Mascots, Merch, and Duckpin Bowling with Wandering Monsters Brewing
Episode Overview
In a recent episode of the Get Hoptimized podcast, host Chris sat down with the incredible Jacob Hedges and Jason Brewer from Wandering Monsters to talk all things branding, content, and the power of family-friendly fun!
If you're looking to collaborate, seek advice, or simply want to chat about beer, Jason and Jacob are an open book. Email Jason@wanderingmonstersbeer.com or head over to wanderingmonstersbeer.com
-Music Credit-
Neon Drive by Punch Deck | www.soundcloud.com/punch-deck
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Mascots, Merch, and Duckpin Bowling: A Deep Dive with Wandering Monsters Brewing
Welcome to the Get Hoptimized podcast! In a special episode, host Chris sits down with Jacob and Jason from Wandering Monsters Brew and Barbecue in Cincinnati, Ohio, to uncover the secrets behind their unique brand, successful merchandise, and the unexpected draw of duckpin bowling.
Crafting a Memorable Brand: The Wandering Monsters Story
Jason Brewer, with 15 years in the brewing industry, envisioned a family-friendly space in Anderson Township, Cincinnati. He wanted a brewery that catered to both adults and kids, a place where "kids can be kids." This vision, combined with a love for hazy IPAs, led to Wandering Monsters.
The brewery's distinctive name and mascot, designed by Tommy Long and Allison at Lemon Grenade Creative, are inspired by "life's journey and the monsters you meet along the way," as well as the "curious little monsters" that are their children. The logo cleverly incorporates a 'W' and 'M' within a hop mark, and the teal "Seal guy" mascot is infinitely adaptable, making it a powerful branding tool.
Jacob, who manages social media and content marketing, highlights how the mascot's versatility allows them to stay relevant across seasons and events. From "Wet Bandits" monsters for Christmas to a flamingo-decked monster for Pride, the mascot keeps the brand fresh and engaging. This approach, Jacob notes, allows for creativity within boundaries, much like the character limit on platforms like Twitter (now X), fostering innovation rather than hindering it.
The Art of Selling Merch: More Than Just a Shirt
Wandering Monsters has cracked the code for desirable merchandise. Jacob, drawing from his print shop background, emphasizes creating shirts that people genuinely want to wear. They focus on high-quality materials and water-based screen printing for a comfortable feel and lasting durability.
Jason adds that they don't shy away from selling their merch, even small items like stickers. He points out that many businesses miss out on significant revenue by giving away items that customers would gladly purchase. The brewery has even created a dedicated "CBC booth for merch" in their taproom, allowing customers to browse and try on items easily. This strategy not only generates revenue but also turns customers into walking advertisements.
Duckpin Bowling: A Game-Changer for the Taproom
One of Wandering Monsters' most unique features is duckpin bowling. Jason initially thought it was a "dumbest thing ever," but quickly realized its potential. Duckpin bowling offers:
Half-length lanes and stringed pins: Making it easier for kids to hit pins without bumpers.
One-size ball and no special shoes required: A major cost-saver and convenience for customers.
Family-friendly fun: It's a great activity that brings different groups together and keeps them engaged.
The duckpin lanes are a significant revenue driver, with a game costing $6 per person. They've nearly paid for themselves in just over two years, and they also boost food and drink sales.
Furthermore, the lanes are a major selling point for their event space, adding a fun "wrinkle" to corporate parties and gatherings. Monday night leagues are also a popular draw, especially during colder months.
The Ohio Beer Scene and What's Next for Wandering Monsters
Ohio boasts a vibrant beer scene, with Cincinnati often ranked among the top beer cities in the country. Wandering Monsters is contributing to this with exciting initiatives:
Confluence of Hops: A big beer event on August 23rd, featuring collaborations with six breweries, creating four different IPAs, and a "mega blend" of hops.
End of Summer 90s Party: Another upcoming event for their community.
No Map RTD: They're dabbling with their own contracted ready-to-drink (RTD) beverage, aiming to offer a cheaper alternative to popular options.
Wandering Monsters is focused on creating an exceptional on-site experience. With almost 12,000 square feet of space, including lounges, a beer garden, an outdoor patio, and the bowling alley, they offer diverse environments for guests. They brew many one-off beers exclusively for taproom enjoyment, encouraging visitors to experience their unique space.
Connect with Wandering Monsters Brewing!
Inspired by Wandering Monsters' journey? Whether you're looking to collaborate, seek advice, or simply want to chat about beer, Jason and Jacob are an open book.
Email Jason@wanderingmonstersbeer.com or head to the website wanderingmonstersbeer.com
And while you’re at it, don't forget to check out their awesome merch store online! They offer free shipping on orders above $70.