How Your Brewery Can Host a Successful Friendsgiving Event
Friendsgiving—a fun, casual spin on Thanksgiving—has grown in popularity as a time for friends to come together and celebrate. For breweries, it presents a fantastic opportunity to host a community-centered event that brings people through the doors to enjoy great beer and delicious food in a relaxed atmosphere. Hosting a Friendsgiving event at your brewery can be a fun and rewarding way to engage with customers, showcase your offerings, and build brand loyalty. Here’s how to pull off a Friendsgiving event that people will be talking about for months.
1. Offer a Special Friendsgiving Menu
One way to create a unique experience is by crafting a special Friendsgiving-inspired menu. This could feature seasonal items that pair perfectly with your beers, such as:
Turkey sliders or sandwiches with beer-braised turkey.
Mashed potatoes with ale gravy.
Stuffing infused with a stout reduction.
Sweet potato fries or a sweet potato casserole with a cinnamon beer glaze.
Pumpkin pie served with a spiced ale or stout drizzle.
If your brewery doesn’t have a full kitchen, partner with local food trucks or caterers to serve Thanksgiving-themed dishes. Coordinate with them to ensure that the food aligns with your beers, creating a seamless dining and drinking experience.
2. Create Custom Beer Pairings and Flights
One of the main reasons people love coming to breweries is to try new and interesting beers. Elevate your Friendsgiving event by offering custom beer pairings for traditional Thanksgiving dishes. You could create a Friendsgiving Beer Flight, which guests can purchase to pair with their meals:
Amber ales to complement roasted turkey or ham.
Porters to go with rich dishes like stuffing or gravy.
Saisons to balance the flavors of roasted vegetables or cranberry sauce.
Pumpkin or spiced ales for desserts like pumpkin pie or pecan pie.
You could also work with your brewmasters to create limited-edition holiday beers that are only available at the Friendsgiving event, adding an exclusive element that draws in beer lovers.
3. Host a Potluck-Style Friendsgiving
Another great way to engage with the community is by hosting a potluck-style Friendsgiving. Invite guests to bring a dish to share, and in exchange, offer them a discount on beer. You can create a casual, communal atmosphere where everyone contributes to the feast, making it feel even more like a Friendsgiving among friends.
Make sure to provide plenty of space for guests to lay out their dishes, and work with your staff to ensure the logistics of food management and serving are well-handled.
4. Add Festive Decor and Ambiance
The brewery’s natural vibe is part of its charm, but adding some seasonal touches can make the space feel extra special for Friendsgiving. Consider:
Pumpkins, gourds, and seasonal floral arrangements to dress up tables and the bar area.
String lights or candles for a warm, inviting glow.
Friendsgiving-themed photo booth: Set up a simple backdrop with Thanksgiving props and a branded brewery sign. Guests can take photos and share them on social media, promoting your event and brewery.
You could also create a gratitude wall where guests write what they’re thankful for on a chalkboard or sticky notes, adding an interactive element to the décor.
5. Plan Fun Friendsgiving Activities
Add a fun twist to the night with games or entertainment that encourages socializing and engagement. Some ideas include:
Trivia or Bingo: Create Thanksgiving- or beer-themed trivia or bingo cards. Offer small prizes like free beer or brewery merchandise for winners. You can get pre-written questions here.
Cornhole or shuffleboard tournaments: If your brewery has space, set up games for guests to play in between food and drinks.
Beer tastings or brewery tours: Give guests a behind-the-scenes look at your brewing process, with special tastings of beers that pair with traditional Thanksgiving dishes.
Live music or an acoustic set can also help set the tone for a fun, social gathering without overpowering conversations.
6. Offer Group-Friendly Reservation Packages
Friendsgiving often involves larger groups, so make it easy for people to reserve space at your brewery. Consider creating group packages that include:
Reserved seating: Offer reserved tables or a semi-private space for large groups.
Pre-paid beer flights: Create an all-inclusive package where groups can purchase beer flights and appetizers or small plates ahead of time.
Discounts for groups: Provide a small discount for large groups, which will incentivize guests to bring their friends.
Group packages make planning easier for attendees and guarantee that you’ll have a solid headcount in advance.
7. Promote Early and Offer Tickets
Start promoting your Friendsgiving event well in advance to build excitement and get people on board early. Use social media, email newsletters, and posters around the brewery to spread the word. You can also sell tickets to ensure a controlled number of guests.
Consider offering early-bird tickets with perks like a complimentary drink, a Friendsgiving pint glass, or early access to limited-edition brews.
8. Create Take-Home Gifts or Party Favors
To make your Friendsgiving event even more memorable, send guests home with a small keepsake. This could be:
Custom pint glasses with your brewery’s logo and the date of the Friendsgiving event.
Mini growlers or cans of a special holiday brew.
Thank-you bags with brewery swag like stickers, coasters, or bottle openers.
These small gifts not only leave a lasting impression but also encourage guests to return to your brewery in the future.
Conclusion
Hosting a Friendsgiving event at your brewery is a fantastic way to build community, attract new customers, and showcase your beers in a festive and relaxed setting. By offering great food, custom beer pairings, fun activities, and a welcoming environment, your brewery can create a memorable Friendsgiving that will keep people coming back year after year.
