Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/520578
6 Sonia Cane never planned on opening a bar, but when you hail from England and your father needs a visa, a British-themed establishment just makes sense. Nineteen years later, The Britannia Pub still sits one block off of Santa Monica, CA's very popular Third Street Promenade. Walking through the bar gives you a good idea as to why Cain switched her Heineken and Newcastle taps over to BrewLock five months ago—its storage space is tight, especially when it comes to keeping spent kegs awaiting pick-up. All of their 17 beers on draft live right underneath the bar. The BrewLock's smaller system freed up much needed space. Beyond taking up less space both under the taps and in the back, Cane adds: "We were instantly intrigued by the possibility of a better tasting beer with less waste. We've seen a dramatic reduction in waste, which translates into more profits. It's really a no-brainer." Since installing the new system, not only has the sale of Newcastle (a top seller at the pub—along with Heineken) increased, but the consistency of the pour and carbonation has been flawless. "We have had zero complaints of the drafts tasting flat, which is always a major concern with any new system," Cain remarks. "I love that the tap doesn't spurt at you when you are at the end of the keg. Starting a new keg is also so easy; no need to pour through a lot of foam that you end up putting down the drain. Once it's hooked up, it's ready to go." When questioned if she would recommend it to other accounts, Cain concludes: "If other brands were offered on this system, we would switch in a heartbeat. I wish all beer came in the BrewLock"—while this aspiration may never be completely fulfilled since this technology is an exclusive to the HEINEKEN USA portfolio, it sounds like Cain could get closer to her wish in the next few years as the BrewLock continues to expand. The future looks bright . . . and fresh! Waste Not, Want Not Sonia Cane, owner, The Britannia Pub. The BrewLock at The Britannia Pub in Santa Monica, CA opened up some much-needed space under the bar.