Legendary Lodge
A Christmas Pop-Up Bar
Project Details
Client:
Legendary Entertainment
Location:
Westland, MI
Year Completed:
2023
Category:
Designed to maximize per capita spending through immersive hospitality and premium beverage programming.
OVERVIEW
Legendary Lodge is a fully immersive, seasonal pop-up bar and entertainment experience developed and operated by Bailey Design & Entertainment. Inspired by an Aspen-style ski lodge retreat, the concept blends themed environments, premium cocktails, interactive elements, and layered revenue streams to create a high-impact guest experience.
Each season, the space is fully transformed with cinematic scenic design, story-driven details, and a curated food and beverage program designed to maximize per capita spending while maintaining operational efficiency.
THE CHALLENGE
Create a high-performing seasonal concept that:
- Drives significant revenue within a limited operating window
- Increases per capita guest spending
- Balances immersive design with operational efficiency
- Appeals to both casual guests and premium reservation-based experiences
Additionally, the concept needed to evolve year-over-year, maintaining strong performance even with changes to programming, operating days, and experience offerings.
OUR APPROACH
Bailey Design & Entertainment led the full creative and operational development of Legendary Lodge, including:
- Concept & Story Development
A cohesive narrative built around a remote alpine lodge retreat, designed to support both casual visitation and premium guest experiences. - Scenic & Environmental Design
Full interior transformation using layered textures, lighting, and architectural elements to create a cinematic lodge atmosphere. - Food & Beverage Program
A curated menu of high-margin cocktails, shareables, and seasonal offerings designed for both guest appeal and operational simplicity. - Revenue Layering Strategy
Integration of multiple revenue streams including:- Premium suite rentals
- Axe throwing reservations
- Private events
- High-impact beverage programming
- Operational Optimization
Focus on batching, simplified execution, and strategic menu design to maintain strong margins and fast service.
2025 PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS
Even with fewer operating days than previous seasons and without the addition of the 2024 premium secret bar experience, Legendary Lodge continued to deliver strong financial performance and guest engagement.
- Food & Beverage accounted for ~78% of total tracked revenue, reinforcing the concept as a hospitality-driven experience
- Cocktails & liquor generated ~42% of total tracked revenue, highlighting the strength of the themed beverage program
- Food & non-alcoholic beverage contributed ~28%, with beer & wine adding an additional ~8%
- Premium experiences (suites, private events, axe throwing) generated ~22% of total tracked revenue
- Suite rentals alone drove ~12% of total tracked revenue, validating the value of reservable VIP spaces
OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY
A major focus of the Legendary Lodge model is maximizing profitability through smart menu and service design:
- Food COGS: ~17%
- Cocktails & Liquor COGS: ~20%
- Beer & Wine COGS: ~27%
- Blended F&B COGS: ~20%
These margins were achieved through strategic batching, simplified execution, and a menu engineered for both speed and profitability.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Legendary Lodge demonstrates the power of combining immersive design with intentional revenue strategy:
- Strong per capita spending driven by beverage-first programming
- Successful layering of premium and general admission experiences
- Ability to maintain performance even with reduced operating schedules
- Highly scalable model adaptable to different markets and venues
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR PARTNERS
Legendary Lodge is a proven blueprint for how themed hospitality experiences can:
- Increase guest spending
- Extend dwell time
- Activate underutilized spaces
- Drive repeat visitation through seasonal programming
Bailey Design & Entertainment specializes in creating these types of high-impact, revenue-driven experiences from concept through execution.
