We all have those “go-to” spots—the neighborhood bars and restaurants where memories are made, connections are built, and great times are shared over drinks and laughter. For businesses, creating this kind of loyalty takes more than great service—it takes smart, creative engagement that lasts beyond the night.
In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Shakertins has mastered this, becoming a vibrant hub for locals to gather and connect over craft cocktails, lively events, and standout drink specials. Since opening in 2016, Shakertins has built a loyal community by blending a welcoming vibe with forward-thinking marketing strategies.
When Brad Hawkins, Shakertins’ Director of Marketing and Events, saw an opportunity to amplify the guest experience with a photo booth, he jumped on it. He sought a trusted solution that could do more than snap photos—it had to promote the brand and drive engagement.
That’s when he discovered Simple Booth HALO®.
Since introducing HALO at four locations, Shakertins has captured over 32,000 photos, creating unforgettable moments for guests while turning every photo into a marketing win. HALO has not only enhanced their day-to-day operations and special events, but also expanded their community reach in a way that’s as fun as it is impactful.
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Growth Mindset
Since Brad joined the Shakertins team nearly a decade ago, the brand has transformed into a high-energy, full-service bar and dining destination—a testament to adapting to customer feedback and community needs.
With five distinct locations, Shakertins has grown into a community-focused hub, each reflecting the personality of its neighborhood. The Colony attracts a lively crowd of 20- and 30-somethings from nearby residential complexes. Allen offers a relaxed atmosphere perfect for blue-collar workers. Prosper provides a family-friendly setting, ideal for parents and kids, while Galleria (Midtown) delivers an upscale experience that’s great for corporate events. In Arlington, just steps from the Cowboys stadium, it’s all about sports and camaraderie.
As Shakertins expanded, Brad knew that each location required a tailored marketing strategy to match its unique vibe—unlike cookie-cutter chains. But one thing remained constant: the energy of their special events. From trivia nights and happy hours to live music and watch parties, events are at the heart of Shakertins’ success.
By incorporating HALO photo booths at multiple locations, Shakertins has taken these events to the next level. Guests can create lasting memories while amplifying the brand through fun, shareable photos. Open daily from 11 AM to 2 AM, Shakertins continues to be a hub for great times and epic experiences.
Getting the Word Out
Since special events are such a significant revenue driver for Shakertins, keeping them top of mind with guests is essential. Brad quickly realized Simple Booth wasn’t just for elevating guest experiences—it was a powerful marketing tool.
With an impressive 87% opt-in rate, Simple Booth’s data capture feature has helped Shakertins collect over 7,000 phone numbers, enabling them to directly market events to their community.
And text marketing, with its 98% open rate, has been a game-changer for Shakertins, far surpassing email’s diminishing effectiveness. “Email is dead. Everyone’s inbox is flooded,” Brad shared. “But a text? It’s instant, direct, and impossible to ignore. Even if you don’t open it, you’ll still see, ‘Shakertins UFC fight. No cover charge.’”
“Email is dead. Everyone’s inbox is flooded. But a text? It’s instant, direct, and impossible to ignore.”
-Brad Hawkins, Director of Marketing and Events
To create urgency, Brad sends texts the day before or day of key events, like fight nights, ensuring Shakertins is top of mind when guests are deciding their plans. For $300 a month, the strategy yields significant reach and engagement, especially for high-profile events.
Simple Booth also amplifies event promotion through social sharing. With the Shakertins logo branded on photos, guests create memorable, shareable content that spreads organically.
For corporate events, Brad takes it further by incorporating client logos upon request, crafting personalized, branded experiences that stand out from competitors.
The Definition of a Win-Win
As selfie stations grow in popularity at bars and restaurants, they offer a unique opportunity to engage guests in a fun and interactive way.
For Shakertins, Brad says, “At the end of the day, they just want their picture, and I just want their number—it’s a win-win.” With Simple Booth’s intuitive interface, guests can easily take photos or GIFs and opt into galleries, creating a seamless experience that also captures valuable customer data.
The HALO ring light is another major draw for guests. Brad explains, “People see the light and can’t help but be drawn in—it’s like a bug zapper.” The eye-catching light enhances photo quality and boosts engagement, helping to grow your guest list.
“People see the light and can’t help but be drawn in—it’s like a bug zapper.”
-Brad Hawkins, Director of Marketing and Events
Paired with playful start screen prompts like “Want to be a GIF rockstar?” or “Take a picture with me?” businesses can create a fun, interactive atmosphere that keeps guests coming back.
Beyond the fun, the system offers practical features like customizable security settings and guided access. As Brad puts it, “It’s impossible to be in two places at once,” but these tools make it easier to manage high-traffic spots and ensure everything runs smoothly. For businesses with multiple locations, it’s a game-changer.
Brad also appreciates how Simple Booth continues to evolve with regular updates. He loves the new start screen waterfall feature, which displays public photos when the system is idle. “The updates keep coming, and the product never gets stagnant,” he says, noting how the HALO app keeps guests engaged.
Keeping the Momentum Going
In today’s competitive market, Shakertins has found a way to stand out, with Simple Booth HALO playing a vital role in their business strategy.
For Brad, HALO is more than a photo booth; it’s a tool that helps grow the business and capture valuable marketing data. “Getting people’s cell phone numbers is one of the best marketing tools out there,” he shares. “Honestly, my only regret is not starting with Simple Booth at the first location.”
“Honestly, my only regret is not starting with Simple Booth at the first location.”
-Brad Hawkins, Director of Marketing and Events
HALO’s fun, intuitive features make it easy for guests to engage while providing Shakertins with practical benefits like a growing text marketing list—boasting an impressive 98% open rate. This list keeps their community excited about events like trivia nights, live music, and UFC screenings, driving attendance and keeping the brand top of mind.
By pairing engaging events with a reliable, shareable platform like HALO, Shakertins has crafted a strategy that thrives even in a tough economy. It’s more than great food and drinks—it’s about creating an unforgettable experience that keeps guests coming back for more.
Ready to transform your bar or restaurant into the “go-to” spot?