Indoor Golf Lounge Swings Into New Halifax Location
FREDERICTON— Par 94 Bar and Golf Lounge, a Fredericton-based indoor golf simulation lounge, has expanded into Halifax.
Co-founders Casey Glenen and Cameron McNeil opened the Fredericton location in November of 2021. After introducing the business to the Fredericton community, their operations were going well and knew they wanted to explore the potential of expanding outside the city.
“We didn’t really set our intentions on opening anything, we just wanted to see what the market was like,” said McNeil.
The duo first started looking in Moncton but due to space requirements could not find a spot.
Although, they wanted to explore the market in Halifax as well. They quickly found a location that worked with their space requirements that was also in an “unbelievable” area. As other aspects fell into place, it allowed the duo to consider a Halifax expansion and led them to start construction in July.
“We think we got a really good spot in Halifax where not everyone is able to play at the courses … especially being a student and whatnot living downtown, so it’s kind of that in your neighbourhood place to come play and hang out,” said Glenen.
The new Halifax spot is at 5475 Clyde St, just off of Spring Garden Road. The location is neighboured by The Garden, whom they are partnering with for their food and beverage service.
“There’s a lot of overlap between the two of us and so they’re very well recognized in the city,” said McNeil. “It was a really awesome partnership for us to collaborate with them on.”
The Garden will offer mixed drinks, cocktails, and food and Par 94 will offer a selection of beers on tap.
McNeil said the partnership will allow them to build their early client base and get the word out about the experience Par 94 can offer in Halifax. McNeil and Glenen’s friend, Mike Morgan, who is based in Halifax, became Par 94’s third business partner and will aid in the Halifax operations.
McNeil said they have two goals going into this expansion. The first is introducing their business to the Halifax community and being welcomed by the locals. Their second goal is to showcase that their bar is not just for golfers.
The location can host different events like bachelor and bachelorette parties, corporate events, and birthdays.
What is Par 94 Bar and Golf Lounge?
The idea for Par 94 came from two friends who enjoyed golfing together and have been to some simulators in the past.
“We just thought there’s nothing that really merges bar life and also golf life together,” said Glenen.
The two locations feature indoor golf simulators using TrackMan system launch monitors that take data from the player’s club swing and translate it into a virtual golf ball flight. Players use real balls and golf clubs to enhance the experience of the simulation.
Glenen said he has the bar experience and McNeil has the golf experience so together they were the “perfect pairing.”
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The name, Par 94, comes from a mix of ideas. The first being both McNeil and Glenen were born in 1994. The second idea was that a typical par for a golf course is 72.
“Par 94 is just a different way of saying that you don’t have to be a really good golfer to come play in one of our facilities. You can come shoot a 74, 104, 124, 94, whatever it is you shoot, you can come and have a good time,” said McNeil.
McNeil said customers can come to Par 94 and not be intimidated by the typical golf culture that can surround places like a country club.
While customers might think the business is targeted toward customers who enjoy a good game of golf, Glenen said they get every type of clientele through their doors. Since it is a relaxing environment, they see people who are amazing at golf and others who have never seen a golf club in their life.
“One of our biggest visions is trying to change people’s perception and trying to change that traditional perspective that people have on the game of golf,” said Glenen. “Make it more open and accessible to everyone to come hang out.”
Jessica Saulnier is a Huddle intern based in Fredericton. Send her your story tips: [email protected].