Food & Beverage for Events

After-work or post-meeting happy hours and cocktail receptions are a great way to reward your meeting guests after a day of hard work. Luckily, a number of restaurant chains are recognizing the power of the hour as well, in terms of garnering business.

According to USA Today, more and more casual dining establishments are offering happy hour specials in order to counteract last year's 5.6 percent decline in same-store sales, according to industry consultant Malcolm Knapp.

"This is what you have to do to get business," Knapp told USA Today. "People don't have enough money to eat out."

Happy hour specials are now being offered at popular restaurants such as Morton's Steak House. Its Power Hour special includes sliders for $5 and beer for $4. Meanwhile, Cheesecake Factory is rolling out its Happy Hour in most locations by March 18. Now, Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 PM, guests can enjoy from among 16 appetizers and specialty cocktails for only $5 each.

For event planners, these well-known restaurants have always been a great option for banquets and receptions after-hours and during the weekends. With new happy hour programs in place, why not make them your go-to spots to invite those few select clients out after a sales meeting, or venue of choice for mingling with new clients or prospects following a tradeshow?

Find locations with private event space near you on the Cvent Supplier Network.