Built to Adapt: How Ferndale Project Turned Disruption into Momentum

January 26, 2026

Some of the most resilient hospitality brands aren’t built in perfect conditions - they’re forged in moments of uncertainty. Ferndale Project is one of them.

Opening its doors in February 2020, just days before the world shut down, Ferndale Project was originally conceived as the innovation arm of Eastern Market Brewing Co. Almost immediately, that vision was tested. Rather than retreat, the team leaned in - rethinking how to connect with their community, how to deliver value beyond the taproom, and how to adapt faster than circumstances changed.

What followed wasn’t just survival. It became a living experiment in adaptability - built on experimentation, transparency, and meeting customers wherever they are. That mindset continues to shape how Ferndale Project operates, scales, and embraces technology today.

We sat down with the Ferndale Project team to talk about their origin story, how they’ve built a scalable brand without losing their identity, and how the right technology partnerships help them move fast.

The Origin Story

Ferndale Project opened in February 2020, a week before the pandemic shut everything down. What was meant to be Eastern Market Brewing Co.’s innovation arm was immediately put to the test.We survived by meeting the Ferndale community where they were: at home, looking for safe ways to stay connected. That led to the rapid launch of beer delivery and a mindset that innovation isn’t just about new products. It’s about solving real problems. That principle still defines the Ferndale Project.

Building a Scalable Brand

Ferndale Project is built around experimentation, not perfection. To scale without losing what makes it special, we focus on consistency in values, not uniformity in outcomes. As long as we’re transparent, community-driven, and willing to test and adapt, the brand holds together even as the details evolve.

Operational & Technology Challenges

Before Stream, our biggest challenge was managing complexity across POS, online ordering, and third-party delivery. Systems worked in silos, which created friction anytime we moved fast or tested something new. For a concept rooted in iteration, the breakdowns slowed us down and distracted us.

Stream in Action

Stream helps us do today what we did in 2020: meet customers where they are. It’s made third-party delivery more reliable, visible, and easier for our team to manage. With stronger integrations and fewer failures at handoff points, we can focus on execution instead of troubleshooting.

What’s Next for Ferndale Project

Ferndale Project will continue to be a testing ground for beer, Detroit-style pizza, and experiences. That includes new ways of engaging customers both in the taproom and at home. Technology like Stream supports that by removing friction, allowing us to stay flexible and community-focused.

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Stream helps restaurants › from single locations to multi-unit brands › simplify order and menu management across POS, first-party, and third-party channels.

For technology companies, Stream’s white-label platform powers fully branded, in-house ordering and menu management without the complexity of building integrations from scratch. The result is less friction, more flexibility, and infrastructure that scales as fast as ideas do.

If are are interested in learning more about what Stream's integration solutions can do for you, please reach out to us at suppport@streamorders.com

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