Case Study: The Legendary Lodge Christmas Pop-Up Bar
How Bailey Design & Entertainment Created an Immersive Holiday Experience That Drove Revenue & Engagement
Concept & Vision
Bailey Design & Entertainment specializes in crafting immersive, story-driven environments that captivate guests and drive business success. The Legendary Lodge Christmas Pop-Up Bar was conceived as a transformative holiday experience, turning a standard bar space into a fully realized Aspen-style ski lodge resort, complete with a vintage tree farm, private chalet lounges, and a grand lodge atmosphere.
The goal was clear:
- Create an unforgettable themed experience that would stand out in the competitive holiday bar scene.
- Maximize the seasonal revenue potential by offering a premium, immersive experience.
- Overcome operational constraints with smart design and storytelling.
Execution & Design Strategy
- The Storytelling Approach
- Rather than simply decorating for the holidays, Legendary Lodge was given a rich backstory: a secluded ski lodge where guests could escape the winter chill and indulge in seasonal cocktails and warm hospitality. The design and branding reflected this world-building, transporting guests from the moment they arrived.
- Key Themed Spaces
- Rosecliff Manor & The Tree Farm – A 15-foot Christmas tree centerpiece, surrounded by a curated tree farm, set the scene for an old-world holiday charm.
- Private Lodge Suites – New for 2024, these reservable spaces featured custom-built faux windows with projected snowy mountain scenes, rich wood textures, and cozy holiday décor. These suites provided premium experiences and boosted revenue.
- The Lodge Bar – A centerpiece of the pop-up, with a handcrafted winter lodge aesthetic, adorned with vintage ski memorabilia and warm lighting to evoke an inviting après-ski atmosphere.
- Smart Design Solutions for Operational Challenges
- Kitchen Limitations: With only two fryers, high-powered convection ovens, and a microwave, the menu was strategically crafted to deliver high-quality seasonal dishes that fit the theme while staying within operational constraints.
- Revenue Optimization: The transition from a standard bar menu to limited-time, themed specialty cocktails and pre-booked lounge reservations created exclusivity and boosted per-person spending.
Impact & Success Metrics
Attendance & Revenue Growth
A comparison of the pop-up bar model versus the previous axe-throwing bar model shows the clear financial success of immersive, themed experiences.
| Year | Total Revenue | F&B Revenue | Axe Throwing Revenue | Private Event Revenue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 (Axe Bar Model) | Significantly Lower | Lower F&B Sales | Higher Axe Sales | No Private Lounges |
| 2023 (First Year of Pop-Up) | $166,500 | $97,400 | $56,300 | $7,000 |
| 2024 (Expanded Pop-Up w/ Private Lounges) | $125,000 | $93,000 | $19,200 | $13,000 |
Profitability & Cost Optimization
Despite a 25% drop in revenue from 2023 to 2024, net income increased by 5% due to strategic cost optimizations, including:
- Food & beverage cost reduction: Achieved a 45% drop in food & non-alcoholic beverage COGS and a 30% reduction in alcohol COGS, bringing margins in line with or better than industry averages.
- New Premium Experiences: The introduction of private lodge suites generated new revenue streams, proving the ability of experiential design to drive profitability.
Guest Engagement & Social Buzz
- Sold-out reservations for premium lodge suites, showing demand for high-end, exclusive holiday experiences.
- Thousands of social media impressions showcasing the highly visual, immersive environment.
- Positive guest feedback emphasizing how the ambiance, decor, and theming made the experience unique and memorable
Takeaways & Future Applications
This case study reinforces Bailey Design & Entertainment’s expertise in transforming traditional bar spaces into highly profitable, story-driven experiences.
✅ Themed environments significantly outperform standard bar operations in revenue, guest engagement, and profitability.
✅ Limited-time pop-ups drive urgency and exclusivity, leading to higher per-person spending.
✅ Immersive storytelling builds strong brand identity and customer loyalty.
Looking Ahead: Expanding the Model
Based on this success, Bailey Design & Entertainment is actively working on:
- A year-round transformation of the space into the Legendary Lounge, with an adventure-themed bar concept that captures the energy of pop-up experiences year-round.
- Additional seasonal pop-ups, including a Tiki Experience (Summer 2025) and Oktoberfest Beer Hall (Fall 2025) to continue revenue growth in slower months.
Conclusion
The Legendary Lodge Christmas Pop-Up demonstrates that guests crave more than just drinks—they want immersive, story-driven experiences. Through smart design, strategic storytelling, and operational efficiency, Bailey Design & Entertainment delivered a highly profitable, visually captivating holiday experience that will serve as a model for future activations.
