Long-awaited reopening of SoFo Tap set for August 19; vax proof required

2Bears Tavern Group announced that they are finally reopening The Sofo Tap in Andersonville after being closed for much of the pandemic. It was supposed to open on July 29 ahead of the Independence Day holiday. It is now opening on August 19.

Reopening hours are August 19, 5 p.m. to 2 p.m.; August 20, 3 p.m. to 2 a.m.; August 21, noon to 3 a.m.; August 22, noon to 2 a.m.

Proof of vaccination will be required.

"Acceptable proof is an authentic vaccination card, a copy or picture of one, or a record of vaccination on a medical provider app," owners said. "Anyone attempting to present fraudulent proof is subjected to a ban from all 2Bears Tavern Group establishment."

"Our entire team is vaccinated. You should be, too."

The SoFo Tap had struggled with keeping its staff and patrons safe from novel coronavirus. This meant shuttering the tavern completely. When they were ready to open, owners were frustrated by the lack of available stock due to pandemic-related supply chain issues.

Located at 4923 N. Clark St. and popular for their leather and bear following, DILF night, and rock 'n' roll karaoke, said in a statement this summer, "As they say, good things come to those who wait."

"Like most everyone, as a result of COVID, we've been slowed down by materials and product unavailability, shipping delays, and contractors and suppliers not having enough labor to meet the surge in demand as businesses have restarted operations," 2Bears explained.

The SoFo Tap isn't the only business that was struggling from lack of supplies.

Up and down the supply chain, there have been a lack of workers at factories, lack of employees to direct and distribute products and material, lack of truck drivers to move products between factories and distribution centers, and from there, deliver to point of sale locations like The SoFo Tap.

A reduction in available aluminum and glassware have caused price jumps for certain products like beer and soft drinks. Consumers have already noticed lack of stock and heftier prices in grocery stores for beer, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Dr Pepper Keurig products.

Larger companies with more capital were able to buy out large amounts of inventory before smaller businesses could make their orders.

2Bears is confident that their loyal patrons have not forgotten them.

A fan commented on Facebook, "I was worried you might not [open] given that so many others [are] closing permanently."

2Bears replied, "We will reopen."

The tavern group also owns nearby Meeting House Tavern, 5025 N. Clark St. It is open for business. They also own the new 2Bears Tavern Uptown, 1140 W. Wilson St. Both are branded as LGBTQ establishments.