Inspiring Conversations with Jennifer Evanchyk of Shuffle

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Evanchyk.

Hi Jennifer, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am originally from Oklahoma. I have lived in Arkansas, Texas and New York before moving to Tampa, FL in 2005. I have worked since I was 15 years old, sometimes multiple jobs; however most of my career was spent as a National Security Background Investigator. In early 2016 my best friend, Danielle O’Connor, and I started talking about making life changes by opening our own business in our community. The Shuffle concept developed over a couple of years.

During that time, I personally went through a difficult divorce after being married for 19 years to my high school sweetheart. Opening a business as a single mother of three was challenging. Between the two of us, Danielle and I have five children. We became more of a family unit than we had anticipated. The kids helped paint, our friends helped design and build. Our fellow business community provided encouragement and advice. Shuffle, which is Florida’s only indoor Shuffleboard bar and restaurant, opened strong in March of 2018 and continued to grow until March of 2020 when not only Covid hit, I also lost my youngest child in a tragic accident. Shuffle was able to stay afloat with the support of our community, change in business plans and government financial support.

Today, Shuffle is slowly getting back up to pre-Covid business. We focus on being a community watering hole that provides Shuffleboard league nights, open play, team building and events and free recreational therapy to local veterans. We pride ourselves on excellent live music, good food and a large selection of beers, natural wines, full liquor and a variety of non-alcoholic drinks. We strive to be a relevant part of our community and neighborhood and support local causes that support equality and kindness. Life after the loss of my son followed immediately by Covid has been a blur. I often feel like I am floating. My daughters, Shuffle and my Shuffle family ground me. I cannot imagine my life without having gone through the challenges of opening my own business.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I think I addressed some of the challenges in the previous question but I can provide some more details. Shuffle opened fairly smoothly compared to what I have seen other business go through. I think the major struggle in the beginning was self-doubt and lack of knowledge. Opening your own business makes you vulnerable. You have to have thick skin. Logistically, we had issues finding financing, finding a location, finding reliable contractors. After opening our biggest struggle, outside of Covid, has been staffing.

We’ve been impressed with Shuffle, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Shuffle opened in March 2018 in historic Tampa Heights. We are in between downtown Tampa and Seminole Heights in one of the fastest changing areas of Tampa. Shuffle features four indoor Shuffleboard courts, outdoor concert area, restaurant and full service bar. We offer recreational therapy for local veterans, community league nights, corporate team building, birthday parties and outdoor concerts.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I do not know if I would call myself a risk-taker but I would say that I am not afraid of most things. The loss of my child has made me feel indestructible in some ways so maybe at some point I will take on the personal affirmation of calling myself a “risk-taker”. In general though, I just move forward in whatever direction feels right. I guess sometimes that direction can be risky.

Pricing:

• Shuffleboard $10 per hour per person
• Beers $3 to $8
• Wines $6 to $12
• Liquor $5 to ?????
• Food $5 to $18

Contact Info:

• Email: tampashuffle@gmail.com
• Website: www.shuffletampa.com
• Instagram: @shuffletampa
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tampashuffle

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