Winter can be a tricky season for a bar or restaurant owner – especially in the Wilmington area. Foot traffic slows, routines change, and many owners slip into “just get through it” mode.
But the bar or restaurant businesses that stay busy year-round don’t treat winter like a problem to survive. They treat it like a season to design for.
Here are five practical ways bars and restaurants can stay steady, visible, and profitable all winter long. Plus examples that highlight venues already doing it right.
1. Shift the Vibe: Make It Cozy on Purpose
Winter is about comfort. People are naturally drawn to places that feel warm, inviting, and easy to linger in when it’s cold outside.
This isn’t accidental: it’s intentional.
Think:
- Warm, dim lighting
- Candles or table lamps
- Heaters for outdoor spaces
- Blankets or throws where appropriate
The goal is simple: create the “I want to stay awhile” feeling.
Spotlight: Bars Doing This Well
Hello, the Rift! Cozy and warm igloos that are staying this winter some of which have a fire inside of them! What an interactive way to get people out and socializing with the local community with a couple or seasonal cocktails.
Concorde Espresso Bar is another one! The blankets are a wonderful touch in addition to the fire pits.
2. Build a Winter Routine People Can Count On
Consistency beats novelty in the winter months. When customers know exactly what’s happening — and when — it removes friction and gives them a reason to show up even when it’s cold or dark early.
Ideas include:
- Weekly trivia or bingo
- Live music nights
- Themed dinners
- Locals-only or industry nights
- Watch parties and pop-ups
A predictable schedule builds habits. Habits build steady traffic.
Spotlight: Bars Doing This Well
The Eagles Dare pins their weekly schedule so you don’t have to look for it and two, your plans are already made!
3. Tighten Your Winter Menu
Winter is not the time to overwhelm people with options. It’s the time to highlight what feels right for the season.
Focus on a tighter menu that leans into comfort and warmth, especially when it comes to drinks. Seasonal favorites might include:
- Hot cocktails
- Mulled wine
- Spiked cider
- Espresso martinis
Seasonal menus give people something to talk about (and a reason to come back).
Spotlight: Bars Doing This Well
Tarantelli’s of Wilmington has a hot chocolate bar open every weekend throughout the month of January.
4. Market to Locals, Not Tourists
Winter is when locals matter most. This is the season to make regulars feel seen, appreciated, and rewarded for showing up when things are slower.
- Ways to do that:
- Loyalty cards or rewards
- Locals-only nights or specials
- Neighborhood shoutouts on social media
- Partnerships with nearby businesses
When locals feel valued, they become your most reliable winter audience.
5. Think Seasons, Not Survival
Winter isn’t just about getting through. It’s about:
- Staying visible
- Building habits
- Refining systems
- Testing ideas
The strategies you test in winter often become the foundation for stronger spring and summer growth.
Bars and restaurants that stay consistent during slower months don’t just survive… they come out ahead.
Winter doesn’t have to mean slow, quiet, or stagnant. With the right atmosphere, consistent events, seasonal offerings, and a strong focus on locals, bars and restaurants can turn winter into one of their most strategic seasons of the year.
If you’re intentional now, spring won’t feel like a restart, it’ll feel like a continuation.
