We were lucky to catch up with Rich Moyer recently and have shared our conversation below.

Rich, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.

In 2017, the idea of opening a bar was pitched to me. Without hesitation, I said, ‘no chance” and hung up the phone. Shortly after hanging up, I was sent a video that showcased self-pour technology that allowed customers to pour as little as 1/10 of an ounce up to an entire glass of beer, wine or cocktails. Since that day Hoppin’ set out to revolutionize the bar industry with our high-tech self-pour taproom by eliminating long lines, slow service and increasing profitability. Our goal was to be “different” than your traditional bar not only with our technology but with the overall customer experience, vibe, convenience and cleanliness. We also partner with local food partners whether it be a food truck, neighboring restaurant or sub-lease space to a local food operator. All of these plus our internal secrets separate us from the industry standard and give our customers a bar experience different than your traditional bar.

Today we have 4 locations open, and we are franchising across the country. Our proven model and brand have separated us from other food and beverage franchise concepts.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Rich Moyer. I grew up in Pocono Lake, Pennsylvania and moved to Myrtle Beach, SC after graduating high school to pursue a career in the golf industry. Shortly after becoming a PGA Professional, I left the golf industry, moved to Charlotte, NC and got into sales which led me to starting my first company in 2014 in the construction industry. This business was very demanding due to the rapid growth and general nature of construction. I was stressed, overworking myself and didn’t really enjoy the industry so in August of 2016 two of my best friends and I started a homemade ice cream shop, Two Scoops Creamery, as something fun and new to Charlotte. We became the go to spot for ice cream and now have 5 locations and we are expanding throughout Charlotte and surrounding cities. During this time I also listed my construction business for sale and in February of 2017 I sold the company. I invested into more commercial real estate and opened the first Hoppin’ location later that year. Since opening Hoppin’ in 2017, we opened a location in 2019 and 2020 and began franchising in 2022. I have also acquired a local media company called ExploreCLT and invested into a tech company called meMR. I currently spend 95% of my time focusing on franchising Hoppin’ which is a high-tech self-pour bar that provides a semi-absentee model for our franchisees and provides our customers an experience different than any traditional bar. We are now franchising in almost every state across the country. Learn more at www.ownahoppin.com or email [email protected]

Outside of my businesses, my amazing wife owns Lovely Bride in Charlotte, NC and Miami, FL which sells bridal gowns. Together we invest in real estate and are expecting our first child August 2023.

Does your business have multiple or supplementary revenue streams (like a ATM machine at a barbershop, etc)?

Hoppin’ core revenue is from our regular volume customers which is broken down into drink categories, beer, wine, cocktails, and N/A drinks. Looking from the outside in you may think we only have that one stream of revenue. That is not true, Hoppin’ Franchise owners also have Private Event Revenue, Corporate Event Revenue, Duckpin Bowling Revenue (site specific) and Food Partner Shared Revenue. Our gross profits range from 75-82% and with our self-pour technology we minimize our waste from the national average of 23% down to 3-4%.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I have had to pivot and adapt in business many times. The most recent big adaption was during the pandemic. We opened our third Hoppin’ two weeks before the pandemic closures started, putting me in tough position as we was in growth mode. I had to make decisions on the fly to make sure my core team was financially secure while making the right business decision to keep our rent paid and doors open. With the ever-changing rules from the government, I had to make continual adjustments and do what was right for our team and business. Some of these decisions went against the grain but looking back they were all the right decisions and they helped us stay in business.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.hoppinclt.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rich_moyer/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoppinCharlotte/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-m-02019551
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Hoppinfranchise
• Other: Instagram – @hoppinclt Instagram – @hoppinfranchising

Image Credits
All of these images are ours.