TVs in Taproom

It'll make a significant difference in your sales numbers. You can position them in a way to not have them take over the space, and you can also turn them off when there's no games on.

 

I'm pro TV myself. I've always wanted to open a bar and play ridiculous old WWF PPV's, 80's MTV Music Videos, Late Night Info Commericials, Dumb Old TV Sitcoms and Saturday Morning Cartoons without the sound. Things to catch your eye and start a conversation without being too heavy. But I'M random like that.

 

More than enough responses, but can't resist putting in my $.02:

There seems to be varied opinions, some of which assume the extremes: having TVs immediately means the place will be swamped with screaming BMC fans, and no TVs means it will be a thoughtful, soul-changing place where we'll solve all the world's problems.

Most others offer the reasonable solution, a few discrete TVs, probably in locations you need to make a little effort to see, will allow for a distraction during slow conversation, and perhaps even a topic for. They can also be easily ignored. I don't understand the people who would say no to TVs because they can't control themselves from watching even things they aren't interested in.

I also agree with others that say, if you want to try without it, do so but consider the option if you find your clientele prefer it.

 

I would absolutely put TVs in. The college and pro football seasons are in full swing, the playoffs are just starting for baseball, the NBA & NHL will start in the next couple of months. If someone wants to come in to grab a drink and watch a game, and you don't have TVs they will find some place else to go for said drinks.

Bonus points for TVs because if I'm out at a bar or tasting room and someone tries to start a conversation about something I'm not interested in, I turn and watch the TV while they talk to themselves until they realize I don't give a fuck about what they're saying and they finally shut up.

 

One or two tvs is about right. You just need to have on a few select games or movies..etc. Those that don't like TV can just ignore it and enjoy their beer.

 

I'm with you there. @scottyg354 I think it's what sets apart the hardcore brewpubs and brewery taprooms from the more casual. Not to say TV's in a taproom or brewpub are bad... but having sports on TV in a bar will attract some of a certain audience, one that in my opinion, can be more rowdy and belligerent overall than your typical beer enthusiast. Your dad, while I respect his opinion, is from a different generation. Go no TV's, keep it classy.

 

Oh wait sorry man @scottyg354

I just saw that you're in Pennsylvania (I've got fam there)... yea you need TV's lol

 

I can watch TV at home. I can't play Foosball at home.

 

I like the idea of a tv in the taproom. A lot of people like myself go to places by myself and it can be a way to break ice with people for conversation or sometimes an important current event/natural disaster/car chase/sports event etc. may be happening and can add up to a good night with some good commentary. I say why not

 

We don't have any TVs or music at Abandon Brewing company and we are always busy. So.... I don't think TVs in breweries are necessary.

 

I say put one or two in and use them when you see fit. Maybe you have slow mondays, post on social media "We're playing X game tonight, come enjoy a beer while watching". Maybe you're busy everyday, post your tap list or upcoming events on the TV (or turn them off). TVs give you another tool to help your business.

 

It's a funny split. Cos, the ball sport enthusiasts need it like a junkie needs a fix. The rest are pretty much, meh. But keep it on something I don't have to pay active attention to.

We haven't asked the OP this question. Do you yourself like ball sports.

Where I work, we have tv's in our taproom, and they are all tuned to sports channels. But my bosses are pretty much huge sports fans, so it's something I've made peace with. Cos I am not.
I know if, and when I branch out on my own. I will keep them to a minimum and only show the kind of b roll heavy material they show on the side which serves food, with the very occasional ball sport. I'd rather entertain someone who comes in (maybe a bit blazed) with something goofy, than go after someone looking for their fix of the current game of ball sport. it's the little things, and not the big spectacle that count imho.

I personally do not care for what TV's do to a room. Especially where sport is involved. I pity the servers who get stuck with campers at their tables who happen to be near a monitor during those shifts. Their day is shot, cos those people ask and are willing to wait for that table, and ONLY that table.

 

LOL... what defines a "typical beer enthusiast" in your eyes?

This believe that having a couple strategically-placed TVs showing sports is suddenly going to turn the core demographic into a bunch of drunken frat boys chugging BMC and crushing cans on their heads is comical. Sorry that this seems to bother some of you here, but there are a lot of people out there who equally love both craft beer and watching sports. Look at this very thread, FFS. No one is suggesting to put up wall-to-wall TVs and turn it into a Buffalo Wild Wings, where the main purpose of going to a place like that IS to watch games. A brewpub/craft bar is always going to be about the beer first and foremost. Churchkey in DC is considered one of the better craft bars across the entire nation and even they have a few TVs along their bar.

 

Yeah, but you also have one of the most beautiful views I've ever seen. So I'm not sure that's a fair comparison

 

I grew up watching plenty of television, as did most of my vintage, and when a TV's on it tends to draw my attention whether I like it or not, all Pavlovian-like.

It's a bar for God's sake, not your living room.

 

I think you would discourage people from coming in and frequenting an establishment more by NOT having TVs than HAVING them. Take that for what it's worth. Personally I have self control and can interact with people around me, even with distractions present.

I'd echo the sentiment that having something specific on is nice, rather than having inane shit like SportsCenter or CNN run across the screen. Put on the game or a movie.

 

So if I understand what you're saying, and please correct me if I have this wrong, your point is you have no choice but to watch the TV, even when you don't care what's on, and this is such a distraction to you that they shouldn't be available to anyone?

 

Wait wait, first you explain why you find it so incomprehensible that someone might find TVs distracting, and then explain what "It's a bar" is supposed to mean with regard to watching television, and then I'll tell you all about our plans to have you relocated to a reeducation camp in the Far West, where through intensive training you'll become more like me.

 

Incomprehensible is a little strong, but yeah I don't get it. If the TV doesn't interest you ignore it. Play darts, talk to the people you are with, fuck around with your phone, whatever. We are adults with a brain and a choice.

 

Okay. Be sure to take your own advice next time you go to a restaurant and find yourself seated next to a couple of squealing, scurrying children.