Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Cole Parsons, co-founder of Tucker’s Tap Yard, about how life with pets and RV travel helped shape Winston-Salem’s first off-leash indoor and outdoor dog yard and bar.

After losing their orange tabby cat, Lego, Cole and his wife Kim found themselves adjusting to life without a pet for the first time. With weekends increasingly spent traveling by RV, hiking, and exploring new towns, they decided a dog could be the right companion for that lifestyle. They soon adopted a beagle puppy from the local rescue AARF and named him Tucker, who quickly became part of every trip.

As they traveled throughout the Southeast, Cole and Kim made a habit of seeking out dog-friendly breweries and taprooms, but consistently ran into the same limitation: dogs were welcome, but only on a leash. Over time, they discovered off-leash dog park bars in other cities and saw how much more enjoyable the experience was when dogs could safely run, play, and socialize.

That experience stayed with them back in Winston-Salem and eventually became Tucker’s Tap Yard. The downtown space features large fenced outdoor play areas, a climate-controlled indoor area, a separate small dog section, and trained Yard Rangers on site to monitor play. For people, the yard offers a full bar with beer, wine, and cocktails, covered patio seating, private event space, and additional amenities like a self-wash room and grooming services.

In this episode, Cole shares what it takes to build and operate a dog-centered business, how Tucker’s Tap Yard has grown into a consistent community gathering place, and why creating a safe, clean, and welcoming environment remains the priority. The conversation highlights how a love for dogs and time spent on the road turned into a space where pups play and friends stay.