How to Turn More Kava First-Timers into Kava Bar Regulars
A successful Kava bar relies on having a loyal customer base. Turning first-time customers into regulars increases revenue and fosters a strong community around your Kava bar. In this article, we’ll guide you through the essential strategies to ensure a memorable first-time experience for customers, encouraging them to become loyal patrons. Keep reading to learn how to create a welcoming atmosphere, offer excellent customer service, educate customers about Kava, and provide special offers and incentives to keep them coming back for more.
1. A Welcoming Atmosphere & Kava Vibe
First impressions are crucial in turning first-time customers into regulars. To create a welcoming atmosphere, ensure your Kava bar has a comfortable and inviting design that encourages relaxation and socialization. Choose a layout that maximizes space, incorporating cozy seating and warm lighting that suits the local culture and preferences of your target audience. Remember, the atmosphere of a Kava bar can vary significantly depending on its location and surrounding environment, so be mindful of the unique characteristics of your area when designing your space.
Consider the various needs of your customers throughout the day. For example, during daytime hours, you might want to create a remote-work-friendly atmosphere by providing ample workspaces, power outlets, and a quieter environment. As the day transitions into the evening, rearrange the furniture to create a more nightlight-friendly setting with dimmer lighting, intimate seating arrangements, and perhaps even a small stage for live music or performances.
Cleanliness and hygiene are essential, so make sure all areas of the bar, including restrooms, countertops, and seating areas, are well-maintained. Regular cleaning not only keeps your Kava bar looking its best but also reassures customers that their health and safety are your top priorities.
By carefully considering your Kava bar’s atmosphere in relation to your location, local culture, and the varying needs of customers throughout the day, you can create a versatile and inviting space that encourages first-time visitors to become regular patrons.
2. Offering Excellent Customer Service
Train your staff to provide exceptional service that leaves a lasting impression on first-time customers. Teach them to tailor their service to suit each customer’s needs, guide them through the Kava selection process, and offer personalized recommendations. Building rapport with customers is vital in establishing long-term loyalty.
3. Educating First-Timers About Kava
Many first-time customers may be unfamiliar with Kava, its history, and its effects. Take the time to inform customers about the drink’s background, traditions, and potential benefits. Address any misconceptions or concerns they may have, and provide guidance during their first Kava experience to make it enjoyable and memorable.
We recommend developing a standard Kava explainer/sales pitch and including it in staff training, so your team can explain and sell kava effectively to first-timers when they inevitably ask, “What’s kava”.
Here’s an sample kava bar explainer sales pitch. Feel free to use it and modify it as you see fit:
“Hi there, welcome to our kava bar! Have you ever heard of kava before? No? Well, let me tell you a bit about it. Kava is a natural drink that has been used for centuries in the South Pacific for its relaxing and calming effects. It comes from the root of the kava plant and is traditionally prepared by grinding the root into a fine powder and mixing it with water.
Kava has been known to help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and improve sleep quality. Many people also use kava as a social drink, as it can help to ease social anxiety and promote a sense of well-being. Kava is also known to have a unique taste, which is earthy and slightly bitter. But don’t worry, we have a variety of delicious kava drinks that are blended with other natural ingredients to make them more palatable.
At our kava bar, we have a range of kava drinks to suit different tastes and preferences. From traditional kava drinks to more modern twists, we’re sure you’ll find something you love. Our kavatenders are experts at creating the perfect kava drink for you based on your needs and preferences. So, whether you’re looking to relax after a long day, socialize with friends, or just try something new, kava is definitely worth a try.
So why not give kava a chance? It’s a natural alternative to other relaxation drinks, and with our range of delicious drinks, you’re sure to find one that you love. Come on over and let us introduce you to the wonderful world of kava!”
Created by us for you.
Many kava bars have “What Is Kava” explanation postcards, flyers or even on their TVs or Menus to help seamlessly introduce first-timers that haven’t heard of or had kava. This makes it easy for those anti-social customers or when you’re team is busy helping other patrons.
4. Special Offers and Incentives for First-Time Customers
Attract first-time customers with exclusive promotions, discounts, or free samples. Offer a complimentary first shell or a first-timer discount on their initial purchase. Implement a loyalty program to encourage repeat visits, rewarding customers with special deals or perks for continued patronage.
Proven Concept: Offer a Flight of Kava
Some Kava bars, like Lacuna Kava Bar in Arizona, offer Kava or Kratom flights on their menu, including splash, single or double portions of 3 to 5 different kava products for new customers to sample and explore. Flights are usually priced between $10 to $20. (A higher entry price but greater value to sample and really feel the effects)
First Timer Unlimited Kava Special
Another trick is offering first-time kava drinkers an unlimited kava deal for a flat-rate (say $20 to $30) or a big discount (50% Off, or Buy One, Get Two) to increase the likelihood that they feel and enjoy the effects and become a return customer.
5. Hosting Engaging and Memorable Events and Activities
Organize events that draw in first-time customers and entice them to return. Consider hosting live music, open mic nights, Kava tasting sessions, workshops, or cultural events. Promote these events through social media, local advertising, and word of mouth to attract a diverse audience. Island Vibes Kava Bar in Lake Worth, Florida, is a good example of a kava bar that does this well.
Event Ideas for Kava bars
- Open Mic Nights
- Karaoke
- Comedy Night
- Tournaments, including but not limited to Video games, chess, pool, ping pong, card games, dominos, etc.
- Bingo Night
- Movie Night
- Kava & Canvas Art Painting
- Ladies Night
- Gents Night
- Sunday Football
- Trivia
- Birthday Parties
- Kava Tasting
- Car Shows
- KavaGivings
- Secret Santa
- Workaholics Anonymous
6. Offer a Unique and Memorable Kava Experience
Distinguish your Kava bar by presenting a diverse menu of Kava drinks and complimentary beverages. To truly set yourself apart, consider developing an exclusive Kava or Kratom concoction that your competitors don’t offer – a signature drink that customers can only find at your establishment, or perhaps a flight of kava for first timers (wink wink). This not only piques their curiosity but also fosters loyalty as they return for their favorite unique beverage.
Integrate local or cultural elements into the Kava bar experience by featuring local artwork, hosting traditional performances, or infusing the interior design with regional touches. Promote social interaction among patrons, encouraging lively conversations and connections to cultivate a sense of community within your bar. By offering an unforgettable experience that combines exclusivity, cultural immersion, and camaraderie, you’ll be well on your way to transforming first-time visitors into devoted regulars.
7. Collecting Feedback and Improving the Customer Experience
Ask first-time customers for feedback on their experience, and use their input to make improvements. Implement changes based on their suggestions to create a better atmosphere and customer experience. Encourage customers to share their experiences on social media or through online reviews to help spread the word about your Kava bar.
Use BestKavaBar to Manage Reviews & Feedback
Your account on BestKavaBar offers a review and feedback generation and management feature included in their Premium plan for Kava Bars. Easily and automatically (with provided QR stickers and bar cards), get customers submitting positive reviews to Google, Facebook, & Yelp, and critical feedback directly to your inbox to address them and improve your kava bar’s customer experience.
8. Building a Community Around Your Kava Bar
Foster connections with local Kava enthusiasts by hosting meetups, participating in local events, or partnering with businesses with similar customer bases. Collaborate with other local businesses for cross-promotion opportunities, and engage with your customers online through social media and email newsletters. Building a strong community around your Kava bar will create a loyal customer base that will keep coming back.
The Loyal Bula
Turning Kava first-timers into loyal regulars is essential for the long-term success of your Kava bar. By focusing on creating a welcoming atmosphere, providing excellent customer service, educating customers about Kava, offering special promotions, hosting engaging events, delivering a unique Kava experience, collecting feedback, and building a community, you can ensure a memorable experience for first-time customers that will keep them coming back. Prioritize these strategies, and watch your Kava bar flourish as you cultivate a loyal customer base.
