ORLANDO, Fla. – There’s a new spot in Orlando where you can enjoy your favorite games no matter what team you’re cheering for.
“We noticed that sports bars were getting tired and not keeping up with modern trends,” said Tom Ryan, co-founder of Tom’s Watch Bar. “With the advent of both women’s professional sports and collegiate sports, for example Caitlin Clark bringing more exposure to women’s basketball, its clear it’s growing... People are also spending hours in sports bars tracking their bets and fantasy teams. Both male and females are looking for a sports bar.”
Ryan and his partner created Tom’s Watch Bar, the modern sports bar, which recently opened in Orlando, the 12th in the U.S.
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The concept is simple: increase the capacity of sports viewing. Tom’s Watch Bar has about 150 screens throughout the venue, living up to the venue’s motto, “All sports, all the time.” Tom said if it’s a game or match worth watching, you’ll find it on one of the screens.
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The new sports bar and restaurant is located along International Drive off Sand Lake Road, a prime destination for visitors.
“It’s the tourist corridor of Orlando and we really wanted a destination quality asset here in this area. Obviously, you’ve got the convention center here, hotels and draw of the parks,” Ryan said.
What also makes the location unique is that Tom’s Watch bar is located at the top of the Hollywood Plaza Parking Garage off I-Drive, offering great views from the rooftop patio. You can see the Orlando Eye and spot the theme parks.
Tom’s Watch Bar also has some unique food.
“Our menu consists of a combination of elevated traditional sports bar fare with some unexpected surprises like our Ahi Tuna Tower and Tom’s Prime Rib French Dip,” he said.
To wash it all down, you can take on Tom’s 40-ounce beer mug or fun cocktails.
Ryan is no stranger to the food and beverage industry with decades of experience, including product development at Pizza Hut, creating the stuffed crust pizza. He was later recruited by McDonald’s as the Chief Marketing Officer, creating the dollar menu concept as well as the McFlurry.
He said Tom’s Watch Bar has given him a new challenge in a unique market.
“We realized traditional sports bars don’t really cater in many ways to that young audience looking for a broader experience and variety,” Ryan said.
Guests get variety in the games they can watch, and even participate in, with virtual sports-gaming suites on the second level.
Click HERE for more information on Tom’s Watch Bar.
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