I know the 3 E.WA Growler Guys do crowlers. Anybody else east of the Cascades. For my purposes, Spokane/ N.ID is most pertinent, but knowing other options in the region would be cool.
Waddell's teased it last fall, don't know if they're actually following through (and keep forgetting to ask): https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?...233.1073741828.100002033858999&type=3&theater
Take out the space in the [/QUOTE ] after the link, then delete the one after "live elsewhere." If any local competitors have been watching Growler Guys, I don't know how they could have missed the boon a crowler machine has been to GG's business. Crowlers became 50% of GG's sales within 6 months, and at a higher margin compared to 64oz (their policy is 50% of 64oz price + $1, no upcharge for the can). The upfront cost is modest, and training is marginal. Sure, storing the pallet(s) of cans is an issue, but it seems like these machines pay for themselves so quickly there should be an incentive to find a way around that obstacle.
There's a couple non-GGs in the area, whose names I can't remember and are not conveniently located for me. I haven't a clue if they do crowlers or not (and was hoping somebody else knew) . Like you say, it seems like a no-brainer, but I've learned not to assume the best ideas are the ones people will go with!
Both GG's here have had them for more than a year now, and none of the 9 other growler fill places in Central Oregon I can think of have acquired one. Likewise, only 2 breweries have them (Boneyard's tasting room and Deschutes' production brewery gift shop) out of 28 around here. I might be underestimating the difference in volume between GG's and every other spot, thus some aspect of the costs doesn't make sense for the others. Likewise, I can't imagine any of the brewpubs (whether they distribute or not) deciding against selling more beer over their own bar.
Undoubtedly, some of the really new or really tiny, shoestring operations are afraid to spend the money, but I'm really hoping to see some of the more established breweries embrace it, like, say, Selkirk Abbey, Iron Goat..., please?
Eugene GG has one, but no one else in town. I'm writing one into the brewery budget especially since the plan is to can most everything not bbl aged.
Completely agree. Nevertheless, as Justin mentioned above, GG Eugene appears to be the only place in town with a crowler machine. I assume most every place is put off by the initial expense in obtaining a machine, but there's little doubt that having one gives GG a significant advantage over other growler stations in town. There's never been a time when I haven't seen at least half a dozen walk-in customers getting a crowler while I sip on a beer there. Unlike the GG's in Bend and PDX, the Eugene GG typically has a fairly mediocre selection, when compared to other growler stations in town. However, because of their crowler machine, I think a lot of folks stop by who might not be tempted otherwise to shop at the Eugene GG's. I know that's definitely the case for me... That being said, I think a lot of the places here in Eugene also see themselves in the business of making money from jar sales. My guess is that a lot of places figure that having a crowler machine gives customers an alternative to buying their own jar, which I'm sure they feel is simply cutting off their nose to spite their face. I think that's a short sighted attitude to take, but I do understand their position.
Boise GG just got their crowler machine a couple of weeks ago. I would guess one of the ones up there would be in line very soon as well.
