TendedBar expands into boba, dirty sodas with new countertop unit

TendedBar has entered production on a new countertop model and selected Slabb Kiosks as its long-term manufacturing partner. TendedBar, which provides automated beverage dispensing systems for high traffic hospitality environments such as stadiums and entertainment venues, said Slabb Kiosks will support production of its countertop model and future hardware initiatives. Slabb Kiosks is owned by 365 Retail Markets.

TendedBar’s Countertop Unit is designed for space-constrained operations and is designed to help operators increase speed, improve consistency and expand beverage offerings while maintaining operational control. TendedBar said the system’s minimal profile supports beverage vending with a reduced footprint.

“The Countertop Unit represents a step forward for TendedBar as we expand into the world of dirty sodas, refreshers, iced coffee, energy drinks, and boba beverages,” Justin Honeysuckle, co-founder and chief executive officer of TendedBar, in a release.

Brittany Westerman, chief operations officer of 365 Retail Markets, said the partnership reflects a focus on purpose-built solutions through Slabb Kiosks.

TendedBar said its countertop model is expected to launch in early 2026 and is designed to integrate into restaurants, hotels, quick-serve beverage concepts, entertainment venues, transportation hubs and mobile applications. The company cited deployments in multiple stadiums and venues, including the University of Texas at Austin’s DKR Stadium.

Why this matters for convenience services operators

• Compact, automated beverage dispensing can help meet growing demand for more drink variety in smaller footprints and tight back-of-house spaces.
• Consumers’ interest in dirty sodas, refreshers, iced coffee, energy drinks and boba supports continued momentum in fast-growing, customizable beverage categories.
• While TendedBar is focused on locations such as hotels, entertainment venues and transportation hubs, operators have identified opportunities for automated beverage dispensing in other locations, including multi-unit residential and large corporate clients.
• High traffic hospitality and foodservice operators, including entertainment venues and transportation hubs, are direct targets for the new TendedBar unit.