🎉 Want to Win Event Season? Steal These Venue Playbooks
What do The Budgie Bar and Shelter Brewing Co have in common? They’ve cracked the code to high-volume events, and they’re not gatekeeping it.
We’re spilling their secrets so you can sell more, stress less, and serve up a better guest experience this season.
👑 Budgie Bar (VIC) – Removing the “Invisible Line”
General Manager Charlie Jacob says the game-changer was tackling the perceived wait.
“People don’t want to queue for 10 minutes. They’re happy to scan a QR code while chatting, order, and pick up later. Same time but feels faster.”
- 80% of food orders now come through QR.
- They switch to Collect at Counter for events like “Boogie in the East”.
- Clear signage and a dedicated dispense bar = seamless service.
📦 Sydney Restaurant Group (NSW) – Making special occasions easier with pre order packs
Whether it’s Mothers Day, Valentines Day or Christmas the team at Sydney Restaurant Group has got their customers covered. Using Pick Up to allow customers to pre order specially curated hampers and select pick up from 1 of 5 locations in the Sydney area.
How they use it;
- Pick Up enabled with up to 60 days in advance pre ordering
- Customers choose from 1 or 5 locations that best suits their pick up
- 48 hour minimum required prior to picking up for the specific event date
- Specially curated Hampers and meal packages
Pro Tip: Use the Direct SMS Marketing to send out the offer and menu link to all past customers in your mailing list or upload a new mailing list to target with this special offer.
🍷 Hurley Group (SA) – Functions Goldmine
In Corporate & Functions operations, the payment method varies by venue and event:
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At places like Marion Hotel & Cellars, a private function's charges go onto a single table account.
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At venues like Hotel Royal, there is a separate "function" menu that can be curated for each event using both paid or charge to account methods depending on its use case.
Ideal for:
- Race-day or ticketed functions
- Private parties
- Corporate events
💌 Manor Suite Wine Bar & Mr. Grubb (VIC) – Smart Marketing Moves
Putting on a great event only happens if you get people in the door through with word of mouth, traditional flyers and digital communication.
Top Tips to Promoting Your Event:
- HungryHungry's Store Billboards for clickable links and information on tickets
- Targeted EDMs to loyal customers
- Timely SMS reminders
👉 Bookings filled weeks before Melbourne Cup.
🍻 Shelter Brewing (WA) – Knowing When to Hit Pause
At 700-person music gigs, online ordering becomes impractical.
“Online ordering isn’t for every event,” says Assistant Manager Mike.
So they:
- Disable QR ordering in certain areas.
- Simplify the menu for faster service.
- Encourage guests to eat at the venue beforehand.
💡 Takeaway: It’s about strategic flexibility. The best venues know when to go full-digital, and when not dial it back to keep staff and customers happy.
If you're interested in hearing more from the team at Shelter and they way they use HungryHungry in venue watch this video.
🚀 Want to see our operational playbook to successful events? Check out this post!
If you need help reach out to your dedicated Account Manager or our Customer Care team at help.hungryhungry.com
