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Ever order a 14-ounce pint of beer, only to regret it?
Nothing goes down as slowly as a drink you really can’t stand.
But, hey, you paid for it!
Well at this new social spot that’s being planned for Long Island, you’ll have over 40 beer, wine, cocktails or non-alcoholic beverage to choose from.
All without the risk of wasting much money, or having to choke something down.
Because at Tapster, you pour it yourself.
And you pay by the ounce.
What’s more, you can bring in your own food, be it a charcuterie board if you’re looking to get fancy, or just a sack of White Castles.
And it was just announced that a Long Island mother-daughter team, Allison and Megan Dee of Ronkonkoma, have inked a franchise agreement to bring the Tapster concept, which started in Chicago nearly a decade ago, to Long Island.
This will mark New York’s first location, but exactly where has yet to be determined. The pair is currently working with the Tapster team to find the best location.
“The area has so many walkable main streets with restaurants and nightlife to choose from, but some areas that stand out include Farmingdale, Huntington, Bay Shore, Babylon and Patchogue,” Allison told Greater Long Island.
A corporate accountant with a background in both art and psychology, Allison had long sought a creative outlet that brings people together. Megan, who is currently completing her college degree while working in the restaurant industry, will play a key role in leading operations at the new location.
“Long Island is filled with great gathering places, but there’s nothing quite like Tapster,” added Allison, who grew up in East Meadow. “The ability to create an environment that’s warm and inviting, with a fresh and distinctive twist, and designed around real social interaction is something that truly resonated with me.
“Tapster blends creativity, hospitality, and great beverages in a way that makes every visit unique.”
Tapster, which currently has five locations in the U.S., will also be expanding this spring into Lexington, Ky., and then Denver, Col., later this year.
The company is looking to Long Island as a place to help launch more New York locations.
“Long Island is the perfect home for Tapster’s first New York tasting room, with its vibrant communities and deep appreciation for craft beverages,” said Roman Maliszewski, who founded Tapster with his first location in the Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago in 2017.
“Our franchise model is built for passionate entrepreneurs, like Allison and Megan, who want to create welcoming, community-driven spaces, and we’re confident their location will bring that vision to life,” he said.
The idea was simple in 2017 and continues to be:
Bring your own food. Pour your own drinks. Let Tapster provide the atmosphere.
The goal is to open the Long Island location by the end of 2025.
Top: Serving yourself at a Tapster location. (courtesy photo)
