opportunities in February to capture revenue. Here are a few ideas.

Bartender Auction
    Check out the bars around your location for the best looking employees and invite industry professionals to agree to be auctioned off on a night at your bar. With the money going to charity and a $500 reward for the person who pulls in the highest bid, competition will be encouraged to an all-time high. For sponsors, think of places that will donate good date packages to be enjoyed by the bidder and their newly owned bartender such as spas, boat rentals, paintball companies or belly dancing lessons.

Charlie’s Angel’s B’day Bash
    February 2 is Farrah Fawcett’s birthday. Host a “Charlie’s Angels” theme party and play the old episodes on the big screen on silent. Host a contest for the winner to take home a free consultation with a plastic surgeon.

Red Party 
    Turn your club, servers, food and cocktails red for the night. The more outrageous you go, the larger the profits and longer the word-of-mouth effect. Tie in sponsorship from the American Heart Association in honor of February being American Heart Month.

Public Proposal
    Advertise on the radio that you are searching for a man who is willing to propose to his fiancé inside your club. Call a local media station for coverage of that night and make sure to have the DJ ready at midnight to make a surprise announcement. Balloon drops and confetti raining down are a great bonus.

Wedding Fashion Show
    Millions of Americans get married in February, and since most engagements are at least a year, pull in the profits of those excited soon-to-be brides with a wedding fashion show and Champagne toast. Contact your local bridal shops and jewelry stores for sponsorship and cross advertising.

Bob Marley’s Birthday 
    There is nothing like a mid-winter beach party to get everyone in the mood to drink. Push your Latin brands that are associated with the Caribbean and pump Bob Marley hits out all night long in honor of his birthday, which falls on the 6th of February. Offer free admission for people in bathing suits. For extra excitement, put a couple of hot tubs in your bar for the night.

Cupid’s Revenge
    For all those scorned lovers, host a party with a darker twist. Have people bring in pictures of their worst ex-lovers to be placed on dartboards against the wall. Host a dart tournament and serve signature cocktails such as Broken Heart Martinis or Jilted Juleps.

Mi Pom-amoure
3/4 ounce of Hiram Walker Pomegranate Schnapps
3/4 ounce of Hiram Walker Amaretto
1/4 ounce fresh lime juice
Brut Champagne
2 cherries
Squeeze juice from limes into shaker and drop them in. Add Hiram Walker Pomegranate Schnapps, Amaretto and ice and shake well. Strain into a Champagne flute and fill remaining with Champagne. Spear two cherries and place on the rim as garnish.
Photo and recipe courtesy of Hiram Walker, www.pernod-ricard.com.
Drink created by George Delgado.