Building Community and Flexibility at FarmCraft Brewery with GoTab + Harvest Hosts
When Ashley Meyer Howe and her family opened FarmCraft Brewery in November 2024, they wanted more than just a place to serve beer. Set on 10 acres in the rolling hills of Western New York, FarmCraft is a full farm brewery, taproom, and event space that doubles as a community hub. From live music and farmers markets to book clubs and art shows, FarmCraft is designed as a place where locals and travelers alike can gather, connect, and return again and again.
Within a year, FarmCraft has become a thriving destination—thanks in large part to their partnership with Harvest Hosts and their adoption of the GoTab platform. Together, these tools have helped FarmCraft scale quickly while preserving the freedom, flexibility, and community-first ethos that define their vision.
The Power of Partnerships: How Harvest Hosts Expanded FarmCraft’s Reach
Early on, a guest suggested FarmCraft join Harvest Hosts, a unique RV membership program that connects breweries, wineries, farms, and other destinations with travelers seeking overnight stays. Within months, FarmCraft was welcoming RVers from across the U.S. and Canada, many of whom discovered the brewery for the first time through the network.
The impact:
- New customer acquisition without paid marketing. RV travelers patronize the taproom and spread word-of-mouth awareness.
- Repeat visits from locals. Members living nearby often return for live music or events, using Harvest Hosts as a “safe overnight option” after a night out.
- Unforgettable guest stories. From families translating menus into French with Google Translate to solo travelers finding comfort on their journeys, Harvest Hosts guests have added vibrancy to FarmCraft’s community.
Ashley puts it simply: “There’s no drawback. If you have the space, bring them in.”
Why GoTab Was the Right Fit
FarmCraft’s founders had long admired breweries that gave guests freedom to order without waiting for servers. When they discovered GoTab’s QR code ordering during a brewery visit, they knew it would be the backbone of their service model.
GoTab benefits at FarmCraft:
- Freedom of choice: Guests order from anywhere—inside the 11,000 sq. ft. building or across the expansive patio—without waiting for staff.
- Faster service: Orders route directly to the bar and kitchen, cutting down delays.
- Generational ease-of-use: Whether it’s a Gen Z guest paying via Apple Pay or an older couple proudly navigating their first QR code order, the system is accessible for all.
- Operational efficiency: Items can be updated in real-time when beer runs out or menu items are 86’d. Updates roll out smoothly, keeping the platform current without disrupting operations.
Ashley’s team quickly expanded GoTab beyond FarmCraft—migrating their family’s other 13-year-old beer store onto the platform after seeing how well it worked.
Best Practices for New Breweries
FarmCraft’s rapid success offers lessons for other operators:
- Create reasons to return. Great beer brings people in once. Events, live music, clubs, and markets keep them coming back.
- Invest in community. Guests want to feel connected. Remembering names, stories, and favorite beers makes every visit personal.
- Leverage partnerships. Programs like Harvest Hosts introduce you to entirely new audiences without heavy marketing costs.
- Adopt flexible tech. GoTab’s guest-centric platform delivers speed, freedom, and operational control—while working seamlessly across different generations and service styles.
- Be family-friendly. Building an inclusive environment for all ages helps position the brewery as a true community hub.
The Results
In less than a year, FarmCraft Brewery has established itself as both a pillar of its local community and a must-stop destination for travelers. With Harvest Hosts driving new guests and GoTab powering seamless operations, FarmCraft has scaled quickly—without sacrificing its values of hospitality, flexibility, and connection.
As Ashley puts it: “People in 2025 want community and a space to be connected to. Breweries have that opportunity—if you provide impeccable service, meaningful events, and tools that make the experience easy for everyone.”
Want to learn how GoTab can help your brewery deliver flexible, community-driven service? Book a demo today.
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