When the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered bars and restaurants across the United States, two Irish expats in New York City saw an opportunity to create something unique. Paul Convey and Enda Crowley, both with extensive backgrounds in construction, founded Taverns-To-Go in April 2020, a company dedicated to crafting custom wooden outdoor bars for residential spaces.
Paul Convey, originally from the West of Ireland, brings a decade of engineering and construction experience to the business. His co-founder, Enda Crowley, hails from Dublin and has spent 12 years in New York City, contributing 15 years of construction management expertise. Their shared Irish heritage and professional backgrounds proved to be the perfect combination for launching their innovative outdoor bar business.
The pandemic created unexpected challenges for social gatherings, and Convey and Crowley responded by developing a solution that would allow people to entertain safely at home. Their business model focused on creating customizable wooden bars that could be quickly assembled in residential outdoor spaces.
Taverns-To-Go specializes in custom wooden outdoor bars available in three sizes: small, medium, and large. The bars are constructed using grade #1 pressure-treated yellow pine lumber, designed to withstand outdoor conditions year-round. Each bar comes with sturdy countertops and options for additional features like refrigerators and storage.
The company offers various styles, including Tiki bars, BBQ grill gazebos, and Patio bars.
Starting from a 3,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Paterson, New Jersey, the company has rapidly expanded. They now operate facilities in Tampa, Florida, and Orange County, California, serving customers across 21 states. In just three years, Taverns-To-Go has constructed over 4,000 bars nationwide.
Taverns-To-Go recommends that customers seal their new bar after assembly using exterior-grade paint or a combination stain/sealer. This helps protect the wood from moisture and provides UV protection to prevent color fading.
One of the company’s primary selling points is the extensive customization options. Customers can add televisions, Incorporate refrigerators or kegs, design team-themed spaces, and create specialized entertainment areas.
Most bars are permanent installations, though the company notes that some can be temporarily set up for special events.
Taverns-To-Go prides itself on helping customers create personalized outdoor entertainment spaces. They encourage customers to share photos of their completed bars, with the possibility of featuring them in their “Wall of Fame.”
Paul Convey summarizes their mission: “Being able to customize your own bar the way you want it, you’re able to create a social space that’s perfect for you.”
