Restaurants

Unleashed and on tap: Crate Escapes redefines dog parks with self-serve beer wall

Westfield's Crate Escapes dog park offers a novel twist on canine socializing with a self-serve beer wall.

Photo: Crate Escapes

February 11, 2025 by Sandra Carpenter — Editor, Networld Media Group

Forget chasing your dog and the bartender. Crate Escapes, Westfield, Indiana's innovative dog park and bar, is flipping the script on canine socializing with a unique self-serve beer wall powered by iPourIt technology. This self-service approach allows patrons to enjoy a refreshing beverage while spending time with friends and keeping a watchful eye on their furry friends at play.

From dog bus dreams to reality

The concept for Crate Escapes sparked from a simple video of a dog bus, igniting a passion project for co-founder Jennifer Ehlers. "We were sitting on the couch one night and I saw a video of a dog bus and I was like, 'Oh my god, this would be a dream job,'" Ehlers told Vending Times in a video interview. That whimsical idea, shared with her husband and sister, quickly evolved into a plan to create a much-needed community space.

Crate Escapes Dog Park + Bar. Photo courtesy of Crate Escapes.

Crate Escapes sprawls across 3.3 acres, offering 8,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor play areas, separated for small and large dog breeds. The bar, strategically located within the off-leash park, fosters a relaxed atmosphere where owners can mingle and enjoy a drink without losing sight of their canine companions.

iPourIt: revolutionizing the dog park experience

The self-serve beer wall, the park's star attraction, is the brainchild of a partnership with iPourIt. "We really wanted to try to create a guest experience where it was seamless and easy," Ehlers explained.

iPourIt's self-service tap wall at Crate Escapes Dog Bar. Photo courtesy of Crate Escapes.

"And so once you come in and you get your wristband for iPourIt, then you're kind of, I don't wanna say on your own, 'cause I mean we have staff there to help, but if your dog runs in and you wanna fill up your beer, great, go fill up your beer. You're not waiting for a bartender to pour, you're not having to check out, you're not having to do any of that."

Darren Nicholson, VP of Sales at iPourIt, emphasized the synergy between the technology and the dog park environment. "I love the dog park application because it allows someone to come and stay for a little bit longer," Nicholson told Vending Times in a video interview. "This allows people to kind of commune together."

Taps flowing, tails wagging

The iPourIt system has proven a hit with patrons, offering unparalleled convenience and the freedom to sample a wide array of beers without the commitment of a full pint. "I think overall they're liking it," Ehlers shared. "I think people are excited to try it. And it's allowing people to try a variety of different things that maybe they wouldn't have necessarily tried before."

The self-serve model also benefits Crate Escapes' staff, freeing them to engage more meaningfully with guests. "It allows them to not just be a bartender and take drinks but allows them to say, 'Oh, have you brought your dog before?' and 'Oh did you know that we also have drop off options?'" Ehlers explained.

Nicholson highlighted the efficiency of the iPourIt system, noting that it streamlines the entire process, from pouring to payment. "It's a quick process," Nicholson said. "The pouring of the product or the access to the product is very simple."

A community hub for canine lovers

Crate Escapes is expanding its offerings with an on-site restaurant, a collaboration with a local chef. The restaurant will feature both indoor and patio seating, with leashed dogs welcome on the patio. "We wanted him to be integrated into us fully and using our same point of sale system," Erin said. This integration will allow for seamless ordering and payment, all tied to the patron's iPourIt wristband.

Crate Escapes payment wristband. Photo courtesy of Crate Escapes.

While still in its early stages, Crate Escapes has already garnered significant attention. "The comments I've been getting back are, 'Oh this is so much easier. Why doesn't everybody do it this way?'" Ehlers said.

Crate Escapes provides a gathering place for dog lovers and beer enthusiasts to enjoy each other's company in a relaxed, communal setting.

About Sandra Carpenter

Sandra is the editor of Kiosk Marketplace and Vending Times. She has been working in editorial and research roles for over a decade and has experience in print, blog, social media and peer-reviewed publications.

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