Client Corner

This client was featured in June 2003. The information in this profile was accurate at the time of writing. Please contact us if you believe something should be changed.

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Troy and Amie Johansen
Tap't Out Stein and Dine
West Union, Iowa

Troy and Amie Johansen always wanted to own a business. They just didn't know which industry would suit them. A week before Thanksgiving 2001, Amie noticed that a restaurant was for sale in West Union, and the two began discussing the possibility of buying it. Coincidentally, Troy and Amie had both worked for previous owners of this restaurant that they now wanted to purchase.

According to the Johansens, "after long days of planning, financial decisions, meetings with Mike Hahn from the UNI RBC, our banker, realtor, and attorney, we took possession January 18th, 2002." They spent the next 30 days remodeling with the help of their families and friends. "It was the hardest consecutive 30 days that we can remember."

The name "Tap't Out" has different meanings to different people. For the Johansens, it spells out the initials of their family members: Troy, Amie, Patience, and Tiffany. Some of the humorous ideas their customers offer are "physically tap't out" or "financially tap't out." And, "some people think we offer tap beer but we tell them we are all tap't out! The customers enjoy themselves so much when they are here that they forget that they were tap't out when they came in!"

The Johansens believe their success is due to the atmosphere that Tap't Out provides. "We are the only business where you can experience such a diverse menu…we pride ourselves on maintaining a clean and comfortable environment for people of all ages and backgrounds."

When Troy and Amie began considering their business venture, they sought help from the Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber was not having a meeting for another three to four weeks, and the previous owner of the restaurant wanted them to take possession right away. So, they sought the assistance of Mike Hahn at the UNI Regional Business Center. Hahn traveled to West Union and assisted in writing the business plan and worked with financial projections. The Johansens later took the Fast Trac class offered by the UNI RBC, and recommend the class to others because "it brought back quite a bit of useful information."

The Johansen's advice to other entrepreneurs is to get into a business they truly enjoy, see if that business is needed in their area, and make sure they are ready to change their lives and devote all their time to operating a successful business.

Tap't Out Stein-N-Dine is located on the main drag in West Union, Iowa. It is a fine dining/sports bar that offers a diverse menu of steaks, burgers, stir-fry, Mexican food, and more. Tap't Out is open at 10:00 a.m. seven days a week, and stays open as late as 1:00 or 2:00 a.m. the next morning. Besides the extensive list of menu choices, they also offer a full service bar and entertainment. Each month, the Johansens try to offer some kind of entertainment, such as live country bands, karaoke, pool tournaments, and comedians. "We spend a lot of time listening to our customers as to what they want to see and when entertainment is needed."

Troy and Amie want everyone to know that their door is open at all times. "We love being in our business and meeting new people." Visit them at Tap't Out Stein-N-Dine in West Union and enjoy a night of fine cuisine and entertainment.