Tom “Conehead” Girot
beer vendor
About Tom “Conehead” Girot
Tom “Conehead” Girot: Buffalo’s Beloved Beer Vendor Icon
Buffalo, New York, is a city where sports and community go hand in hand. Among the iconic figures who help create that special game-day magic, one man stands out—beer vendor extraordinaire, Tom “Conehead” Girot. Since 1972, Tom has been a fixture at Buffalo’s sports events, spreading joy, laughs, and ice-cold beer to fans at Bills, Sabres, and Bisons games. With his unmistakable Conehead hat, famous catchphrase, and larger-than-life personality, he’s become more than a vendor; he’s a local legend.
The Beginnings of a Legend
Tom Girot’s story as Buffalo’s most famous beer vendor began in 1972, when he worked his first game for the Buffalo Braves of the NBA. From vending peanuts to serving ice-cold beer, Tom quickly found his niche in the sports world. Over the years, he made his mark at Bills games in the historic War Memorial Stadium, also known as “The Rockpile,” as well as at NHL Sabres and MiLB Bisons events.
Early on, Tom stood out for his dedication to delivering great service and creating memorable experiences for fans. But it wasn’t until 1977 that the iconic “Conehead” persona emerged, cementing his place as a Buffalo sports fixture. Inspired by a Halloween Conehead hat his wife brought home, Tom decided to wear it to a Bills game, and the rest, as they say, is history.
The Conehead Guarantee
Known for his signature pointy Conehead hat and quick wit, Tom created a signature catchphrase that made him unforgettable to fans. “When you buy from me, you get the Conehead guarantee: get a warm beer from me, you drink it for free!” This playful promise, delivered with a charismatic flair, became his calling card and helped him build a special connection with fans.
Over the decades, Tom has sold countless beers while bringing smiles to generations of Buffalo sports enthusiasts. Fans often line up just for a chance to buy their first legal beer from him—a “rite of passage” in Buffalo.
A Fixture of Buffalo Sports Culture
Tom’s unique approach to his job goes far beyond selling beverages. For him, it’s all about enhancing the fan experience. Whether it’s a quick fist bump with a young fan or a hearty joke exchanged with a regular, Conehead brings positivity and energy to every game.
Buffalo sports fans see him not just as a vendor but as part of the entertainment. His dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. He’s been recognized as a local celebrity, with fans eagerly taking photos with him and even creating Conehead bobbleheads and an IPA beer in his honor. It’s a testament to the lasting bond he’s built with the Buffalo community.
The Challenges and Rewards of Vending
Despite the challenges vending can present in today’s fast-paced sports venues—like competition from beer carts and craft beer stands—Tom has managed to stay relevant. His personal touch, iconic persona, and ability to connect with fans give him an edge, even as modern stadium culture evolves.
Tom often shares perspectives from his long career, noting the changes over the decades, from rising drink prices to the advent of smartphones stealing fans’ attention. He jokes that he’s seen it all but that his love for the job and the fans keeps him going.
A Local Hero with No Plans of Stopping
After nearly half a century of vending, Tom “Conehead” Girot still has no plans to retire. Fans can find him sprinting up and down stadium steps, serving beer with a smile. On a warm day, he jokes, vending can be quite the workout—he’s been known to lose up to seven pounds running around the stadium!
Through it all, Tom remains passionate about the role he plays in Buffalo sports culture. For him, it’s about more than the money. It’s about the memories he gets to create with every game, every joke, and every “Conehead guarantee.”
Why Tom “Conehead” Girot is a Buffalo Icon
Tom has become a symbol of the heart and soul of Buffalo sports. His presence is as much a part of game day as the plays on the field. From Bills fans braving the cold to Bisons fans enjoying a summer evening at the ballpark, loyal spectators know they can count on Conehead to be there, hat and all.
Whether you’re young or old, a first-time attendee or seasoned by decades of Buffalo fandom, Tom Girot represents everything great about this city—hard work, community spirit, and a love of the game. For nearly 50 years, Conehead has brought joy, laughter, and great service to Buffalo’s sports scene, proving that sometimes, it’s the people who make the biggest impact, not the players.