Hidden Gems: Meet Joan More of Headwaters Crafthouse

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joan More.

Hi Joan, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
In September of 2019, my husband and I decided to look into opening a Tap House in Helena, Montana. There was a bank in town building a new building with the concept of having a coffee shop and a Tap House along with their bank lobby. We interviewed for the opportunity. The bank liked our proposal and brought us into the design meetings for the space. Our next obstacle was to purchase a beer and wine license. With Montana’s liquor laws, this is a difficult and expensive task since they are issued on a population quota system. We were able to secure one with a private sale right before the pandemic. Once the pandemic hit, we evaluated our options and decided to proceed with the business and partnership with the bank. I had opened a Cafe thirteen years ago and successfully brought it through the pandemic. In February 2021, a local couple bought the cafe. This opened my time to really develop the tap house concept and operations. We opened in April of 2021 with forty taps of Microbrews, Wines, Ciders, Seltzers, and Non-alcoholic Beverages from Montana, other states, and internationally. Headwaters Crafthouse is the first Tap House in Helena Montana.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
With the pandemic, my husband and I had a serious conversation about proceeding with the new business. We decided to go for it because…. why not?! This risk is worth taking with the whole new world order.

As you know, we’re big fans of Headwaters Crafthouse. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Headwaters Crafthouse offers forty taps of microbrews, wines, ciders, seltzers, and non-alcoholic beverages from Montana, around the nation and international brews. The name “Headwaters” represents all the different kinds of craft beverages coming together in one place. Headwaters is open to all and offers a safe place to gather, meet new people, and be part of a welcoming community. Special events include Live Music, Tap Takeovers with Breweries from all over coming in to talk about their product, Fundraisers, and Festive Gatherings.

How do you define success?
Headwaters Crafthouse simply defines success as a safe and welcoming place to work, gather, and enjoy great crafted beverages.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.headwaterscrafthouse.com
• Instagram: @headwaterscrafthouse
• Facebook: facebook.com/headwaterscrafthouse
• Twitter: HeadwatersCraft

Image Credits
Joan More of Headwaters Crafthouse