In October of 2021, Barrels & Boards opened with a paper menu, five sandwiches and just a few beverage choices. Today, the Groveland gathering spot features about 50 rotating craft beers, an expanded menu of creative sandwiches and charcuterie boards, and a full calendar of trivia, karaoke and live entertainment.

For owners Scott and Suzanne Powers, the transformation didn’t come from a business plan. It came from a willingness to experiment.

“We were definitely flying by the seat of our pants,” Scott says. “Neither of us had ever worked at a bar or a restaurant. So, when we created this, we created it our way, which ended up being unique because neither of us had any experience. And so far, it’s worked.”

Much of the menu grew through a kind of homegrown research and development. Rather than relying on recipes or restaurant experience, he and his team simply started combining flavors.

“We just came in one day and started creating sandwiches,” Scott says. “A couple of employees were here and we just sat here and tried things. Even if it sounded weird we said, ‘Hey, let’s put this together.'”

That approach led to signature sandwiches with names and flavors customers won’t find elsewhere, including combinations like the “Turkbrie” or “beef & bacon jam,” featuring raspberry preserves, specialty jams and unexpected ingredients.

“On paper it sounded weird,” Scott says. “But it’s all very delicious and you’re not gonna walk into a restaurant and see what we have on our menu.”

The same philosophy extends to the beer program. While regulars can count on seeing many of their favorites, nearly half the taps rotate as Scott searches for new selections each week.

“Half the taps will remain the same because of regulars and their preferences, but the other half changes every week,” he says. “There are people who will see that and immediately come in.”

The business has also become known as much for its atmosphere as its menu. Weekly trivia, karaoke, live music and other events have turned the restaurant into a gathering place for birthdays, date nights and celebrations.

Employee Chris Manser first came to Barrels & Boards as the karaoke host before taking on a larger role with the business.

“Family,” he says, describing why he’s stayed. “I started my involvement with this place because I’m a karaoke host DJ. They reached out to me for that first.”

Scott credits much of the restaurant’s growth to word of mouth, especially through local social media groups where residents regularly recommend the business.

“Social media is literally the reason we’re still here,” he says. “Somebody the other day asked where is a good restaurant where I could have a birthday party and sing karaoke. The response over and over was Barrels & Boards.”

In a growing city that still feels like a small town, Scott says those personal connections have made all the difference.

“When somebody walks in this door there’s probably a 99 percent chance we know them by name,” he says. “We’re really blessed to have a community that supports local businesses.”

Barrels & Boards is located at 7965 State Road 50, Suite A500, in Groveland. Additional information is available at barrelsandboardsfl.com or by calling 352-557-5007.