Bar owner details challenges faced by streaming: 'We just need technology that works'

June 13, 2026 - 01:21

Jim Hallers, the founder of Tailgators Pub & Grill, didn't hold back when describing the daily grind of running a sports bar in the streaming era. Appearing on a business news program, Hallers laid out the specific headaches that come with trying to show live games to a packed house. His main message was simple: the technology is failing the industry.

Hallers explained that the shift from traditional cable to multiple streaming platforms has created a logistical nightmare. Instead of flipping a switch, bar owners now juggle different apps, subscriptions, and devices just to get a single game on screen. "We just need technology that works," he said, emphasizing that reliability is the top priority. A buffering screen or a dropped signal during a crucial play can kill the atmosphere and drive customers away.

The conversation also touched on the upcoming World Cup and other major sporting events. While these tournaments bring in huge crowds, they also expose the cracks in the system. Hallers noted that securing the rights to show every match often requires navigating a maze of exclusive deals, which can be both expensive and confusing. He argued that the current model is built for the home viewer, not for a business that needs to show dozens of games simultaneously across multiple TVs.

For Hallers, the solution is not about more features or flashy graphics. It is about stability and simplicity. Until the streaming services deliver a product that can handle the demands of a commercial setting, bar owners will continue to struggle. As he put it, the industry is ready for the big games, but the technology needs to catch up.