Jenny Nguyen Used Savings To Open Bar That Only Plays Women's Sports

Step into any restaurant or bar, and you're likely to be greeted by the glow of multiple television screens broadcasting various sports events. It's a scene that draws us in, blending the enjoyment of good food and ambience with our inherent love for sports. But amidst the flurry of action, how often do we see women's sports take centre stage on those very screens? Rarely, if ever.

It's a scene too familiar—male-dominated competitions dominate the screens, while women's sports struggle to secure their place in the spotlight. The root cause? A lack of exposure perpetuates the notion that men's sports reign supreme. While strides have been made, such as the recent surge in viewership for events like the WPL 2024 in India, the journey towards equality in sports entertainment is far from over.

Enter Jenny Nguyen, driven by frustration at the lack of representation for women's sports. What started as a daring vision born from discontent has blossomed into something remarkable—a sanctuary for women's sports enthusiasts. This is where the Sports Bar story unfolds. 

Nestled among its peers, Sports Bar stands proudly, with screens exclusively dedicated to showcasing women's sports—a revolutionary concept carving out a niche in the industry. Amidst its walls adorned with memorabilia celebrating female athletes' achievements, Today Sports Bar isn't just a place to watch a game; it's a shrine to inclusivity, inspiring patrons to embrace their passion for sports without compromise. With each match, it reshapes the narrative of sports bars, paving the way for a more inclusive sporting culture—one game at a time.

The Genesis Of The Sports Bra

The brainchild of visionary owner and chef Jenny Nguyen, The Sports Bra isn't just another watering hole; it's a revolutionary space dedicated to women and LGBTQ+ sports enthusiasts, where every touchdown, slam dunk, and match point is celebrated with fervour and pride.

The Sports Bar's journey began with a dream fueled by a passion for basketball and a desire to create a space where women's athletic achievements could take centre stage.  A lifelong basketball aficionado, Nguyen's love for the game ran deep, nurtured by years spent on the court and in the stands, cheering on her favourite teams. Yet, amid the exhilaration of game day camaraderie, she couldn't shake the nagging sense of disillusionment that accompanied the lack of representation for women athletes in mainstream sports culture. Nguyen, acutely aware of this disparity, found herself struggling with a question that would ultimately shape the trajectory of her entrepreneurial journey: How could she carve out a space where women athletes could shine?

It was a balmy evening in 2018 when Nguyen and a group of friends gathered at a local sports bar to watch the NCAA women's basketball championship game. What should have been a celebration of athleticism and skill quickly devolved into a battle for visibility, as they found themselves pleading with the bartender to switch one of the TVs to the women's game.

The experience left a lasting impression on Nguyen—a potent cocktail of frustration, indignation, and a flicker of inspiration. As the final buzzer sounded and Notre Dame clinched the championship title, Nguyen couldn't shake the feeling that there had to be a better way—a place where women's sports weren't relegated to the sidelines but celebrated on their terms.

The name came to her in a flash of inspiration—The Sports Bra—a playful nod to both the supportive undergarment and the idea of providing a platform for women athletes to thrive. It was catchy, memorable, and imbued with a sense of empowerment that resonated deeply with Nguyen and her burgeoning community of supporters.

From Concept To Creation

Despite the clarity of her vision, Nguyen faced no shortage of doubts and uncertainties along the road to realizing her dream. As a self-described "very cautious, risk-averse" individual, she found herself grappling with the enormity of the task at hand. The prospect of venturing into uncharted territory and challenging entrenched norms and assumptions was daunting.

Yet, buoyed by her passion for women's sports and a steely determination to effect change, Nguyen refused to be deterred. She knew that the road ahead would be fraught with challenges, but she also knew that the potential rewards—both personal and societal—were too great to ignore. With unwavering resolve, she leapt, channelling her savings and her boundless energy into bringing The Sports Bra to life.

The road to realizing the Sports Bra was not without its challenges. Nguyen faced scepticism and uncertainty, questioning whether the world was ready for such an innovative venture. Securing funding proved to be a formidable hurdle, as traditional sources of financing proved elusive in the face of her unconventional business model. However, fueled by her belief, Nguyen turned to alternative avenues, cobbling together a combination of personal savings and loans from friends and family to fund the venture.

But it was the launch of a Kickstarter campaign that truly set the wheels in motion, galvanizing support from a global community of backers who shared Nguyen's passion for women's sports. In just 30 days, the campaign surpassed its fundraising goal and highlighted the resonance of The Sports Bra's mission and the power of collective action.

As The Sports Bra took shape in the bustling streets of Portland, Oregon, it quickly became clear that Nguyen's vision extended far beyond the confines of a traditional sports bar. What emerged was not merely a venue for watching games, but a vibrant community hub—a place where fans could come together to celebrate their shared love of women's sports and forge lasting connections.

Despite being a niche business and facing the challenges of rising food and beverage costs due to inflation, The Sports Bra has thrived, generating a revenue of $944,000 in its first eight months of operation in 2022.

Breaking Barriers, One Game At A Time

At The Sports Bra, the concept is refreshingly simple: to provide a dedicated space for women's sports enthusiasts to come together, cheer, and celebrate athletic prowess. Gone are the days of scanning through multiple screens to find a women's match amidst a sea of men's events.

Here, every screen is adorned with the grace and strength of female athletes, from college basketball to professional tennis.  What truly sets The Sports Bra apart is its heart—a palpable sense of camaraderie and belonging that permeates every corner. Regulars Peg Lewis and Carol Hewig as reported by Travel Portland attest to the welcoming atmosphere that keeps them coming back week after week. Beyond the delectable food and carefully curated tap list lies a sense of inclusivity where everyone, regardless of gender or background, feels at home.

Ethical Sourcing and Diversity

Beyond the plate, Nguyen is committed to ethical sourcing and representation. From partnering with women-owned businesses like Carman Ranch for 100% grass-fed beef to featuring women-owned Freeland Spirits in signature cocktails, every ingredient tells a story of empowerment and support. 

At the heart of every great gathering is good food, and The Sports Bra delivers on all fronts. With a menu that pays homage to Nguyen's Vietnamese heritage while embracing classic pub fare, every dish tells a story of culture and community. From Mom's baby back ribs, boasting her traditional thịt kho recipe, to Aunt Tina's Vietnawings, a flavorful nod to Vietnamese cuisine, each bite is a celebration of diversity and flavour.

Celebrating Milestones and Achievements

From feature spots on ESPN to appearances in esteemed publications like Sports Illustrated and Vogue, the bar has captured the attention of sports enthusiasts and advocates for gender equality alike.

With its walls adorned with memorabilia and its screens ablaze with the latest women's sporting events, The Sports Bra has become more than just a bar; it's a symbol of empowerment and inclusivity.

The Sports Bra has set its sights on a nationwide expansion through a franchise model. What started as a modest gathering place for friends has evolved into a movement, fueled by the overwhelming response from patrons and supporters alike. One such aspiring partner is Jackie Reau, CEO of a media and marketing agency in Cincinnati. Inspired by the ethos of The Sports Bra, Reau envisions a franchise that not only celebrates women's sports but also amplifies the voices of the champions and athletes behind the stories.

A Platform for Change

Beyond the walls of the bar,  Nguyen's vision serves as a platform for advocacy and empowerment.  From hosting high-profile events advocating for WNBA expansion to organizing grassroots initiatives like "Gracegiving" to support the community, to advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, to fundraising for girls' soccer programs in Cameroon to holding letter-writing events for athletes like Britney Griner, The Sports Bra is more than just a business—it's a force for good.

The impact of  Nguyen's vision extends far beyond the city limits of Portland, echoing across the sports world and inspiring a new generation of changemakers to challenge the status quo. From Seattle to cities across the nation, echoes of The Sports Bra's ethos are taking root, heralding a seismic shift in the sports arena.  Nguyen's vision has sparked a ripple effect, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs to champion the cause of women's sports in their communities. 

Powered by funding from the foundation of Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian and fueled by a groundswell of enthusiasm for women's sports, The Sports Bra's journey from a local gem to a national icon is nothing short of extraordinary.

The timing couldn't be more opportune, with interest in women's sports reaching unprecedented heights. From the record-breaking achievements of basketball phenomenon Caitlin Clark to the electrifying atmosphere of the Women’s World Cup, the momentum continues to build, drawing millions of viewers and spectators into the fold.

As The Sports Bra enters its second year, the possibilities are limitless. With expansion plans on the horizon and interest pouring in from across the globe, Nguyen's vision shows no signs of slowing down. The trajectory is clear: to create a world where women athletes aren't just an afterthought, but the main event.