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Episode 35 - Miranda Garrison & Julia Parks, co-owners of Arena Sports Bar & Rookie’s Sports Tap
In this episode of The Realtor Who Wines, Rashelle Newmyer is in Independence, Oregon, sitting down with two powerhouse entrepreneurs and local community staples: Miranda Garrison and Julia Parks, co-owners of Arena Sports Bar and Rookie’s Sports Tap. What began as a college friendship behind the bar has grown into a long-standing business partnership and two thriving establishments at the heart of Monmouth and Independence.
They dive deep into what it really takes to own and operate bars in today’s economy, covering everything from rising costs and changing consumer habits to menu trends, culture-building, and the realities of leadership. Miranda and Julia speak candidly about inflation, the rising cost of goods (including napkins and all those unseen essentials), and how quarterly pricing analysis keeps their business sustainable without losing customer trust. Their accountant once warned them their cost of goods was “through the roof,” and they share what they’ve done since to correct course, find new efficiencies, and strike the perfect pricing balance.
Of course, they also talk about drinks because when you sit down with seasoned bar owners, it’s impossible not to. They sip Cascade Sweet Potato Vodka from Wild Roots, discuss their house-made Bloody Mary mix (a drink and a snack), and enjoy a delicious glass of Eola Hills Pinot Noir from right up the road. They share how their own palates have changed over the years, the seasonal “mood-based” nature of their drink choices, and the surprising rise of gin in Julia’s rotation.
The three women also explore how trends such as mocktails and non-alcoholic cocktails are reshaping the bar industry. With younger generations drinking less but still wanting social experiences, Arena and Rookie’s have adapted with a full mocktail menu, multiple non-alcoholic beers, and an inclusive environment where everyone, from families to nondrinking bartenders, can feel at home.
Miranda and Julia talk about expanding from one location to two, including the challenges, the growing pains, the logistics, and the systems that now allow them to manage both bars without burning out. They do it all without managers, relying instead on senior staff, strong communication, and an incredible culture that keeps employees for years.
They get into their famous menu staples (26 wing flavors and counting), how data, not personal preferences, drives menu decisions, and how they’ve learned to pivot based on trends, customer behavior, and cost efficiency.
They also share their advice for anyone dreaming of owning a bar: spend years learning the business inside out, expect to sacrifice your social life in the beginning, understand your market, choose the right location, and stay flexible when the market tells you to pivot.
Finally, the ladies highlight the community events that make Independence and Monmouth so special, from the huge Independence Day festival and summer concert series to their annual “Pabst & Tats” fundraiser supporting the Ash Creek Arts Center. Whether it's breakfast during the NFL Sunday Ticket, live events, or the family-friendly atmosphere at Rookie’s, there’s always something happening.
This episode is packed with laughter, honesty, and truly invaluable insights into entrepreneurship, partnership, and building something meaningful in a close-knit community. Whether you're a local, a business owner, or just someone who loves a great story over a great drink, you’ll love this one.
Pour a glass of something local (or a mocktail!) and enjoy the conversation. Cheers!
Thank you for listening! Connect and collaborate with Realtor Rashelle on any of her social media platform pages > https://linktr.ee/RealtorRashelle