Self-Serve Beer Walls
If you offer your customers dozens of types of beers, what is the best way to have them try your selection at their leisure? An installation of a self-serve beer wall from Northwest Draft Technicians, could be the self-service solution you need to enhance the customers’ experience.
What Is a Self-Serve Beer Wall?
Looking for a conversation starter for your business? A self-serve beer wall could be just the thing to set you apart from other establishments.
A self-serve beer wall is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a self-serve tap system that allows customers to pour as little or as much beer as they would like. The system works by having the customer use a card, bracelet, or token that is either pre-funded or linked to a credit card. This item activates the tap, which then dispenses the drink of choice. The customer controls how much of each drink to pour, meaning it can be a sip or two to try a new offering or a full pour of their favorite drink.
The self-serve beer wall is versatile because it can be configured to dispense other drinks, including wine, coffee, or other cocktails.
The Benefits of a Self-Serve Beer Wall
There are numerous benefits to adding a self-serve beer wall to your establishment, including:
- Customers can pour as littleor as much of a beverage as they’d like
- Easier for customers to try different beverages at their leisure
- Faster service for customers because they aren’t waiting on someone from behind the bar
- Eliminates the need for additional serving staff
- Waste can be cut down to about 4% versus a 24% loss from an average keg
A self-serve beer wall can also improve the customer experience because the customer receives information about the beverage on a screen featured above the tap. The screen displays beverage information and logos and even showcases promotions the establishment may be running.
How Does a Self-Serve Beer Wall Work?
The most important part of a self-serve beer wall is the specific equipment used for these systems to maximize the customer experience. The flow rate is slowed down, self-closing faucets are imperative, and F.O.B.’s in the cooler all allow for someone who has never poured a draft beer to be an expert. The flow controller opens when a customer initiates a pour. A flow meter and valve are placed in the beer line, then the flow controller uses readings from the flow meter to track how much of a beverage is being used.
A radio frequency identification reader, or RFID, is placed into a card, token, bracelet, etc. that the customer then uses to activate the flow. This allows the flow meter to track the amount of beverage being used. The RFID can identify who initiated the pour, as well as how much was poured. All that data is then tracked directly into your point-of-sale system.
Types of Self-Serve Beer Walls
If you want to add a self-serve beer wall to your establishment, there are three types of systems to choose from — built-in and mobile.
Built-in Tap Walls
A built-in tap wall, also known as a fixed tap wall using a direct draw beer system, is a stationary tap securely built into a wall or counter. These taps are completely customizable and can become amazing pieces to show off in an establishment.
Mobile Dispenser
A mobile self-pour dispenser is a portable, self-contained tap system using a kegerator. They can be moved from space to space, meaning they can be used outside on a patio, or used in a banquet room as requested. The mobile dispensers do not require any buildouts or installations.
A self-serve beer wall is a unique serving option that allows your establishment to stand out from the others.
Enhance the Customer Experience with a Self-Serve Beer Wall
A self-serve beer wall is a way to offer customers a distinctive experience of serving themselves. It also allows them to try different beverages a bar, restaurant, or brewpub offers. Northwest Draft Technicians of Portland, Oregon, offers customizable self-serve beer walls (in states where legal) that can be designed to fit the needs of your establishment. Not only do we offer design and installation services, but we also offer maintenance and cleaning services that can help keep your draft lines running effortlessly. Contact us today to learn more!
Please Note: As of March 2024, the installation and operation of self-pour alcohol systems are subject to state-specific regulations governed by respective alcohol control authorities. In the State of Oregon, the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) regulates the sale and service of alcoholic beverages. Based on the regulations enforced by the OLCC, self-pour systems, which allow patrons to dispense their own alcoholic beverages, are not permitted in Oregon. This restriction stems from OLCC’s regulatory framework, which aims to control the distribution and consumption of alcohol within the state, ensuring responsible service and consumption practices. Contrastingly, in the State of Washington, the regulatory environment, as overseen by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB), has allowed for the implementation of self-pour systems under specific guidelines and licensing requirements. This distinction has allowed us to install and operate self-pour systems across various locations within Washington State, adhering to the regulatory standards and guidelines set forth by the WSLCB.