Perfect pour: Coast bar taps into Brisbane nightlife market
It's a bold strategy, but the crew at Taps are confident it will pay off, as they look to take the innovative concept to the city sippers of Brisbane.
After the success of the company's concept venue in Mooloolaba, managing director and founder of Taps Australia, Steve Barber is about to open a second Taps bar in Fortitude Valley's Brunswick St Mall.
Taps Mooloolaba is expanding into Brisbane. (Brett Wortman)
"I'm really excited, nervous, but excited," Mr Barber said. "Mooloolaba was a bit of a pilot project for us and it's been really successful.
"We're trying to replicate it as much as possible."
A Coast resident for the past four years, Mr Barber said the inspiration for the venue had hatched out of overseas travel, and experiences with self-service venues, particularly in Germany.
"I guess we just let the dream spiral from there," he said.
Two years of work went into developing the concept, to ensure it was in accordance with Responsible Service of Alcohol legislation, as well as the technology needed to measure and charge for the self-serve system.
The mural at the new Taps in Fortitude Valley, as work is underway for this Friday's soft opening. (Picture: Contributed)
"I quit a construction job in the mines to work on this," Mr Barber said.
"It was a ballsy move but I love it, this is the best job in the world, it's so stressful at times, but so much fun."
Mr Barber said he was grateful people had embraced Taps Mooloolaba, helping it grow.
TAPPY DAYS
- Taps Fortitude Valley soft opening this Friday
- Same concept as the Mooloolaba version, pour your own beers, plenty of options on tap, and a similar menu
- Plans to provide local musos with opportunities to travel south to play at the Brisbane venue, as well as Mooloolaba, offering exposure for local artists
Source: Sunshine Coast Daily, Scott Sawyer, July 1st 2015
