Open 7 days a week, Topgolf has a unique social atmosphere like no other. In addition to a wide variety of food and beverage options, they have climate-controlled bays that allow guests to come year-round and experience golf regardless of their level of experience. The 500-person associate team is well versed in the gaming system and committed to creating an unforgettable experience for everyone that comes through the doors.
With 52 locations entertaining more than 13 million guests annually, Topgolf is on the fast track to open 10 venues per year. Heady Times made a special visit to the Mount Laurel location and met with Colin Lester, Marketing Manager, for a rundown on the brand-new entertainment experience everyone is talking about.
Heady Times (HT): When was Topgolf formed and why was it started?
Colin Lester (CL): The Jolliffe brothers and a licensee developed the first three Topgolf locations in the United Kingdom beginning in 2000. Topgolf pioneered a technology to make golf more fun and engaging. It has since emerged as a global sports and entertainment community focused on connecting people in meaningful ways.
Today, Topgolf continues to blend technology and entertainment, golfers and non-golfers, children and adults – to create an experience that makes socializing a sport for everyone. No matter the occasion or who you share it with, we believe every great time starts with play, is fueled by food and beverage, moved by music and made possible through community. Every Topgolf venue features dozens of high-tech, climate-controlled hitting bays for year-round comfort, a chef-inspired menu for year-round deliciousness and hundreds of associates eager to help create the moments that matter.
HT: How is the Mount Laurel location different from the others?
CL: Topgolf Mount Laurel is the Southern New Jersey and Philadelphia area’s first Topgolf. With the opening of this new venue, we’re bringing a brand-new entertainment experience to a community that has embraced Topgolf. It’s been an incredible experience educating this community about all we have to offer at Topgolf, and we are excited to bring the game to more and more golfers and non-golfers alike.
HT: How do you decide which beers to bring in and where to place them?
CL: We listen to our guests. If local is what they want, local is what we’ll bring in. We try to make the most popular choices as accessible to bartenders as possible and very close to service bar. After that, we place cans with cans, and bottles with bottles to maximize storage space allowing us to carry more of a variety.
HT: Who is your typical customer?
CL: The great thing about Topgolf is that it’s everyone’s game. We have games, programs and menu items that cater to guests of all different ages and walks of life. When our guests sign up for a lifetime membership with Topgolf they can use that at any other location across the United States. It tracks scores from every visit that can be looked up on the Topgolf app.
HT: What amenities are worth noting?
CL: The main attraction of Topgolf is the 102 climate-controlled playing bays, but we also have a full-service sports bar & restaurant and rooftop terrace area. These areas are great whether you’re waiting for your bay or just want somewhere to relax and get some food and drinks. With summer right around the corner, we’re excited to open our rooftop terrace, and continue to entertain guests in new and exciting ways.
HT: Which industry changes have had the most impact on your business? And what do you foresee as the most impact in 2019?
CL: As the demand for craft beer and local breweries keeps growing, our menu only allows us to carry so many. We must be more selective in who we are able to partner with. This year, calorie counts on menus.