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SteadyServ Helps Keep the Draft Beer Flowing (Video)

"With iKeg's Technology We Guarantee You Will Never Run Out of Beer," boasts the SteadyServ website. As you listen to interviewee Mike Flockenhaus, though, you'll realize almost immediately that SteadyServ isn't making equipment for home use, but for bars and taverns that serve draft beer. Here's another good line from their site: "With the new iKeg® system, we aim to ensure that you get your beer, in the right place, at the right time. We also want to simplify the lives of all the hard-working people in the beer industry. After all, wanting and having your beer are not the same thing." Even better, it looks like they're hiring. Wouldn't it be wonderful to help keep America from running out of draft beer? (Alternate Video Link)

5 of 48 comments (clear)

  1. I was getting ready to complain this was an ad by i+kan+reed · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Then I saw it was a roblimo video, and I realized that was a redudant statement.

    Seriously guy, can you stop with videos loaded with effusive praise for uninteresting products?

  2. I do my part by bobdehnhardt · · Score: 3, Interesting

    One 5-gallon batch at a time. And so far, I too have never run out.

  3. Disable Advertising by preaction · · Score: 4, Funny

    As our way of thanking you for your positive contributions to Slashdot, you are eligible to disable advertising.

    Oh disable advertising checkbox! I trusted you! You were the chosen one!

  4. Re:Paid advertisement by pspahn · · Score: 3, Funny

    With iKeg's Technology We Guarantee You Will Never Run Out of Beer

    The only time I run out of beer, I've likely already had enough. I don't see this as a problem inherent to beer.

    you'll realize almost immediately that SteadyServ isn't making equipment for home use, but for bars and taverns that serve draft beer.

    If you told me someone was selling draft beer supplies (or whatever this crap is), my first assumption would be that it was for bars and taverns, not for home use. Thanks for taking time to point out the obvious.

    With the new iKeg® system, we aim to ensure that you get your beer, in the right place, at the right time.

    This sounds like the way I already get my beer. I can't say I ever get a beer in the wrong place, at the wrong time. Can you also make the beer a liquid?

    We also want to simplify the lives of all the hard-working people in the beer industry.

    Not to trash on bartenders or anything, but grabbing a class, putting it under a tap, and pulling the lever for about 8-10 seconds already sounds quite simple. I actually can't think of too many jobs that pay as well as bartending that are much simpler. Yes, it's hectic on a Friday night, but you're still just pouring beer.

    Wouldn't it be wonderful to help keep America from running out of draft beer?

    I already addressed this, but it is clear that you're not getting it. There is plenty of draft beer available. If you live in a place where there are only three available choices on tap, I feel for you, but I can already go across the street and order a pint from a selection of about 15 local beers, along with the standard selection of decent beers available at any proper bar. I have yet to go to the bar and have them tell me, "Sorry, we don't have any beer today."

    From the summary, I get the impression that the marketing drone that wrote this doesn't actually have an idea of what beer is.

    --
    Someone flopped a steamer in the gene pool.
  5. I'm a brewer by MyNicknameSucks · · Score: 3, Informative

    I'm a brewer. I go to lots of bars, speak to lots of bar managers and owners, and poke around lots of beer fridges.

    First, high volume bars, if they want metrics, install flow meters on draft lines. The sophisticated ones communicate with the PoS and report when the beer is flowing and how much. If the server's pouring freebies, the system will know and rat on the bartender. The system also knows if a brewer is shorting their kegs or is making foamy (over-carbonated) kegs that lead to spillage. Managers love that. Second, the meters are integrated into the lines so there's no ****ing around with flying saucers; you will always get the right data for your taps. Always. Third, most beer fridges are wet, dank pits. No one likes spending time in them. Telling bar staff to pick up a keg that weighs upwards of 150lbs and place it on a disk is ... hopeful. Telling bar staff to perform the same maneuver on a disk stuck in a keg fridge? That's borderline stupid. Those saucers are going to get punished.

    Also, it's not rocket science to keep a few extra kegs around if you're managing 30 taps; you, by definition, have lots of storage. And if 4 or 5 lines blow without replacement? That is not a big deal. In fact, some bars won't replace blown kegs after dark because it makes them look busier (no, seriously, I've seen this in action) and helps to push people to less popular brands.

    Seriously? Has this guy worked in a brewery ... or a bar ... recently?