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Have you dealt with a restaurant/bar that is awful at managing games on their TVs?
Posted on 11/29/25 at 5:27 am
Posted on 11/29/25 at 5:27 am
Share your story here.
I’m not talking about fine-dining spots or places where you’d never expect to watch sports. I mean local pubs, family restaurants, neighborhood bars, kinds of places built for posting up and watching a game and have clearly invested in providing live TV in their establishments.
Lately, it feels like there’s an epidemic…especially in the South. These places invest in a small Best Buy’s worth of flatscreens, pay for every sports package known to mankind… and then leave the TVs on random channels or, even better, the screensaver. Actually planning out what games to show each day would take maybe five minutes.
And then comes the real entertainment: asking someone to change the channel. You either get attitude, or they start hunting for the one staff member who possesses the sacred knowledge of The Remote. Somehow, switching to ESPN becomes a 20-minute odyssey involving multiple employees, a group huddle, and possibly divine intervention.That's when you start to feel like a Diva simply because you wanted to pay money to drink beer and watch an SEC football game instead of an SEC Now replay.
Case in point: we went out tonight to catch the first half of the UGA game. Twenty TVs on the wall. Nineteen were in screensaver mode. The other two were on SEC Network and the Golf Channel, because nothing says “Friday night energy” like chipping drills. We asked the hostess, and she told us they only turn the TVs on when football is on. (There were three college games going on and an NFL game)
She went to retrieve the iPad, and it was like she was trying to solve Chinese Algebra. She finally got the game on one TV… but it was the ESPN Command Center broadcast. At that point, I just threw my hands up and accepted our fate.
It’s become a running joke among my friends because we see this everywhere now.
Are we off base, or is this a real, growing phenomenon?
I’m not talking about fine-dining spots or places where you’d never expect to watch sports. I mean local pubs, family restaurants, neighborhood bars, kinds of places built for posting up and watching a game and have clearly invested in providing live TV in their establishments.
Lately, it feels like there’s an epidemic…especially in the South. These places invest in a small Best Buy’s worth of flatscreens, pay for every sports package known to mankind… and then leave the TVs on random channels or, even better, the screensaver. Actually planning out what games to show each day would take maybe five minutes.
And then comes the real entertainment: asking someone to change the channel. You either get attitude, or they start hunting for the one staff member who possesses the sacred knowledge of The Remote. Somehow, switching to ESPN becomes a 20-minute odyssey involving multiple employees, a group huddle, and possibly divine intervention.That's when you start to feel like a Diva simply because you wanted to pay money to drink beer and watch an SEC football game instead of an SEC Now replay.
Case in point: we went out tonight to catch the first half of the UGA game. Twenty TVs on the wall. Nineteen were in screensaver mode. The other two were on SEC Network and the Golf Channel, because nothing says “Friday night energy” like chipping drills. We asked the hostess, and she told us they only turn the TVs on when football is on. (There were three college games going on and an NFL game)
She went to retrieve the iPad, and it was like she was trying to solve Chinese Algebra. She finally got the game on one TV… but it was the ESPN Command Center broadcast. At that point, I just threw my hands up and accepted our fate.
It’s become a running joke among my friends because we see this everywhere now.
Are we off base, or is this a real, growing phenomenon?
This post was edited on 11/29/25 at 9:30 am
22
Posted on 11/29/25 at 5:40 am to FairhopeTider
Idk what you're referring to but in South Louisiana there is an insane amount of local dive bars and during an LSU or Saints games, every single TV in the bar is playing them.
I'm assuming this is some tourist bartender bullshite and not a real local bar.
Go find a good local spot with a bartender who smokes, has an accent, big tits and calls you baby. She'll have the old Directv style remote and there will already be 3/4 old guys there when you get there and they'll have already lined up a badass channel set up on TVs behind the bar
Also I see your in Alabama - order a beer not wine or a seltzer.
frick it, I'm going to Southside in Slidell now. shite it's fun watching the game at a bar.
I'm assuming this is some tourist bartender bullshite and not a real local bar.
Go find a good local spot with a bartender who smokes, has an accent, big tits and calls you baby. She'll have the old Directv style remote and there will already be 3/4 old guys there when you get there and they'll have already lined up a badass channel set up on TVs behind the bar
Also I see your in Alabama - order a beer not wine or a seltzer.
frick it, I'm going to Southside in Slidell now. shite it's fun watching the game at a bar.
Posted on 11/29/25 at 5:43 am to FairhopeTider
No, it's definitely real and it infuriates me. I used to work in restaurants many moons ago, and the only reason that stuff happens, 100%, is because those workers don't care about sports. So they have absolutely no clue.
IMO it's incumbent upon the manager on duty to have as part of their shift checklist, be it lunch or dinner shift, hell, even breakfast (maybe there's soccer, golf, early NFL) to know what games are on that day and to make sure they are on, or to at least delegate that to a responsible staff member.
And of course, be able to accommodate the random fan who comes in wanting to watch the one game most people in the area don't care about.
It isn't hard at all. It isn't difficult. It's complete apathy ignorance and laziness. I managed the kitchen at Buffalo Wild Wings for 3.5 yrs, amongst several other restaurants back in the day, and you'd better believe I had the TV system down to a science.
TL;DR - those people don't give a shite about sports and aren't ever going to be bothered to change anything without prodding.
IMO it's incumbent upon the manager on duty to have as part of their shift checklist, be it lunch or dinner shift, hell, even breakfast (maybe there's soccer, golf, early NFL) to know what games are on that day and to make sure they are on, or to at least delegate that to a responsible staff member.
And of course, be able to accommodate the random fan who comes in wanting to watch the one game most people in the area don't care about.
It isn't hard at all. It isn't difficult. It's complete apathy ignorance and laziness. I managed the kitchen at Buffalo Wild Wings for 3.5 yrs, amongst several other restaurants back in the day, and you'd better believe I had the TV system down to a science.
TL;DR - those people don't give a shite about sports and aren't ever going to be bothered to change anything without prodding.
This post was edited on 11/29/25 at 5:54 am
Posted on 11/29/25 at 5:44 am to FairhopeTider
Bar and grill here have probably 20 tv's, and puts them all on the same game. 
Posted on 11/29/25 at 5:45 am to FairhopeTider
quote:
She went to retrieve the iPad, and then it turned into a live performance of “Trying to Solve Chinese Algebra.” She finally got the game on one TV… but it was the ESPN Command Center broadcast. At that point, I just threw my hands up and accepted my fate.
I find that if the hostess is younger than mid-20s, or older than 50 I am kinda fricked in terms of them understanding how to get a game I want on the television.
They are generally lost when it comes to controlling anything tech that requires even a little bit of maneuvering.
Posted on 11/29/25 at 5:47 am to FairhopeTider
No , you’re right . it’s a thing.
“ do you mind putting the game on?”
“Oh there’s a game on? Do you know What channel?”
“Its the college World Series game 7 , it’s on ESPN “
“Okay , let me ask my manager to get the remote and see if we have that channel , be back in like 25 minutes “
“Ok sir, manager put the game on that 12” tv screen like 50’ away, we don’t have espn on this screen you just have to watch bowling”
“ do you mind putting the game on?”
“Oh there’s a game on? Do you know What channel?”
“Its the college World Series game 7 , it’s on ESPN “
“Okay , let me ask my manager to get the remote and see if we have that channel , be back in like 25 minutes “
“Ok sir, manager put the game on that 12” tv screen like 50’ away, we don’t have espn on this screen you just have to watch bowling”
Posted on 11/29/25 at 6:35 am to Bison
Was in San Diego last year during March Madness. Walked into a bar, saw they had basketball on, then realized it was the NIT tournament on every TV.
I think they told the ditzy bartender to just keep it on ESPN.
I think they told the ditzy bartender to just keep it on ESPN.
Posted on 11/29/25 at 6:38 am to FairhopeTider
Great post I agree 100%.
It's probably bc most service industry workers are women or soy boys and they
1. Love stupid rules
2. Don't like sports
3. Resent white men who like sports
It's probably bc most service industry workers are women or soy boys and they
1. Love stupid rules
2. Don't like sports
3. Resent white men who like sports
Posted on 11/29/25 at 7:29 am to SirWinston
quote:
It's probably bc most service industry workers are women or soy boys and they
Also hungover hating life but still expecting a 30% tip.
Posted on 11/29/25 at 7:32 am to W2NOMO
Soft as baby shite.
And they wonder why they struggle. They need a mirror.
And they wonder why they struggle. They need a mirror.
Posted on 11/29/25 at 7:35 am to FairhopeTider
I will say it’s a bit harder with games being on local channels, espn, sec network plus, peacock, etc now
Posted on 11/29/25 at 7:46 am to GreatLakesTiger24
No it is not. Every tv has a channel guide with a sports category now.
Posted on 11/29/25 at 7:47 am to FairhopeTider
It is an epidemic.
I guarantee you I could find a dozen bars/restaurants today where I would have to ask for the Ohio State/Michigan game to be put on.
So many places with 25 TVs that don't know how to use them.
I guarantee you I could find a dozen bars/restaurants today where I would have to ask for the Ohio State/Michigan game to be put on.
So many places with 25 TVs that don't know how to use them.
Posted on 11/29/25 at 7:47 am to FairhopeTider
Went to a sports bar last week where the bartender had NFL network replays during prime Saturday night hours (6-7pm). Inexcusable.
Posted on 11/29/25 at 7:54 am to FairhopeTider
I was in Vegas during baseball season last year. Asked a guy at the sportsbook to put the LSU game on one of the smaller screens showing tennis. He told me no, all the screens were set how the book wants them. I pulled up the match and it was rerun from the day before. Walked to the next guy over, asked him and he said "absolutely, one second." It was very satisfying to stare the first guy in the eyes while I handed the second guy a twenty.
Posted on 11/29/25 at 8:01 am to FairhopeTider
Not a drinker but go to sports bars type restaurants for wings, etc quite a bit when traveling for work mostly because I can at least watch a bit of whatever game is on while eating and not feel weird solo.
I’d say on average half the TVs are on non sports related crap. Maybe there was a game on earlier and nobody was paying attention and now you’re just getting the local news or whatever programming is on. Asking to change the channel usually seems like an act of God so stopped asking. By the time they figure it out, I’m usually done anyways.
My other complaint, not that I really care, but bartenders used to be interactive with customers. Now they peak up from their phone on occasion to see if anyone needs a refill, but mostly stay off in a corner on their phones are talking to other wait staff. I mean what other reasons to people have to go to a Twin Peaks, Walk Ons, BWW type place if the waitress or bartender isn’t even going to be interactive.
I’d say on average half the TVs are on non sports related crap. Maybe there was a game on earlier and nobody was paying attention and now you’re just getting the local news or whatever programming is on. Asking to change the channel usually seems like an act of God so stopped asking. By the time they figure it out, I’m usually done anyways.
My other complaint, not that I really care, but bartenders used to be interactive with customers. Now they peak up from their phone on occasion to see if anyone needs a refill, but mostly stay off in a corner on their phones are talking to other wait staff. I mean what other reasons to people have to go to a Twin Peaks, Walk Ons, BWW type place if the waitress or bartender isn’t even going to be interactive.
This post was edited on 11/29/25 at 8:12 am
Posted on 11/29/25 at 8:08 am to Lush
Another rant from me on the subject, since I have firsthand experience:
If you're a business/restaurant owner, or even just a GM at a large chain who is looking to increase revenue and thereby work your way up their corporate ladder, it behooves you to cater to the sports crowd by making sure this extremely simple "problem" is managed every day, by yourself, or somewho you hold in responsible charge.
100% of non sports customers will come to your restaurant/bar and give zero fricks about what game is on the TV. They get/understand that sports will be on the TV and not Little House on the Prarie reruns or the Kardashians.
So you don't lose their business, at all.
However, you stand to lose quite a bit of business to clientele who have chosen to patronize you and you either don't have the game, don't have someone who can handle the meager task of working the TV guide, or simply don't care to be bothered
It's an enormous turnoff. There are places in Lexington I choose to patronize simply because I don't ever have to worry about when I walk in whether the UK, Reds, or Bengals game will be on. You can have better food and beer selection at your restaurant and I will still choose to go to those places, because their menu and beer offerings are still sufficient. And, as one would expect, the atmosphere is better in those places because they attract the clientele who truly give a frick.
But even more shortsighted IMO is not handling this stuff on "non local" game nights. If it's a Tuesday night in Lexington KY in the winter and UK isn't playing a college basketball game....guess what? You had probably better find the best SEC basketball game that's on, or the UNC, UofL, Duke etc game.
Thursday night? NFL Thursday Night game.
This shite isn't hard and to me, ultimately, it's indicative of lazy management. No different than how one would judge a business based on the cleanliness of their bathrooms. "If they can't even be bothered to handle this, what are they half assing behind the scenes?"
/rant. frick Louisville. Go Cats
If you're a business/restaurant owner, or even just a GM at a large chain who is looking to increase revenue and thereby work your way up their corporate ladder, it behooves you to cater to the sports crowd by making sure this extremely simple "problem" is managed every day, by yourself, or somewho you hold in responsible charge.
100% of non sports customers will come to your restaurant/bar and give zero fricks about what game is on the TV. They get/understand that sports will be on the TV and not Little House on the Prarie reruns or the Kardashians.
So you don't lose their business, at all.
However, you stand to lose quite a bit of business to clientele who have chosen to patronize you and you either don't have the game, don't have someone who can handle the meager task of working the TV guide, or simply don't care to be bothered
It's an enormous turnoff. There are places in Lexington I choose to patronize simply because I don't ever have to worry about when I walk in whether the UK, Reds, or Bengals game will be on. You can have better food and beer selection at your restaurant and I will still choose to go to those places, because their menu and beer offerings are still sufficient. And, as one would expect, the atmosphere is better in those places because they attract the clientele who truly give a frick.
But even more shortsighted IMO is not handling this stuff on "non local" game nights. If it's a Tuesday night in Lexington KY in the winter and UK isn't playing a college basketball game....guess what? You had probably better find the best SEC basketball game that's on, or the UNC, UofL, Duke etc game.
Thursday night? NFL Thursday Night game.
This shite isn't hard and to me, ultimately, it's indicative of lazy management. No different than how one would judge a business based on the cleanliness of their bathrooms. "If they can't even be bothered to handle this, what are they half assing behind the scenes?"
/rant. frick Louisville. Go Cats
Posted on 11/29/25 at 8:19 am to FairhopeTider
quote:
because nothing says “Saturday night energy” like chipping drills.
Well, it was Friday
Posted on 11/29/25 at 8:20 am to FairhopeTider
Eat at home more. Pretty simple, the kids these days that work at restaurants at restaurants don't watch TV, much less sports.
So they're not gonna have a clue what you're talking about and it's only gonna get that way more and more.
So they're not gonna have a clue what you're talking about and it's only gonna get that way more and more.
Posted on 11/29/25 at 8:22 am to UKWildcats
quote:
This shite isn't hard and to me, ultimately, it's indicative of lazy management. No different than how one would judge a business based on the cleanliness of their bathrooms. "If they can't even be bothered to handle this, what are they half assing behind the scenes?"
Standing ovation. This isn’t hard. It takes five minutes of planning and can pay dividends. Not taking the time to do it shows that you’re not a serious business. The restaurants that do care about this usually handle it with military precision and that care is reflective elsewhere in the business.
Know a guy who invested in a local brewery. They were getting killed on the weekends. I asked my buddy why they didn’t put college football on Saturdays and NFL on Sundays. He said the brewmaster told him they were’t a “fvcking Buffalo Wild Wings.” Flash forward five years and that brewery is closed and the brewmaster is being sued for losses. The business that took it over is thriving and they are packed every weekend….and they play college & NFL games.
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