Ashland Brewing using generative AI to tailor beer, food orders

Brown Bacon AI partners with Ashland Brewing Company for first AI Brewery

Elevating the craft beer guest experience — and increasing engagement on-premise — is crucial for earning repeat (and higher paying) customers. When customers have specific questions about the menu, or just generally what to order, is this an opportunity for a little AI assistance irl? Ashland Brewing Company (ABC) in Ashland, Neb., thinks so. Ashland is debuting a generative AI for customer and server assistance.

SomAI, a patent-pending platform from Brown Bacon AI, was co-developed with a world-class sommelier to blend hospitality expertise with generative AI for customers to receive real-time, tailored recommendations for food, beverages, and cigar pairings.

In 2024, Brown Bacon AI launched the first server-assisted AI for restaurants. Now, they’ve introduced SomAI at ABC, making it the first brewery to use generative AI for personalized recommendations and efficiency.

“We’re excited to collaborate with Brown Bacon AI to enhance customer experiences and business efficiency,” says Tim Uryasz, Owner/Operator of Ashland Brewing Co. “SomAI will assist in decision-making, process creation, marketing, training, and quality control, while supporting allergy sensitivities, dietary needs, and multilingual capabilities with affordable, cutting-edge AI technology.”

SomAI at Ashland Brewing

At ABC’s 15,000 sq ft facility, situated on five acres, SomAI will power tableside recommendations, staff training, social media automation, AI-driven gaming, pickleball court support, and the pioneering AI-enhanced cigar pairing feature.

“As a beer connoisseur, partnering with ABC is a thrilling step toward transforming hospitality worldwide,” said Tony Arnold, CEO of Brown Bacon AI. “We’re excited for the Ashland community and Nebraska’s technology and innovation landscape. We are proud to support the team behind ABC’s craft brewing process.”

“ABC is a massive entertainment destination with a 600-person capacity, featuring a full restaurant/bar, 5-barrel brewhouse, pickleball courts, and event spaces,” said Aimee Arnold, CMO of Brown Bacon AI. “Our SomAI solutions will deliver unmatched personalization, driving automation, personalized service, business strategy, and marketing.”