I operate a restaurant that caters weddings on & off premise. I have never closed the restaurant for a wedding and have always made my weddings end by 4:30 to ensure the restaurant''s well being. I have an opportunity to do a fairly large wedding on a Saturday night next June. If I were to close, I would certainly set a minimum sales figure, etc. Is it worth it? Has anyone done this and had negative repercussions? What % increase in sales should I look for to make this worthwhile if it is at all?

Thanks for your thoughts!

By Chefmanny (Chefmanny) on Sunday, July 15, 2001 - 07:23 pm: Edit

Take an average of 12 mos. on Sat. nights., add 10-15% at least and close.
It's better to close, you know how many you will have, you can staff better, you know the menu etc. It will be easier money, just make sure you get it up front!!!
Warn regular patrons early with a sign on the entrance that you will be closed that day.
Make sure you set a time limit, begin and end time, weddings tend to run on and on and on......they want to get there early if the ceremony is there....etc.
Make sure you have a solid figure on the bar, that can kill you if they are drinkers. Maybe a per drink price....in this manner you cannot collect 100% up front though.