Come on Barbie, let's go...to the bar?
Promotions for the Barbie movie have been a masterclass in marketing. Releasing on Friday, July 21, the movie is said to have over 100 official marketing partnerships—everything from clothing to makeup to furniture—not to mention the unofficial promotions looking to get in on the excitement. So it should come as no surprise that bars are also looking to cash in with pink-hued promotions of their own. Here's a look at how the hospitality industry is riding one of the biggest marketing waves of 2023.
Pink Bunny Beach
The Pink Bunny Beach at Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge in New York City (pictured above) invites guests to immerse themselves in a beach paradise decked out with pink lifeguard chairs, pink sand, and pink beach balls galore.
The pop-up features seasonal sips curated by Beverage Director Nikki McCutcheon, including Rich Kid$ RoséRita (Don Julio Rosado, Beach Rose, Peach, and Gold Luster for 8-10 people); and Malibu Beach Bunny (cranberry and Ketel Citroen). There's also a seasonal menu with dishes such as Watermelon & Feta Salad (arugula, pistachio mint, and a balsamic drizzle); Crispy Coconut Shrimp (coconut shrimp topped with sweet chili sauce); Steak Barbacoa Tacos (braised brisket, pickled onions, and slaw); and festive desserts like Cookie Beignets, Ube Donuts, and Pink Popcorn.
The Pink Bunny Beach is available to the public until September 3rd.
Malibu Barbie Cafe
In Chicago and New York, the Malibu Barbie Cafe is a pop-up that transports guests to 1970s Malibu California with a sea of Barbie colors, beachy motifs, and lots of retro glam. The immersive spaces are awash in pink, including a life-size Barbie Box made for photo-ops.
The food menu, by Chef Becky Brown, Master Chef Finalist, was created with all tastes and preferences in mind, and features a delicious array of classics with a unique Barbie-inspired twist. Offerings include Pacific Paradise Rainbow Pancakes, Live Your Dream Grilled Cheese, and Golden Coast CALI-flower Bowl.
Signature cocktails include Think Pink Margarita, 219 Cosmo, and a French "71."
Barbie Cocktails
Cocktail menus are turning rosy all over the country as bars and restaurants look to capitalize on consumer demand for all things pink. Here's a Barbie-inspired cocktail you can add to your own menus from Manny Hinojosa, Tequila Cazadores Global Brand Ambassador, for The Perfect Purée of Napa Valley.
Malibu Dream
Ingredients:
1 oz. The Perfect Purée Pink Guava, thawed
2 oz. gin
1 oz. simple syrup
1 oz. fresh lemon juice
4 oz. club soda
Directions:
Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker, minus club soda, and shake. Strain and serve on the rocks in a glass and top with club soda.
Bar Crawls
Some establishments are showing the value of teamwork by banding together to create pub crawls. In San Francisco, the Barbie Pub Crawl will visit 14 bars and lounges, which will be decked out in a unique theme celebrating Barbie and Ken's various careers and interests. Guests are encouraged to dress up or wear pink.
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Plan to Attend or Participate in the 2024 Bar & Restaurant Expo, March 18-20, 2024
To learn about the latest trends, issues and hot topics, and to experience and taste the best products within the bar, restaurant and hospitality industry, plan to attend Bar & Restaurant Expo 2024 in Las Vegas. Visit BarandRestaurantExpo.com.
To book your sponsorship or exhibit space at the 2024 Bar & Restaurant Expo, contact:
Veronica Gonnello (for companies A to G) e: [email protected] p: 212-895-8244
Tim Schultz (for companies H to Q) e: [email protected] p: 917-258-8589
Fadi Alsayegh (for companies R to Z) e: [email protected] p: 917-258-5174
Also, be sure to follow Bar & Restaurant on Facebook and Instagram for all the latest industry news and trends.