Why Cray's New Initiative Matters for Venues
Step into any bar or nightclub these days, and you'll notice a palpable concern for patron safety. Cray, the brains behind CrayScore™ and similar tools, has clocked this wide-open need. Today, with the launch of Cray Protected, they're turning that concern into a clear-cut, marketable advantage for hospitality venues.
A Solution to a Pervasive Problem
Let's not sugarcoat it: Drink spiking is a serious issue. Over 11 million drinks are reportedly tampered with annually in the US. One in thirteen folks shares a story about having their drink messed with. It's horrifying to think how many venues still flounder without structured measures, resorting to damage control only after a nasty incident has occurred.
That's where Cray Protected makes a splash. By providing physical safety tools like drink cover stickers and quick access to a dedicated safety app, Cray's program aims to make venues a bulwark against these heinous acts before they ever occur.
What Cray Protected Offers
The Cray Protected package is more than just pretty branding. The offerings are tangible—everything from QR-coded coasters linking to safety resources, to window decals and branded shot glasses. It's not just about having the tools on hand; it's about flaunting a commitment to safety to everyone walking through the door. And there's something worth noting: this isn't a one-size-fits-all situation. Packages are tiered, catering to different venue types:
- Restaurant Kit ($99): Includes window decals, posters, 50 coasters, 25 drink covers, 6 shot glasses, and the Cray Protected badge.
- Bar & Nightclub Kit ($149): Offers everything from the Restaurant Kit but doubles up with 100 coasters and drink covers.
- Event Venue Kit ($199): The most comprehensive, with up to 200 drink covers and 150 coasters.
Notably, these packages come with the perk of free shipping and a place on Cray's map of protected venues, helping to put them on the safety map as well. For venues, especially bars and nightclubs, it's a two-birds-one-stone scenario: Prevention boosts, while visibly aligning their brand with safety.
Navigating the Kits and Costs
These packages are designed with scalability in mind. Venues can rest easy knowing that consumables like coasters or covers can be restocked either one-off or on a regular monthly schedule. This isn't just some fancy branded kit; it's a practical and ongoing business strategy.
A venue that makes safety visible doesn't just do the right thing — it builds the kind of reputation that fills tables on a Friday night.
Words from Justin Smith, Cray's CEO, sum up the ethos brilliantly. And let's be honest, in this digital age, a badge of safety can do wonders for both foot traffic and bottom lines—kind of like showing up to the party sporting the latest fashion trend, only with much bigger stakes.
Partnering with NightCapIt
In the bid to provide top-tier safety, Cray's teamed up with NightCapIt, the well-regarded player in drink tampering prevention. Those peel-and-stick drink covers, crafted by co-founder Shirah Benarde's brand, are becoming familiar fixtures in the hospitality safety scene.
Cray's Broader Vision
Make no mistake, Cray isn't just jumping on a trend. Founded in Tampa from personal experience with deception, Justin Smith and his team have created a suite of safety tools aimed at mitigating online risk, especially in college settings. While Cray Protected turns its lens on the physical world, it aligns harmoniously with the mission of building informed, trust-filled interactions.
Cray's digital safety offerings—CrayScore™, SchemerScore™, and so forth—play a pivotal role in the overarching strategy. These tools work in tandem, creating a safety network that's as connected as the clientele it aims to protect. Safety, packaged and sealed with a badge of trust, now stands as a point of pride for venues embracing this program.
For venues ready to step up and make patron safety a visible part of their brand, connecting with Cray Protected isn't just a savvy move—it's a necessary one.
