Tailgate Sports Bar opens to the public this Friday night

At Toowoomba’s newest sports bar, you can catch up with mates, watch the game and enjoy delicious favourites like a Coney Island hot dog, philly cheesesteak, chilli fries and more.

TOUCHING DOWN IN TOOWOOMBA: Tailgate Sports Bar is Toowoomba newest location to hang out with mates, catch the game and enjoy delicious, freshly made favourites like a Coney Island hot dog, philly cheesesteak, chilli fries and of course, homemade pie and waffle brownie sundaes. Owners Ben Whibley and Naomi Faulkner can't wait for their official opening on Friday, April 16. Picture: Kate McCormack

For Toowoomba born and raised football fanatic Ben Whibley, owning his very own sports bar has been a long-time dream.

As he prepares to open Tailgate Sports Bar this weekend, that dream is finally a reality.

With his faithful Cardinals-supporting, Manchester-born partner Naomi Faulkner by his side, the two hospitality veterans have spent the better part of 2021 trying to bring their dream to life.

“I have always felt like there was a gap in the market in Toowoomba when it came to a dedicated sports bar,” Mr Whibley said.

“It’s definitely something the city has been lacking and something I’ve been passionate about establishing for over six years now – we were just waiting for the right location to pop up.”
Ms Faulkner stumbled upon the empty Walton Stores location when she was walking around town after being made redundant during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We thought this was a great spot to set up because there’s a good range of food options near by but nothing is open overly late which we are hoping will set us apart,” she said.

Open each day from 11.30am to midnight, the bar is the perfect place to gather with friends and family, catch a game and enjoy delicious comfort food.

“I’m actually a chef by trade, I did my apprenticeship right here in Toowoomba at Gip’s and I’m really passionate about making homemade, fresh, non-store bought food that’s sourced close to home and a little bit different to everything else we already have in Toowoomba,” Mr Whibley said.

“Almost everything on the menu is also available in gluten free and vegan options so we’re keen to cater to everyone’s needs.”

With 10 beers on tap and open 30 others on hand, you’re also bound to find a top drop to enjoy.

“Our first big event is taking place in a couple of weeks with the NFL draft picking happening on Friday, April 30,” Ms Faulkner said.

“We’re opening up the bar early and planning to make a big day of it, and when we organise events like this for big sporting matches we will require a $20 deposit per person when people book which then gets taken off your drinks and food tab on the day of the event.

“This just ensures we have enough staff on board to cater to numbers and it also ensures you will have a table to sit at inside so you can be front and centre for all the action.”

Tailgate Sports Bar opens Friday, April 16 and with tables already booking out, you’ll have to get in quick.

For info on how to book, follow this link.