TVs in Taproom

I like taprooms to have a couple behind the bar and one or two in another area. If you want to watch the game you can in a nonsports bar atmosphere. There is a difference between a couple and a screen on every spare space. Ideally you have an area you can sit and watch a game and a space were you can get away from that as well.

Also you can use them to play movies when there arnt major sporting events on. One of my favorite bars recently played all of the Hobbitt and Lord of the Rings movies with the sound over the speaker system over a long weekend.

 

I am fine with it. The obvious and most useful reason is for sports. There are plenty of craft beer enthusiasts who enjoy watching sports. If a brewery chooses to not have TVs in their taproom, that's their prerogative, but a lot of them come off as snobby and 'above' people who like sports.

I think a good balance is to have a few TVs, but keep them turned off unless there is a sporting event or a specific request to have something on. You can always keep the sound off and play music.

 

yes absolutely need TVs

 

The less TV's in this world, the better IMO

People don't always need to be staring blankly at a TV, especially if it is just reruns of Sportscenter. A lot of the time there really isn't a great and meaningful "game" to watch anyway. I am sure I am in the minority, but for the most part I seek out places that do not have TV's. That is just me though.

 

TVs for sure, at least a couple. This will allow the sports fans to maybe stick around a little longer than they may have because the game is on there. You can keep the volume low.

 

You can always turn the TV off if nothing that fits your business model is on.

 

The only bar that has closed in my time living near PSU was the one without TV's. It was a beautiful bar and decent brewery. Like it or not football on Sunday is part of the American experience.

 

I would say a few tvs for sports is needed. It is a draw but I would section it if possible so game sound is on in one area but not another if you have that option. There is a new bar near me great concept mixes comic books, craft beer and some old school game machines but the lack of tvs is killing their weekend business because they don't show the football games so people are going for other options.

 

The TV's will pay for themselves with the extra beer you will sell because some customers will stay longer than they would if you had no TV's.

 

Even if it is small @scottyg354 just put them behind the bar. If people want to watch the game they can sit at the bar. If people want to talk or play games they can sit in other places.

 

Where are you opening said taproom?

 

As a sports fan I feel that TV's are a great idea for a tap room.

 

My favorite local (Buffalo) taproom is The Flying Bison & they do not have TV's but have the board games and events like trivia nite, acoustic nite, bring your dog to the brewery nite etc.. They are going to stream & project (6' x 8') when one of our local teams is in an important game like NFL/NHL playoffs but this is Buffalo so we will wait. There are-can't count them all-places to go and watch regular season games so the Bison does not need to do that.
My favorite non local taproom is built on the banks of a river in Michigan. You sit in the upstairs balcony drinking what you like & watch the boats, birds, water & women (or men) go on by. Don't think they want anything else...don't think I do either.

 

Keep the sound off unless you have a large number of people wanting to listen.

 

Of course TVs are critical. What else is someone supposed to look at after updating untappd on their phone???

I'd try during your soft opening to not have TVs if that's your desire. Talk to your customers, see what their thoughts are on it. Are there 30 sports bars by your taproom? If yes, maybe not having TVs would serve a niche. Could always have a TV and leave it off unless the current clientele in the room want it on. Ultimately you want something which is good for business, even if it might be at odds with what you'd personally like. Good luck!

 

I'd say it sort of depends what your 'vibe' is for the place. I've been to both highly successful, cozy and inviting bars with zero TVs and others with a few. Both worked well for what each place were going for.

Also, where is this taproom? I am interested to know, too.

 

Abso freakin lutely