Exploring Life & Business with Roshiem Austin

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Roshiem Austin.

Hi Roshiem, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Absolutely! My journey with Tap That Downtown is deeply rooted in my passion for craft beer and my love for the Phoenix community.

Growing up in Phoenix, I was always drawn to the vibrant local culture and the entrepreneurial spirit that defines this city. After years of working in various roles within the hospitality industry, I developed a deep appreciation for the art of brewing and the camaraderie that good beer can foster.

The idea for Tap That Downtown began to take shape during my travels across the country. I visited countless breweries and beer bars, each with its unique charm and selection. These experiences inspired me to create a space in Phoenix where people could explore a diverse range of craft beers in a welcoming and relaxed environment. In 2018, I decided to take the leap and bring my vision to life. The early days were filled with challenges.

Finding the perfect location in downtown Phoenix was a significant hurdle. I wanted a spot that was accessible, had a sense of history, and could become a cornerstone of the community. After an extensive search, we found the ideal space that met all our criteria. Building Tap That Downtown from the ground up was both exciting and daunting. From curating a selection of beers that reflected both local talent and renowned brewers to designing an inviting space where people could feel at home, every detail mattered.

I worked tirelessly with a dedicated team to ensure that every aspect of Tap That Downtown embodied our commitment to quality and community. Opening our doors for the first time was a milestone I’ll never forget. The response from the community was overwhelming and reaffirmed that we were on the right path. People loved the rotating selection of craft beers, the knowledgeable staff, and the events that brought everyone together – from trivia nights to beer tastings and live music.

Today, Tap That Downtown is more than just a bar. It’s a gathering place where friends, families, and beer enthusiasts come to enjoy, connect, and create memories. We’ve continued to grow, expanding our beer offerings and community events, always staying true to our mission of celebrating great beer and fostering a sense of community.

Looking back, I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come and excited for what the future holds for Tap That Downtown.

Let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
Starting and growing Tap That Downtown has definitely been a rewarding journey, but it hasn’t always been a smooth road. The early days were filled with a lot of learning curves and unexpected challenges.

One of the first major hurdles was finding the right location. Downtown Phoenix has many great spots, but securing a place that was both accessible and had the potential to become a community hub was tough. The search was long and, at times, disheartening, but we eventually found a location that felt perfect.

Financing was another significant challenge. Like many new businesses, we faced the struggle of securing the necessary funding to bring our vision to life. Navigating the complexities of business loans, investors, and budgeting was a daunting task, especially when combined with the usual startup expenses like renovations, licenses, and initial stock purchases.

Building a brand from scratch also came with its own set of challenges. Craft beer enthusiasts have high standards, and we knew we needed to offer something truly special to stand out. Curating a diverse and high-quality selection of beers was a top priority, but it required extensive research, relationship-building with brewers, and a deep understanding of our customer base. There were moments of trial and error as we fine-tuned our offerings to meet our patrons’ preferences.

Staffing was another area where we faced some bumps. Finding people who were not only skilled but also shared our passion for craft beer and community took time. We wanted a team that could embody our values and provide exceptional customer service, and building that team was a process that required patience and careful selection.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought a whole new set of challenges. Like many businesses, we had to adapt quickly to changing regulations, ensure the safety of our staff and customers, and pivot our business model to include more takeout and delivery options. It was a difficult period, but the support from our community was incredible and kept us going.

Despite these struggles, each challenge taught us valuable lessons and helped us grow stronger. The key to overcoming them was perseverance, adaptability, and a relentless focus on our mission to create a welcoming space for craft beer lovers. Every obstacle we faced made us more resilient and more committed to our vision.

Today, those early struggles feel like milestones that marked our path to becoming a cherished part of the downtown Phoenix community.

We’ve been impressed with Tap That Downtown, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share about what you do and what sets you apart?
Tap That Downtown is a craft beer bar located in the heart of downtown Phoenix, Arizona. Our mission is to provide a unique and welcoming space where people can explore a diverse range of craft beers, connect with friends, and enjoy a vibrant community atmosphere.

We specialize in curating an ever-changing selection of craft beers from both local breweries and renowned producers from around the country. Our rotating taps ensure that there’s always something new and exciting to try, whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or just beginning to explore the world of craft brews. Our knowledgeable and passionate staff are always ready to offer recommendations and insights to enhance your beer-tasting experience.

What sets Tap That Downtown apart is our commitment to quality and community. We take great pride in offering a carefully selected assortment of beers that showcase the creativity and craftsmanship of the brewing world. Our selection process is meticulous, and we strive to feature beers that cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences, from hop-forward IPAs to rich stouts and refreshing sours.

Community is at the heart of everything we do. We host regular events such as trivia nights, live music performances, and beer-tasting sessions that bring people together and create a lively, inclusive atmosphere. Our partnerships with local businesses, artists, and food trucks further embed us in the vibrant culture of downtown Phoenix, making Tap That Downtown not just a bar but a cornerstone of the community.

Brand-wise, we are most proud of the reputation we’ve built as a go-to destination for craft beer lovers in Phoenix. Our dedication to providing a top-notch beer selection, coupled with our focus on fostering a sense of community, has earned us a loyal customer base and numerous accolades within the local craft beer scene.

For our readers, we want you to know that Tap That Downtown is more than just a place to grab a drink.

It’s a place to discover new flavors, meet new people, and be part of a supportive and enthusiastic community. Whether you’re joining us for a casual evening with friends, attending one of our special events, or just stopping by to see what’s new on tap, we strive to make every visit a memorable experience.

We invite you to come in, enjoy a pint, and see what makes Tap That Downtown a special part of Phoenix’s downtown scene.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Finding a mentor and building a strong network have been crucial components of my journey with Tap That Downtown. Here are some pieces of advice based on what has worked well for me: Be Clear About Your Goals: Before seeking a mentor, it’s important to have a clear understanding of your own goals and what you hope to achieve.

Knowing what you want to learn or improve on will help you identify the right mentor who can provide the guidance you need. Leverage Your Existing Network: Sometimes, the best mentors are closer than you think. Reach out to your existing connections—whether they’re former colleagues, friends, or industry acquaintances. Let them know what you’re looking for and see if they can recommend someone who would be a good fit.

Attend Industry Events: Networking events, trade shows, and industry conferences are excellent places to meet potential mentors and expand your professional network. These events provide opportunities to connect with experienced individuals who share your interests and can offer valuable insights.

Join Professional Associations: Becoming a member of industry-specific organizations can open doors to mentorship and networking opportunities. These associations often have mentorship programs, networking events, and resources designed to help you grow your business.

Be Proactive and Reach Out: Don’t be afraid to reach out to people you admire or who have the experience you’re seeking. A well-crafted message expressing your admiration for their work and a clear request for guidance can go a long way. Many successful people are willing to mentor others if they see genuine interest and potential.

Offer Value in Return: Mentoring is a two-way street. Think about how you can add value to your mentor’s life or business. This could be through sharing your own expertise, offering to help with projects, or simply showing appreciation and respect for your time and advice.

Build Genuine Relationships: Networking shouldn’t just be about what others can do for you. Focus on building genuine relationships based on mutual respect and shared interests. Take the time to get to know people and understand their perspectives. This approach will lead to more meaningful and lasting connections.

For me, attending local craft beer events and participating in community activities have been particularly effective. These settings provide a natural way to meet people who are passionate about the same things I am. Additionally, I’ve found that being an active listener and showing genuine interest in others’ experiences helps build strong, supportive relationships.

Ultimately, the key is to be open, proactive, and genuine in your efforts. Whether you’re looking for a mentor or trying to expand your network, approach each interaction with curiosity and respect, and you’ll find that people are more than willing to help you on your journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tapthatbeer.com
• Instagram: @tapthatdowntown
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tapthatdowntown/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roshiem-austin-2b10b57a/

Image Credits
Aidan Edwards @VisualAid.mp4