Backyard Brew is celebrating its first full year serving the Sheldon community, a town of just over 5,000 residents, with a 20-tap self-pour experience powered by iPourIt. In its first year, guests poured more than 329,000 ounces, showing strong engagement from local visitors and neighboring communities.
A New Kind of Gathering Place for Sheldon
Backyard Brew has quickly become a go-to destination for the community — a place where guests can explore new flavors, enjoy handcrafted Neapolitan pizza, and spend time with friends and family in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
The self-pour format has played a major role in shaping that guest experience. Visitors can sample ciders, sours, beers, and wines at their own pace, creating a fun, flexible way to try something new without committing to a full pour.
Why the Self-Pour Experience Resonates
“Most first-time visitors have never experienced self-pour before, so we give a quick tour,” said Owner Joel Bousema. “Guests connect with the ability to try a sip or pour a full glass without waiting for staff. They become their own bartender — where else can you try every tap an ounce at a time?”
That freedom has made Backyard Brew a destination for everything from family outings to nights out with friends, and even casual date nights. The experience encourages exploration, conversation, and repeat visits.
Supporting a Small Team While Delivering a Big Experience
The iPourIt system has helped the Backyard Brew team run efficiently during busy evenings. With guests able to pour at their convenience, staff can focus on great service, food quality, and maintaining a comfortable atmosphere.
The technology has also remained reliable throughout the first year. “iPourIt has been outstanding,” Bousema said. “Their support team provides timely solutions to every question, and the system works exactly the way it should.”
A Year of Momentum — and What’s Next
As Backyard Brew heads into its second year, the team is continuing to expand tap selections, introduce new menu offerings, and host events that bring the community together. The taphouse plans to build on the strong response from guests and keep offering a one-of-a-kind experience in the region.
Backyard Brew invites guests to stop in, explore the tap wall, and see what’s new. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for upcoming events, specials, and tap updates.
