The Hoppy Gnome and GnomeTown Brewing Company

If you’re in the Fort Wayne area, an interesting food and craft beer option to consider is The Hoppy Gnome and  GnomeTown Brewing Company.  Sarah and I found this place via Yelp when we were attending the Michiana Wine Festival.  They've been open around 3 years and it looks like they are rocking it on the food, fun, and beer scene!   I was most impressed with the level of detail and planning that they have put into creating the space. 

The owners did a great job with the style and decor inside the restaurant/brewery.  It’s got a unique hipster type vibe....and cool shirts (which is important). I was most impressed with the level of detail and the layout of the space.  Every wall, corner, sign, etc. looks like it was intentionally created and it all comes together great.  You can tell the owners spent a lot of time and effort into laying everything out and creating a vision of what they wanted it to be. They intentionally planned their space, invested in what they are doing, and created a great atmosphere that will give everyone that visits "an experience" as opposed to just a few tacos and a beer.  Create an experience, gain loyal customers who advocate on your behalf online (check out their Yelp, Facebook, and Google reviews if you don't believe me), build your following for free, and grow your business organically with little investment in old school paid advertising methods (sorry print and tv). 
Selling an experience instead of just a product.....this is another thing separates long-term successful businesses like this from those that won't be around after the first year or two.     

Bonus: You can actually go there and brew your own small batch of beer and then bottle it and label it. 

The place was busy!  Our food and the service was really good.  They have an active brewery with great looking copper tanks and a full lineup of craft beers from throughout the Midwest.  Over 40 taps!  Maybe you’ll see Big Leaf Brewing on tap there soon?