Average check at private events against regular dining, by venue
What the answer looks like
Illustrative output on sample data
Illustrative example: how Lexi answers this for a Greek taverna group with five venues. It compares private event checks per guest with dinner checks per guest from POS over the past 12 months.
- Venue 1: events $86 per guest, regular dinner $64
- Venue 2: events $58 per guest, regular dinner $61
- Venue 3: events $79 per guest, regular dinner $57
What the data shows
Venues 1 and 3 earn more per guest from events. Venue 2 earns less than on a normal night.
What it means
Venue 2 sells a fixed-price package without drinks, and its events run on Friday and Saturday, when regular dining is busiest.
What to do
Add a drinks package to Venue 2's events, and steer its bookings toward weeknights.
Want me to show event check by day of the week?
Why it matters
Private events take space that could seat regular diners, so they need to earn their place. Comparing average check per guest at events with regular dining, venue by venue, shows where events are priced well and where they are filling rooms for less than a normal night.
Frequently asked questions
Should private events earn more per guest than regular dining?
Usually, especially on busy nights, since the room could otherwise seat regular diners. On quiet nights, a lower check per guest can still make sense if the event fills space that would sit empty. Compare by day of the week.
How do restaurants price private event packages?
Start from what the room earns on a normal night, then set a minimum spend or package price above it for busy nights. Include drinks packages where you can, since drinks often make the biggest difference to event check.
How do you measure average check at private events?
Divide total event revenue, including food, drinks and room fees, by the number of guests. Compare it with regular dining checks per guest for the same venue and night, so the comparison reflects what the space could otherwise earn.