By: Giovanni Albanese
November 5, 2024
You don’t have to be a franchise with multiple locations to get all the benefits of a menu publishing and business analytics platform. However, for a small business like Gilroy Bowl, a family-friendly bowling alley and restaurant, having the right marketing platform is crucial to improving the customer experience.
Step in Untappd for Business.
Untappd for Business, a platform used by nearly 20,000 businesses in 75 countries worldwide, allows users to effortlessly build their menus from a massive database of beers, wines, spirits, and more while including intuitive options to add food and other offerings with just a few clicks. Once created, the menus can be shared to digital display screens, printed, or through a QR code to create the perfect guest experience.
You can also publish Untappd for Business menus on your website and to the Untappd app, giving customers multiple avenues to access them and increasing customer engagement.
“We love UTFB [Untappd for Business],” Gilroy Bowl General Manager Chris Simas says. “We wouldn’t be where we are now—very busy—if we didn’t have UTFB.”
What We’ll Cover in This Piece:
Untappd for Business Is an Efficient Way to Manage Drink Menus for Gilroy Bowl
Photography courtesy of Gilroy Bowl
Nestled in the heart of historic Downtown Gilroy, CA, Gilroy Bowl is one of the few family-friendly entertainment options in the city. The business re-opened this year under new ownership. After renovations, the facility now includes a state-of-the-art string pin bowling alley, Hyper Bowl, and other non-bowling games, as well as a full bar and restaurant suitable for hanging out or throwing birthday parties and private events.
“The only problem I think we were trying to solve,” Simas says, “is what is the best and most efficient way we can manage our alcohol drink menu?”
With a community of about 60,000 people and another one million-plus less than a half hour north in San Jose, CA, Gilroy Bowl has plenty of people nearby to attract.
We had signed up for UTFB right when we opened our doors. It was the best thing we decided to do.
- Chris Simas - Gilroy Bowl
They opted for Untappd for Business to generate buzz for their food and drink menus.
“We as a company heard great things about UTFB, so we decided to try it out,” Simas says. “We had signed up for UTFB right when we opened our doors. It was the best thing we decided to do.”
Gilroy Bowl Raves of Untappd for Business Ease of Use
Getting set up was a breeze, according to Simas. And since the system was set up, Simas says they have had zero issues maintaining it.
“It’s been very easy to work with,” Simas says. “I think the menu options are very efficient and easy to use. I can’t believe I can just type in the product, and the info just comes right up. So fast and easy.”
Gilroy Bowl customized its menus for a horizontal digital screen and a vertical printout option. And the ability to update and adjust their menu has been a godsend.
“We adjust our menus a lot, as we have a rotating beer list, so it keeps changing,” Simas says. “UTFB allows us to make these changes and updates so quickly and easily. I don’t know what we would do without it.”
Simas adds, “We wouldn’t be able to rotate or change our lists as often. And then our customers wouldn’t be as happy.”
That’s the Untappd for Business feature Simas points to as his favorite.
“I like how I can find almost anything in their database,” Simas says. “But then, if you can’t find it, it allows you to add it with ease.”
Printed menus are just as easy as the digital adjustments they make.
“Oh my gosh, it is so easy to manage fonts, styles, and formats,” he says. “And to print.”
Untappd for Business Unquestionably Increases Gilroy Bowl Revenue
There are many ways to increase sales. Simas feels Untappd for Business helps boost sales because of its eye-catching menus.
“Many of our customers are visual,” Simas says. “UTFB helps with that.”
What is displayed on the menus also helps push sales forward.
Photography courtesy of Gilroy Bowl
“Untappd for Business has increased revenue by informing the customer on every product we sell, from calorie count to description of product to location from where it was produced,” Simas says. “I’m not sure about the percentage [of revenue increase], but I would say a million times over.”
Looking forward, Simas hopes they can do one thing to improve their customer experience.
He says, “We will try to get our customers more involved in posting their reviews and drink recommendations.”
Other Content You May Enjoy
Trivia nights have become an incredible marketing strategy for bars, restaurants, and breweries to draw in crowds and engage with new customers. With the recent collaboration between Geeks Who Drink, Timeplay, and the iconic television show Jeopardy!, businesses now have an exciting opportunity to host the Jeopardy! Bar League. This partnership combines the global brand recognition of Jeopardy! with Timeplay’s cutting-edge technology and the fun of live trivia from the experts at Geeks Who Drink.
In this piece we’ll cover what this new collaboration between these two trivia powerhouses is and how you can bring this unique experience to your venue.
Read More
In today’s world, both websites and social media platforms are crucial for a brewery, bar, or restaurant’s online presence. However, consumer habits show distinct preferences for each, depending on the context of their search or interaction.
In this guide, we’ll go over the basics, walk you through how to leverage these tools effectively, and show you how understanding these trends can help your venue better meet your customers’ expectations.
Read More
As a restaurant, bar, brewery, or any venue with a food and beverage program, having a modern, functional, and aesthetically pleasing website isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity.
No matter the size of your business, your new potential customers often interact with your website first—and first impressions matter.
In this piece, we’ll explore the top website trends shaping the online presence of hospitality businesses in 2025. These trends will help your venue stand out and attract more customers while creating a unique and modern experience to establish the perfect guest experience from start to finish.
Read More
For bar owners, hospitality managers, and small business owners, selecting the right gin brands is more than just filling the shelves—it’s about curating a distinctive customer experience. Gin has soared in popularity, becoming a staple of modern cocktail culture. With its complex botanical infusions, gin offers versatile, memorable flavors that can attract a wide range of customers. But with so many choices available, which brands should you prioritize to bring out the best in your gin menu?
This guide explores the seven best gin brands that have proven themselves through quality, craftsmanship, and unique flavor profiles. By understanding what makes each brand special, you and your staff will be better equipped to create a standout gin selection that delights your patrons, reinforces your brand’s reputation with a robust gin drinks menu, and helps you continue crafting classic and innovative gin cocktails.
Read More
Gin has steadily reemerged as a must-have spirit in the bar industry, known for its botanical complexity and versatility in cocktails. For bar owners, hospitality managers, and small business owners, understanding the classic gin cocktails can help elevate your cocktail offerings and attract a diverse clientele who value well-crafted drinks. A thoughtfully curated gin cocktail menu speaks to tradition and sophistication while allowing for creative, seasonal variations that keep customers engaged.
In this guide, we’ll explore the five best gin cocktails, each with a distinct history, preparation technique, and customer appeal. From refreshing to spirit-forward, these cocktails will provide a foundation for any gin-focused menu and cater to a broad range of tastes, giving your customers more reasons to return.
Read More
With its distinct botanical blend and refreshing qualities, gin has become a staple for many bars and restaurants. But what exactly is gin made out of? Understanding gin’s ingredients helps you better appreciate its complexity, talk knowledgeably with patrons, and craft memorable gin cocktails that keep customers returning. From the primary botanical—juniper—to unique, region-specific ingredients, this guide will break down the essential elements that make gin such a versatile spirit. We’ve tailored this article to help you make informed choices when building or expanding your gin drinks menu.
Read More
