existing / new . The 19 cocktails offered by category include four Umami / Earthy / Smoky offerings ( such as a Chocolate Bourbon Milkshake ); three Citrus / Sour ( such as a Strawberry Watermelon Margarita ); five Sweet or Fruit Forward ( like the Dangerous Waters tropical punch ); two Refreshing / Crisp Clean ( a Fresh Mojito ); and five Liquor Forward ( including the house Long Island Iced Tea ).

Some of Dave & Buster ’ s other beverage program initiatives include :

Revised printed beverage menus to showcase new cocktails , wine , spirits and booze-free beverages .

Evolved merchandising and promotional approach to link to the brands ’ “ Million Dollar Midway ” feeling . For instance , evocative imagery highlights the quality and drives appetite appeal , while bringing the Midway theme to life with bright colors and textural cues . Seasonal promotions include UFC , March Madness , Football Game Watches , Octoberfest and Holiday , while in-venue programming features Trivia nights and DJs for game watches .

Team training to ensure consistent execution with such tools as a comprehensive bartender training manual , Cheat Sheets and Recipe Cards that include ServSafe food and alcohol safety training and certification so bartenders how many net drinks are in the recipe . Instructional videos provide step-by-step instructions on how to make all menu listed recipes and LTOs ; discuss the drink flavor ; emphasize how the drink looks when made with proper technique and garnish .

The chain also optimized its draft beer lineup nationally and regionally and revamped its wine list , including both bottle and portable can selections . The result was significant growth in the beverage attachment rate and both sales and profitability growth as well .

How significant ? The new beverage menu highlights include a 3.5 % increase in featured beverage mix ; a 5 % rise in featured beverage quantities ; and a $ 0.48 increase in gross profit per drink sold .

Dave & Buster ’ s has come a long way since game parlor operator Dave and restaurateur Buster joined forces and opened their first “ eatertainment ” venue in Dallas in 1982 . The brand ’ s recent game plan and implementation have helped evolve its beverage program in a way that resonated in the post-Covid world and likely positioned Dave & Buster ’ s for continued growth .— Melissa Dowling

www . cheersonline . com BevX Issue 2022 • 11