(Photo by Bryan Steffy/Getty Images for BetMGM)
More people would flock to concerts if there was food involved. Not the overpriced hot dog and drink combo, but something more appealing to the average person. Luke Combs and Theo Von recently discussed a hilariously innovative idea on Theo’s podcast.
During an episode of comedian Theo Von’s podcast, the two talked about Combs’ new album, Fathers & Sons. Luke shared how his touring schedule allows him to stay close to his family. After performing in packed stadiums, he returns home to spend time with his wife and kids. This family-centric conversation led to the topic of buffets, and Theo came up with a seemingly absurd but potentially brilliant idea.
Theo Von suggested that if Luke Combs is such a family man, he should emphasize that dynamic with a “Kids Eat Free Tour.” Combs laughed at the idea, imagining a concert combined with a plate of ribs. But after the initial giggles, he considered the logistics. “Sponsored by Ryan’s buffet, or Golden Corral, either one,” Combs remarked.
This could be great publicity for Golden Corral. Feeding a city’s worth of children while one of the biggest country stars performs sounds like a win-win. Luke Combs even broke it down into a marketing pitch: “Concerts will be events. Food will be how to get people to events. Pay for the show, stay for the food.”
Imagine a scenario where people exploit this Good Samaritan gesture. If it were me, I’d have one of the kids smuggle me a plate of chicken and mac & cheese. That’s real family dynamics. Whether anyone involved would recoup is uncertain, but people would definitely buy a Luke Combs ticket for it.
If you feed them, they will come.
Luke Combs doesn’t need gimmicks to attract fans. He’s one of the biggest country stars, currently selling out stadiums on his Growin’ Up And Gettin’ Old Stadium Tour. However, if he ever needs to boost ticket sales, he and Theo Von might have cracked the code during an episode of the This Past Weekend podcast. The solution to low ticket sales has been right in front of us all along.
As Theo and Luke talked about various topics, being a father came up, especially with Combs’ new album Fathers & Sons. Luke mentioned how fortunate he is with his touring schedule, allowing him to be home three or four days a week. That’s more time than most people get with their families during the workweek. After playing in front of 70,000 people, his life is simple with his wife and kids. This led to a discussion about buffets, and the pair brainstormed around the greatest culinary invention ever.
Theo suggested a world tour with an all-you-can-eat buffet available afterwards might not be a bad idea: “That would be the best tour you could have, if you had a ‘Kids Eat Free Tour.'”
After laughing, Combs came back with solid partnership ideas: “Sponsored by Ryan’s buffet, or Golden Corral, either one.”
Theo continued with food ideas, even mentioning a “Chicken Nugget Camera” instead of the traditional “Kiss Camera.” He then thought about the future, suggesting that buffets-after-concerts might be a proactive idea considering some people can’t afford food.
Combs liked Theo’s thinking and put it into words: “Concerts will be events. Food will be how to get people to events. Pay for the show, stay for the food.”
It might sound crazy, but imagine going to a concert and then accessing a fully stocked buffet included in the ticket price. That might justify some of the high ticket prices we’ve been seeing lately.
Would a buffet big enough to serve tens of thousands of people be a logistical nightmare? Sure. But it would also be one of the best incentives ever offered with a concert ticket. If it ever happens, Theo Von will have to be credited for the idea, though Luke Combs would bring it to life.
