This story comes from a recent episode of the Behind the Tab podcast, produced by GoTab and available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. In this episode, host Adam Howe sits down with Megan Schaffer, co-founder of Crate Escapes, to explore how one of Indiana’s most original new venues became a local sensation — and a model for the best new hospitality concepts in the U.S.
A New Breed of Hospitality
Crate Escapes is Indiana’s first (and still only) dog park bar — a community hub where guests enjoy craft beer and live music while their dogs roam free in a secure, supervised play area.
As Schaffer told Behind the Tab, the concept grew from her love of animals and her desire to create a space where dogs came first — with hospitality designed around them.
“Most places are people-first and allow dogs to be there,” she said. “We wanted Crate Escapes to be dog-first — where people are the guests.”
The result is a venue that perfectly captures the spirit of modern eatertainment: social, flexible, and rooted in genuine connection.
From Idea to Eatertainment Destination
The idea started as a joke between Schaffer and her family — “let’s open a dog business together” — and evolved into one of Indiana’s most talked-about hospitality ventures. Inspired by similar dog bars in other cities, Schaffer and her partners built something that felt uniquely local: part dog park, part neighborhood bar, part community gathering space.
They quickly discovered that events were a key part of the magic. From Puppy Prom to Wiener Races and Foam Parties, Crate Escapes built a loyal following of dog owners eager to socialize, celebrate, and show off their pets.
“The more we focus on the dogs, the better,” Schaffer said. “People love seeing their pets in the spotlight.”
Technology That Powers the Experience
Behind the scenes, Crate Escapes runs on an integrated tech stack designed for flexibility and guest experience. Using GoTab as its point of sale, RunLoyal for memberships and vaccine tracking, and an iPourIt self-pour beer wall, the team has created a seamless, self-directed flow that lets guests order, play, and pour with minimal friction.
“We wanted the best user experience possible — for people and their dogs,” Schaffer explained.
This thoughtful mix of operational efficiency and self-service convenience makes Crate Escapes a perfect case study in how technology can empower independent operators to compete with larger entertainment venues — and win.
Lessons from the First Year
As with any startup, the first year brought its share of lessons. Schaffer laughed as she recalled opening weekend, when their beer cooler failed, forcing them to keep drinks cold in buckets of ice.
“It was chaos — but we had to open,” she said. “The lesson? Buy the new cooler. Some things are worth paying for.”
Despite those early hiccups, Crate Escapes has built a strong base of members and regulars, becoming a must-visit destination for dog lovers across the state.
What’s Next
With its first anniversary approaching, Schaffer and her partners are already thinking about the next chapter. The plan? Grow intentionally — and maybe one day, expand to multiple neighborhoods.
“We’d love to have a Crate Escapes on every side of town,” she said. “Like a gym, but for your dog and your social life.”
Redefining What Eatertainment Means
Crate Escapes represents a growing shift in hospitality — where experience-first concepts drive engagement, loyalty, and revenue. It’s not just about food or drink; it’s about connection, creativity, and community.
As Behind the Tab continues to spotlight operators like Schaffer, one thing is clear: the next generation of eatertainment venues will be built by those brave enough to reimagine what hospitality can look like — for everyone, even the four-legged guests. To learn more, read the full Crate Escapes case study, Indiana’s First Dog Park + Bar Blends Community, Craft Drinks and Canine Joy.
