Expanded offerings: Local hangout explores new ways to draw more guests

Published 12:10 am Thursday, July 11, 2024

CLEMMONS — The Playground Golf and Sports Bar, which opened its door to the public in 2022, is currently making changes.

The Playground is owned by Jessica and Zach Manning. The Playground was conceived with the idea of creating a place where family and friends can be comfortable and have fun at the same time. It was officially opened to the public in 2022.

The owners worked hard to make their dream and vision come alive. They handmade the tables, picked the top choices of brews, and assembled the best team to work there.

Today, the bar is full of tap and specialty cocktails, including a selection of 20 beers on Bottoms up Taps plus a wide variety of canned and bottled beers. But, the Mannings are not stopping there. The Playground has become an entertainment venue, hosting numerous events that individuals enjoy, never leaving anybody out.

With the future in mind, the establishment’s changes include opening a kitchen offering food, hosting more events, offering cannabis options, and changing its hours to become even more family-friendly.

The brand new kitchen has just opened. They have added cloud-like flatbreads to its the menu, including classics like pepperoni to savory BBQ chicken, pesto and more. They additionally offer Nathan’s hotdogs, including varieties such as a kimchi dog and a Carolina dog. Tacos and nachos are on the menu, and the crew members are currently working on nachos, burritos, rice bowls and desserts.

The Playground has partnered with Carolinabis, a successful online business that farms and produces hemp and CBD products and allocates all of their supply. They grow all of their products indoors, hydroponically, without the use of pesticides, and in a completely clean and controlled environment. Carolinabis utilizes organic growing practices for all their products.The Playground has prior associations with Carolinabis, already carrying its products such as liquor alternatives and sparkling water. The liquor alternatives can be used in mixed drinks, replacing the alcohol while Carolinabis’ sparkling water that is on tap at The Playground and is very light, containing some of their product.

Jessica said the new products offered by Carolinabis would offer benefits to the establishment. Carolinabis is in the process of setting up a cafe-style shop, full of products including more Wild Water flavors on tap, slushies, a refrigerator full of products to go, and a bakery case including foods such as dosed brownies.
Having prior relations with Carolinabis, Jessica said it is run and owned by great people who provide trustworthy products for The Playground.

Secondly, some individuals don’t drink. By having alternative products that Carolinabis provides, and a kitchen, everybody can have something they like to use while spending time with friends and family and playing games.

Additionally, the conference room located inside is underutilized, according to Jessica. As they increase product availability, they hope individuals will expand the use of the conference room.

The owners and staff simply want to create a safe and fun environment for both adults and children.

Jessica also discussed what growth may look like in the future, which is raising awareness about the restaurant and bar. The Playground is tucked away in the back and not noticeable on the road, making it difficult for individuals to know they are there and what they offer. Summer also takes a toll on the number of individuals who go to the bar and restaurant since many people go on vacations and are out of town.

“We’re hoping food will get people in on nights when there is not a band playing,” Jessica said. “We want to be more of a restaurant as well, where people can come out for dinner during the week.”

On Mondays, a knitting group meets. Trivia occurs on Tuesdays, which is particularly popular with the public. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, the Wake Forest coaching show hosts their podcast, with an exception during the summer. On Fridays, a small acoustic band plays music, while on Saturdays, a band comes to play.

While spending time at the bar, The Playground Golf and Sports Bar also offers games such as air hockey, shuffleboard, Jet Pong, Golden Tee, more than 40 board games, pool, Putter Ball and more. Customers can moreover experience the sports simulator. You can play golf, football, or become a baseball pitcher or play soccer. The simulators feature technologies that work together to produce a lifelike experience.