Let’s be honest – things are changing fast in our industry!

Gone are the days when “going out” just meant grabbing dinner. Today’s guests are hungry for more: more energy, more social connection, more story. They’re swapping the standard night out for adventure, where a match on the pickleball court is followed by tacos and a tequila flight, and where bowling feels more like a boutique lounge than a family rec hall.

This Is More Than a Trend. It’s a Shift.

We’re living in the rise of eatertainment, a growing category where food, beverage, and entertainment merge to create powerful, experience-first destinations. Operators who can master this balance aren’t just surviving, they’re becoming the go-to spot for connection, fun, and return visits.

“We’re seeing a clear shift in what guests value, and it’s reshaping the entire industry,” said Tim McLaughlin, co-founder and CEO of GoTab. “Some of the most successful operators we work with are those who blend hospitality with entertainment and back it with seamless tech. The future isn’t full-service or self-service — it’s both, and it’s dynamic.”

At GoTab, we've been diving deep into this shift and want to share what it takes to succeed in this space.

We’ve created a GoTab guide on Driving Operational Excellence: Strategic Insights for Entertainment Venue Leaders. It’s full of practical ways operators are creating community, driving revenue, and delivering next-level hospitality across dining and recreation.

. It’s full of practical ways operators are creating community, driving revenue, and delivering next-level hospitality across dining and recreation.

And keep reading to check out how Paddle & Par in Beverly Hills, Michigan, is redefining the social sports experience. (Spoiler alert: it’s so much more than a pickleball club—it’s a chef-led restaurant, a full-service bar, and a social sports hub, all powered by tech-forward service).

So, What's Driving This Evolution?

👉 Experience is the New Anchor. 73% of consumers say experience is more important than product when deciding where to spend their money (PwC).

👉 Tech is Simplifying Complex Operations. Eatertainment venues manage multiple revenue centers, from food to retail to ticketing. A unified POS and ordering system is no longer a nice-to-have, it’s essential.

👉 Labor Costs Are Tight. With the national average labor cost sitting around ~30% for restaurants (Restaurant365).

GoTab Helps By Offering:

• Self-ordering kiosks and mobile ordering and payment
• Self-pour beverage integrations with systems like PourMyBeer, iPourIt and WineEmotion
• RFID technology (GoTab Passes) for quick, easy payments via cards and wristbands

GoTab operators consistently report approximately 25.8% labor cost and as high as $83 per labor hour in revenue, which is well above industry norms.

👉 Flexibility Wins. Guests want to order from their phones, split tabs with friends, roam between games and bites, and never feel slowed down.

📖 If you’re looking for a good read on eatertainment, FSR Magazine published a great look at one of the original eatertainment pioneers—Chuck E. Cheese, which first opened in 1977 and has since reemerged with renewed momentum. The article points out that Chuck E. Cheese didn’t just launch a category. Rather, it built a blueprint for success that many operators today continue to overlook.

✍️ Writer TJ Schier, a seasoned operator and owner, cautions against chasing hype or copying what’s already out there. Instead, he challenges today’s brands to focus on product excellence and guest experience above all else. His message is simple but powerful: Innovate, Don’t Imitate.

🗓️ Finally, if you're heading to the International Bowl Expo (June 29–July 3), swing by and say hello! We’re here to be your partners and to share more on how GoTab is helping the industry adapt to this new normal with less friction and more freedom.

In today’s world, we’re not just serving food, we’re serving moments!

Let’s create them together.

- The GoTab Team

Customer Case Study

Beyond the Courts: Paddle & Par Redefines the Pickleball Club

At Paddle & Par in Beverly Hills, Michigan, pickleball and golf simulators are just the beginning. This isn’t your average sports club—it’s a curated guest experience that blends elevated dining, premium drinks, and upscale service in a social, tech-forward setting. “It’s far from a typical indoor pickleball and golf facility,” said Michael Haener, Paddle & Par’s COO and designer. “We are a sports facility, full service bar and restaurant, and one of the most premier event spaces in Metro Detroit.”

From the start, Paddle & Par looked to streamline service across their lounge-style seating and dining areas. With the handheld POS, and dynamic tab management, staff serve guests wherever they are—without interrupting the flow of the game.

Just two months after opening, Paddle & Par has already become one of the most talked-above venues in the area. With more than 200 private inquiries and over $70,000 in event revenue, the demand speaks for itself. But this is only the beginning. Looking ahead, Paddle & Par plans to add QR ordering and the GoTab Kitchen Display System (KDS). With a growing guest list and expanding amenities, GoTab’s flexibility and open API will enable Paddle & Par to scale smart—without sacrificing the luxury and control their members expect.

Learn More at Not Just a Pickleball Club—How Paddle & Par is Redefining the Social Sports Experience in Beverly Hills, Michigan.

Partner Highlight

Discover the Future of Taproom Tech

Join us on Thursday, June 26 at Hoppin’ River North in Nashville for a one-of-a-kind Industry Night hosted by GoTab and PourMyBeer. This is more than just a great night out—it’s a first-hand look at how forward-thinking operators are scaling taprooms with powerful, guest-centric technology.

Hoppin’ Brands is one of the country’s most exciting taproom concepts. Together, we’ll explore how hybrid service models and integrated tech are helping franchise operators grow with ease, consistency, and control.

GoTab + PourMyBeer Industry Night

📍Hoppin’ River North – Nashville
🗓️ Thursday, June 26
⏰ 6:30 – 8:30 PM
Drinks + Networking | Demos | Franchise Growth Talk

RSVP Today to Discover the Future of Taproom Tech.

Conferences & Events

GoTab Rolls into Bowl Expo 2025 – No Gutter Balls Here!

Get ready to strike up some innovation! GoTab is heading to the International Bowl Expo 2025 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Washington, D.C., from June 29 to July 3.

We're bringing our A-game to showcase how GoTab's technology can transform your bowling center's food and beverage operations. From mobile ordering to seamless payment solutions, discover how to keep your lanes—and profits—rolling smoothly.

Why Visit GoTab at Bowl Expo?

• Streamline Service: Learn how our platform reduces wait times and enhances guest satisfaction.
• Boost Sales: Discover tools designed to increase average ticket size and repeat business.
• Simplify Operations: See how GoTab integrates with your existing systems for a hassle-free experience.

Don't miss out on the chance to elevate your bowling center's guest experience. Visit us at Booth #1740.  For more details on the event, check out the official Bowl Expo website: bpaa.com

Learn More at GoTab at Bowl Expo 2025.

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