A new place to golf, drink and play Pac-Man in Raleigh
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Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios
The Triangle's newest golf simulator bar concept is opening near downtown Raleigh in the coming months. And more are on the way.
Why it matters: Golf simulator bars have been all the rage in the region, with at least two — State of Golf in Durham and Albatross in Cary — opening in the last year alone.
Driving the news: Sam Ratto, co-owner and head chocolate maker at Raleigh's Videri Chocolate Factory, plans to open his newest venture, called Golf Golf Golf, at 605 New Bern Ave. in Raleigh come late August or early September.
- Ratto wants the location to feel like a municipal golf course inside a skate shop/record shop hybrid that also serves beer, wine and spirits.
- "Whether you're an expert golfer or you're interested in learning or you're just interested in coming and hanging out at one of our events — you don't have to be a golfer to hang out here," Ratto tells Axios.
- "Anybody who is curious about golf, knows about golf or wants to come hang out and have good wine and beer" and play on a tabletop Pac-Man machine is welcome, Ratto said.
The big picture: Golf bars are having a moment nationwide.
- More than 6 million people hit golf balls in a simulator within the past year, up 73% compared to pre-pandemic levels, according to a National Golf Foundation report published in November.
- The trend could also presents a sustainable alternative to water-guzzling golf courses and a solution when the weather turns cold or rainy, Axios Denver's Alayna Alvarez reported.
The intrigue: With the Triangle's growing appetite for golf simulator bars, Ratto hopes to open an additional three to six locations in the area in the next 18 months to two years.
- Ratto noted the Triangle region and nearby cities are full of golfers, and the mecca of golf, Pinehurst, is just a short-drive away.
- "You're looking at a market in a place where golf is people's lives," Ratto said.
- Ratto isn't worried about competition, he said. More places means more recognition.
Details: Golf Golf Golf will offer hourly rates, varying levels of member packages.
- It's also looking at a late-night keyless entry membership for food and beverage industry folks, new parents or insomniacs.
What's next: Get in touch with Ratto on Instagram if you're interested in being a founding or equity member.