If you have ever been in a long line for alcohol at a sports game or concert, you know the frustration and traffic congestion it can cause. Factor in the employment shortage facing every industry, including concession stand workers, and that line just got even longer.
TendedBar is a Jacksonville, Florida-based startup that may have come up with an innovative solution to this problem: automated bar service. After several successful trials at venues across Florida, including at Jacksonville Jaguars games, the startup announced it has raised $5 million in Series A funding.
What is TendedBar?
TendedBar provides the industry’s first automated bar service, which is designed to improve customer service, shorten lines, and prevent loss. The startup utilizes technology to make the drink-ordering process not only faster but also cleaner and more controlled. The self-pour automated bar is capable of serving drinks in seconds, which prevents fans from wasting time standing in long lines.
Aside from sports and stadium venues, TendedBar’s application can be applied to hotels & resorts, airports, casinos, bars, and restaurants. With the ability to pour drinks in as little as nine seconds, there are certainly many applications of this technology in consumer and hospitality settings.
“Venues, events, and sports leagues are focused on ways to improve the fan experience through automation technology,” said Justin Honeysuckle, Co-Founder of TendedBar. “We are bullish on the future of automation and TendedBar’s role in the fan experience thanks to partners like Pangiam, whose company TrueFace has solidified our facial-recognition technology and ID Mission for seamlessly integrating identity solutions into our customer journey through multi-factor authentication.”
Founded by Jay Perkins, TendedBar credits Justin Honeysuckle and Mark Cuban as key drivers in helping turn the idea into a business. Perkins has an engineering degree from Purdue University, with a particular focus on automation.
Series A Funding Round
Over the several months, TendedBar had completed several notable “testing” locations across multiple concerts, sports, and other entertainment venues. This included the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars, entertainment events at TIAA Bank Field, Vyster Memorial Arena, and Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, FL.
The successful live application allowed TendedBar to raise $5 million in a Series A round, which was led by BASE Capital and featured contributions from Platform Ventures and a private investor. Management says the proceeds of the funding round will be used to fund growth in 2022.
