Whether you're opening a new restaurant and bar or you're trying to liven the reputation of your existing one, jumping on board with happy hour specials may be a great way to get more customers. If you've been considering a happy hour promotion but don't really know where to start, you're not alone. The best happy hour deals can be unpredictable. Here's a look at a few things to consider when you are planning your upcoming happy hour promotion.

Choose An Odd Hour

In a time when it seems as though nearly every bar and restaurant are offering happy hour specials, you don't really want your happy hour to compete with several other neighborhood hot spots. Instead, take some time to evaluate when happy hour occurs with most of your local competition, then select a happy hour period that's different, but not far off. For example, if most of your local facilities offer happy hour specials from 4 to 6 PM or from 5 to 7 PM, capitalize on the crowd that isn't ready to go home yet by offering your happy hour specials starting at 7 PM.

Alternatively, if your business is located in a college town or an area with a lot of younger adults, you might also want to consider offering a later happy hour to catch the late-night crowd. Many times, those who like to meet up later at night tend to miss out on a lot of the specials. Create a happy hour period just for them by providing deals from 9 to 11 PM or a similar timeframe.

Create Unique Offerings

You'll be far more likely to attract guests who will spend more during your happy hour when you offer them things that they feel they can't get otherwise. Create happy-hour-only specials, including a drink that's only available during happy hour or an appetizer that's exclusive to your happy hour periods. This creates a sense of exclusivity to your happy hour, which makes people more likely to want to experience it and order these unique menu items.

Offer Menus For A Crowd

Many happy hour guests are going to be groups of four or more. Make sure that your happy hour menu reflects this. Create some menu offerings for your happy hour that tailor to large groups, including pitchers of beer and margaritas along with large appetizer platters or something similar to feed everybody.

These are a few things to consider as you establish a happy hour menu at your business.