Meet Connecticut's First Self-Pour Taproom

Overview

Hop & Vine is a revolutionary self-pour taproom, featuring 69 automated taps on our state-of-the-art draft walls based in Stamford, CT. They offer an evolving selection of Connecticut-based craft beers, global wines, ciders, and seltzers as well as nitro coffee, kombucha and in-house, crafted mocktails. With a seasonal menu of eclectic, funky fare in a fast-casual atmosphere, Hop & Vine brings hospitality to the forefront with tech-enabled efficiency.

The Situation

As CT natives, Hop & Vine's founders were looking to showcase and highlight all of the amazing work that CT breweries are doing and give guests the ability to trial new beers at their own pace. They were so motivated to bring this new concept to life that they wrote the bill to legalize self-pour establishments in Connecticut, which passed into law in 2021. The bill mimicked the experience of going to a professional stadium for an event, essentially putting a cap on consumption. At Hop & Vine, guests are allowed to enjoy 32 ounces of beer equivalent to 10 ounces of wine before checking in with a staff member to reload their card. Just like any bar has the obligation to refuse service based on intoxication level, so does Hop & Vine. 

The Solution

GoTab and PourMyBeer (PMB) technology helps Hop & Vine to automatically monitor consumption while tailoring to everyone. Craft beer connoisseurs can pick and choose from their offerings, while other consumers in the earlier, exploratory stage have a few options. They can either hit the touch screen above the tap and read a brief description of the beer, including its flavor profile and alcohol by volume percentage. Or if they prefer to hear suggestions based on what they typically enjoy, Hop & Vine’s staff members are always there to educate and provide guidance. Because guests can sample small pours of everything, there is no commitment. They call it the Tinder of expedited beer exploration.

“As technology continues to touch every aspect of our lives, people have come to expect a new level of convenience everywhere they go. Our incredible food and beverage offerings paired with the convenience of our self-service model powered by GoTab and PMB creates such a unique, sensible concept that people keep coming back to for more.” - Sakarin Seedasome, CEO

When guests walk in, they’re greeted by a staff member who hands them an official Hop & Vine RFID card connected to their credit card via GoTab. Then, guests simply grab a glass and tap the card to the designated area above the tap system of their chosen beer to pour the amount they’d like. They repeat to their liking and then cash out either with a staff member traditionally, or they can drop the card in a tip box on the way out. The whole system is designed to be quick and convenient, creating the vibe their customers look for  – an easy, laid back atmosphere where guests can try any one of their 69 beers, fine wines, kombucha or other beverage offerings without having to wait around to order, re-order and pay.

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