iPourIt x OpenTap
Case Study: Revolution craft beer in a modern log cabin
Nestled in the heart of suburban Charlotte, OpenTap is a modern log cabin, exuding warmth and rustic charm, where the tantalizing aroma of Evergreen Forest scents, delivered through their HVAC, fills the air. This is where craft beer enthusiasts gather, families create lasting memories, and the innovative iPourIt system pours 64 taps of beer, wine, cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages.
Highlights
- 64 taps (beer, wine, cocktails, non-alcoholic).
- 14 taps dedicated to wine & cocktails.
- Waste reduced to <1% per keg (vs. 25% with traditional draft systems).
- Average pour size: 6 oz.
- Average customer samples: 4 products per visit.
- Branded merchandise sales: +$3,000/month (growlers & drinkware).
- Private rental areas (3) generate ~$7,000/month.
- Lean staffing model: 2 staff (Mon–Thurs), 4 staff (Fri–Sun).
- Top-performing style: white wine.
- Design tweak (consistent glass width) increased average ounces poured.
iPourIt Self-Pour Tap Wall Technology
Quenching a Thirst for Innovation
OpenTap’s visionary owners recognized a void in suburban Charlotte. Why always drive Uptown, as the downtown area of Charlotte is called, when you can create an experience closer to home? To fill the void, Scott Thorne and his wife crafted a destination that would not only celebrate the outdoors and the artistry of craft beer but also redefine the customer experience. They were looking for a solution that could cater to both seasoned connoisseurs and curious newcomers alike.
Enter the iPourIt tap wall, the self-pour system that would become OpenTap’s secret weapon. This wasn’t just about convenience; it was about empowerment, enjoyment and connection.. Customers can embark on their own flavor adventures, sampling a symphony of brews, wines, and non-alcoholic delights at their own pace. The system’s seamless operation, especially during bustling peak hours, is a real crowd pleaser. Guests can continue to mingle and connect without having to wait in line for their drink. People connect at the pour wall, which creates a real sense of community. Scott and his team host a lot of business events and his patrons really enjoy that there are no waiting times, no bartender issues and that they can sample all types of drinks.
"iPourIt's self-pour tap wall revolutionized our business, offering an innovative and engaging experience for our customers. It's truly an indispensable asset in the craft beer industry."
The iPourIt Impact: A Pouring Success
OpenTap’s customers love the experience Scott and his team have created. The expansive selection, the joy of sampling, and the absence of dreaded wait times spark a wave of excitement for new and repeat guests. The staff, a diverse crew hailing from various backgrounds, find themselves invigorated by the streamlined workflow and the chance to connect with patrons on a personal level. OpenTap only employs 2 people Monday – Thursday and 4 people on Friday – Sunday, without any issues. The staff does well and can focus on creating a great customer experience, because they leverage the iPourIt system.
Facts and Stats: Unlocking the Potential of Self-Pour Technology
Traditional draft beer systems lose a staggering 25% of kegged beer due to over-pouring, spillage, and other factors. IpourIt’s precision technology drastically reduces waste for OpenTap to less than 1% per keg, leading to significant cost savings.
The average pour size of 6 ounces, combined with customers trying an average of 4 different products per visit, drives high sales for OpenTap.While beer is their ‘jam’, OpenTap dedicates 14 taps to wine and cocktails. This increases the customer base and the revenue per ounce served. White wine is the top-performing “style” in terms of revenue contribution.
OpenTap created their own branded growlers and drinkware, which serve as both marketing tools and revenue generators, contributing an additional $3,000 per month in sales.
Thoughtful floor plan and design, including 3 private rental areas, create additional revenue streams, generating regularly $7,000 in monthly rental fees. These spaces provide opportunities for private events and gatherings.
Data-Driven Delights: Fine-Tuning the Taproom Experience
iPourIt’s data-driven insights is a well-used benefit. OpenTap uses the data to delve into customer preferences, age, volumes by guests and more to ensure their taps flow with the most sought-after styles and quantities. Waste is minimum, staffing is a breeze, and customer satisfaction is high. A seemingly simple tweak – switching to glassware with a consistent width – even led to a surprising increase in the average ounces poured per guest, proving that even the smallest adjustments can yield remarkable results.
Future Prospects: A Toast to Endless Possibilities
OpenTap’s story is far from over. With iPourIt as their trusty companion, they’re poised to continue refining their operations, leveraging data to curate an ever-evolving taproom experience.
The OpenTap Ethos: Passion Meets Business Savvy
OpenTap’s message to aspiring entrepreneurs is clear: While the iPourIt system is a game-changer, success in the craft beer world demands unwavering passion, a deep understanding of the industry’s nuances, and a relentless pursuit of excellence and operations. In the end you are still running a food and beverage business with all of its challenges.
OpenTap’s tale is a testament to the transformative power of technology, the allure of craft beer, and the enduring spirit of innovation. It’s a story that will continue to unfold, one delicious pour at a time.
Add Your Heading Text Here
- The iPourIt self-pour system lets guests explore a wide range of beverages at their own pace, enhancing their experience.
- Self-pour technology reduces keg loss to less than 1%, leading to significant cost savings.
- High sales are driven by customers trying various products, with wine and cocktails boosting revenue.
- Branded growlers, drinkware, and private venue rentals generate additional revenue streams for OpenTap.
- Data-driven insights from iPourIt help OpenTap optimize taps, fine-tune operations, and boost customer satisfaction.
Citations:
- Secret Charlotte. “OpenTap Charlotte: Charlotte’s First Self-Pour Taproom Opens in South End.” Secret Charlotte, October 18, 2021. https://secretcharlotte.co/open-tap-charlotte/
- iPourIt, Inc. “iPourIt celebrates OpenTap in Charlotte, NC.” LinkedIn, July 30, 2024. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ipourit_opentap-ipourit-the-nations-leader-in-activity-7240508055329648640-tq7y
- WSOC-TV. “Self-pour craft beer concept OpenTap makes south Charlotte debut.” WSOC-TV, November 2, 2021. https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/self-pour-craft-beer-concept-opentap-makes-south-charlotte-debut/3Y5LJTTP55EVPN2ATWOBNIV7FY/