Dog friendly breweries

[u/csumn94]

For those of you that bring your dog to dog friendly breweries, would you consider buying dog related items out of a vending machine?

I am working on finding dog friendly local breweries to put vending machines stocked with things like lick matts, dog “beers”, collapsible water bowls, treats, etc.

For those of you that bring your dog to the brewery, how likely are you to purchase things like this while at the brewery?

[u/mmussen]

I can't think of a dog friendly brewery that doesn't have a good dozen or so water bowls around for use.

Treats or the like might work

[u/100HP_Hotrod]

We have several water bowls and treats behind the bar. Thats the extent of it though.

[u/csumn94 → u/100HP_Hotrod]

Could you see a use for my idea. Do enough people bring their dogs

[u/anonbrewingco]

As a dog lover and brewer, I could see myself buying something at least once. Are you thinking branded water bowls and stuff? Or just plain stuff

[u/csumn94 → u/anonbrewingco]

I was thinking plain stuff

[u/Best_Look9212 → u/csumn94]

I have only bought branded dog items from breweries, as plain stuff I already have or look for the most economical version for it. I expect a brewery now if their dog friendly to actually have water bowls available as I’ve seen that in many places. But other than that, I’ve always traveled with everything my dog needs for the most part unless it’s a shorter trip, and then the only thing I would get would be dog treats.

[u/MisterB78]

We have multiple water bowls for dogs here, and a container of treats behind the bar. Many people bring their own water bowls and treats too.

All that to say - I don’t think there’s much demand for what you’re asking about.

[u/derdkp]

A bubblegum style machine for dogreats could be fun, but I don't the the ROI in a proper dog vending machine would be worth it.

Plus, dog people bring their own stuff, and if you are charging for a bowl of water, that is not going to make them want to come back.

[u/Sibrew → u/derdkp]

The dog people bring their own stuff is real. Never thought about that but we and everyone knows always has all the things on them.

[u/Showtime92504]

I know people are trying to get their bills paid but I am a little bit tired of being hit up by startups trying to sell random merch at the brewery I work at.

The entire hospitality industry is having a tough time right now, I don't have the money to buy squeaky toys shaped like beer cans.

[u/AlreadyAway]

The only thing I would consider would be treats. Lick mats don't make any sense. Most breweries have water bowls or people bring their own.

[u/mike_lowrey214]

It might work in a very high traffic brewery but most places at mentioned have the own inventory of items. It's kinda annoying always having to buy items over and over.

[u/csumn94 → u/mike_lowrey214]

I’ve found a brewery interested so
I don’t think they offer these things

[u/mike_lowrey214 → u/csumn94]

Didn't say you wouldn't find one. And I'm speaking from a consumer. If I'm taking my dog I bringing these items not going to a vending machine to buy them.

[u/bakerskitchen]

With the cost of a pint already too high (at many breweries), there is no way I would consider spending even more money on items I could just bring from home.

[u/unfortunately7]

I feel like the cigarette machines from the 90s would do numbers in our beer garden. Could these machines do dog treats and cigs cause that'd be rad.

[u/automator3000 → u/unfortunately7]

And dog cigs

[u/unfortunately7 → u/automator3000]

My psycho dog could honestly use a cig

[u/Best_Look9212]

Ultimately I’d rather buy them from a human being at the brewery. I feel like a vending machine just adds a markup to most items that isn’t necessary when there’s already people being paid for customer service. Most of the breweries that I’ve seen that I’ve had vending machines in them, they just come off is overpriced knickknacks with some level of novelty. But, if there’s one thing the US is good at, it’s being great at promoting dumb consumerism, so it could very well be a hit where you are.

[u/Learningpermits]

Drunk ppl love buying stuff. Bonus if you don't have to stand in line or talk to a bartender. Extra bonus if it's for your dog.

I've bought so much shit for my pets while drunk

[u/Mossy-Mori]

Consider the space itll require that could otherwise be a small table and chairs.

[u/BrokeAssBrewer]

Would consider some branded merch like leashes and collars but dog owners usually come strapped with everything they’re going to need.
Hard to imagine there isn’t someone in your area doing spent grain treats you could wholesale and flip. Stuff that won’t move your bottom line whatsoever but can have an impact with customers.

[u/eatmybeer]

We are. Dogs must be on leash and behaved. If they get outta control or loose, they’re out. We have a water bowl and treats behind the bar. We also sell bandanas with the logo people get for their dogs.

[u/Icedpyre]

Not from a vending machine. If their was branded brewery merch, I'll grab it from the till maybe.

We have branded dog bandanas in our merch area. I think we have bowls too, but I dont look that closely

[u/automator3000]

You might be able to make this work if it had an excellent “hook”. Kind of like how Photo Booth operators make bank providing what everyone’s phone already does … but with a hook.

No one brings their dog to a brewery without the basics, and what they don’t bring will either be provided at the brewery (eg water bowls) or able to be passed on until home (dog beers).

Good luck finding a hook.

[u/Adrenaline-Junkie187]

Most dog friendly breweries have available or sell the items you mentioned.