Greensboro and Guilford County have been seeing a tremendous amount of economic development success lately, but sometimes a business coming to a city means more than just more jobs and monetary investment.
And that’s the case with Top Golf, which is celebrating its grand opening in Greensboro this weekend.
It’s great to get a Toyota battery plant or another big warehouse, but some new companies and attractions add a “coolness factor” as well.
Greensboro Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Brent Christensen often speaks of the benefit of bringing in high-profile and well-loved companies because, when people consider where they want to live, and where they want to locate their businesses, they want to see certain companies in that city.
Some will ask: Does it have a Trader Joe’s? Does it have a Top Golf? Does it have a Publix?
“Certain retail names play a crucial role in enhancing a city’s profile, and Topgolf is definitely at the forefront,” Christensen said. “Young professionals have long been requesting Topgolf, so we’re excited to finally welcome it to Greensboro.”
He also said that “iconic brands” such as Topgolf not only attract visitors but also “foster a strong sense of community pride and identity.”
“With its distinctive mix of entertainment and sport,” he said, “Topgolf demonstrates how prominent retail and recreational venues can elevate a city’s reputation and appeal, drawing in both locals and tourists.”
Companies like Boom Supersonic – a high-profile company that’s making high-tech commercial jets that are much faster than the ones today – also do a lot for Greensboro’s reputation.
Top Golf is a sports and entertainment complex that features a high-tech golf game that the company says everyone can enjoy.
It also offers a highly regarded food and beverage menu, music and all-weather indoor hitting bays.
According to the company’s promotional materials, “Every Topgolf has an energetic hum that you can feel right when you walk through the door.”
The golf bays are priced by the hour, with the hourly rate varying by day and time. There’s a small one-time member fee for new players. Up to 6 players can be in a bay and play together.
You can grab a golf club there at no additional cost or bring your own. Top Golf has designated areas within the bays to store your clubs while you drink, eat and party with your friends.
I would be surprised if this succeeds. Now is the time to be in the housing market.
Wait ’till you find out what it costs to rent a space for an hours……AND, more at peak times (just like the airlines).
Callaway Golf recently announced they were spinning off TopGolf due to its drag on the overall corporation. These locations start off initially strong but their year over sales fall pretty far down. It’s the fact that they’re opening new locations whose initial year sales plump up the sales numbers. Their repeat business seems to be quite anemic.
yup