Taproom Success

Running a successful taproom requires more than great beer and great hospitality, it requires a solid financial foundation. In this episode of Taproom Success , Kary introduces his new book, Brewery Finance Basics , a practical handbook designed to help brewery and taproom owners and managers build stronger, more financially sustainable businesses. The book is organized into 12 sections covering e...

Great hospitality starts with the basics: greet guests warmly, take care of them while they’re there, and thank them before they leave. But there’s one more simple step that can help turn a great visit into a return visit: ask when you’ll see them next. In this episode, we explore how taproom staff can make the most of that final customer interaction. From mentioning an upcoming event or beer rele...

Taproom managers are busy working in the business, but the best operators make time each week to work on the business. In this episode, we break down a simple weekly financial huddle that takes 30 minutes, covers a handful of key numbers, and has the team ask and answer a few important questions. Learn how this weekly habit can help your team spot problems sooner, turn numbers into action, and bui...

A packed taproom creates its own energy, but what happens on a slow weekday afternoon when only a handful of guests walk through the door? In this episode, we explore how breweries can create a memorable experience regardless of how busy the room is. We’ll look at Secret Hopper data on staff engagement, music, atmosphere, and simple hospitality habits that can keep guests longer, increase spending...

Summer brings the crowds, but busy doesn't automatically mean profitable. In this episode of Taproom Success, Kary and Andrew discuss how taproom managers can turn increased foot traffic into higher sales by mastering the basics, creating more buying opportunities, and making it easy for guests to spend more. Key Takeaways Start with the fundamentals. Friendly service, fast execution, and a cl...

In this episode of Taproom Success, we dive into data from Secret Hopper that reveals how guest spending changes as taprooms get busier, why staff are actually less likely to ask one simple question during peak periods, and how asking "Want another?" can significantly increase average guest spend. Key Takeaways Learn how guest behavior changes as taprooms fill up and why a second drink o...

Looking for fresh ideas to increase taproom revenue? In this episode of Taproom Success, we share five practical strategies breweries are using right now to drive repeat visits, deepen guest engagement, and increase average spend. From turning memberships into gifts to creating memorable guest experiences that generate loyalty and word-of-mouth, these ideas are simple, actionable, and designed to...

Most taproom owners want more customer feedback but don’t know where to start. You may assume it requires complicated surveys and expensive tools, but getting feedback can be as easy as asking one simple question. In this episode of Taproom Success, we explore why customer feedback may be one of the most underutilized growth levers in your business. Inspired by a recent experience in small-town We...

Fresh off the Craft Brewers Conference, we break down key lessons from Will Guidara’s keynote on creating unforgettable guest experiences. From the psychology behind memorable moments to why the final interaction with a guest matters more than most breweries realize, this episode explores practical ways taprooms can deliver hospitality that stands out. Small, thoughtful gestures often create stron...

Great taprooms don’t manage finances once a month, they build systems that create daily accountability, smarter decisions, and stronger profits. In this episode, we break down the Brewery Financial Operating System: a practical framework to train your team, build simple scorecards, track the right KPIs, and install weekly financial huddles that keep everyone aligned. Learn how breweries can create...

In this episode, we break down real Q1 2026 taproom data and uncover a surprising trend: engagement dropped nearly 40% in Q4 2025 to Q1 2026. We dig into what’s really driving the decline, why “friendly service” isn’t enough to win today’s guests, and the simple, high-impact actions taproom owners can take right now to boost traffic, increase guest spend, and re-engage their customer base. Key Tak...

After participating in a panel discussion at the Vermont Craft Brewers Conference alongside leaders like Sean Lawson of Lawson’s Finest Liquids and Ralph Crowley of Polar Beverages, one theme stood out: great businesses don’t grow in isolation. In this episode, we explore how taproom owners can build a small but powerful advisory board to sharpen strategy, improve financial performance, and increa...

In this episode of Taproom Success, we explore an unexpected business lesson inspired by Minecraft: the difference between Survival Mode and Creative Mode. In the game, survival mode is all about staying alive, managing scarce resources, and reacting to threats. Creative mode, on the other hand, unlocks freedom, imagination, and long-term building. Many taprooms today are operating in survival mod...

Great taprooms don’t sell harder, they remove friction. In this episode, we break down how the best retail and hospitality operators make buying feel natural, effortless, and even fun. You’ll learn simple ways to streamline the guest experience, reduce decision fatigue, and create a purchasing flow that boosts per-visit spend while leaving guests eager to come back. Where purchasing friction shows...

Waiting in line or at a table is often seen as a problem, but in high-performing taprooms, it’s an opportunity. In this episode, we explore how small, intentional touches during wait time can make guests feel seen, valued, and excited - turning frustration into anticipation, improving first impressions, and increasing overall spend per visit. How to keep guests engaged while they wait Using wait t...

Taproom owners are tired of chasing shiny objects. In this episode, we review the most popular Secret Hopper blogs of 2025 to reveal what operators are really paying attention to — from hospitality and upselling to smarter use of data. Then we break down the key questions owners should be asking themselves and the highest-impact actions they can take to create more profitable, predictable taproom...

Most taproom goals sound good… and quietly fail. In this episode, we break down how high-performing taprooms actually set goals that drive higher sales, stronger margins, and predictable cash flow. You’ll learn which numbers matter most, how to turn vague intentions into clear weekly targets, and how to build simple habits and scorecards that keep your entire team focused on results — not just goo...

Did you know that 4 out 5 taproom staff are not letting customers know about loyalty programs? That's not a problem, it's a BIG opportunity. In this episode, we break down the psychology and systems behind successful taproom loyalty programs — and why your staff are the key to unlocking their full potential. Learn how to train your team to confidently suggest loyalty sign-ups , upcoming ev...

Not all taproom tasks are created equal. Some simply keep the lights on — others create loyal guests, drive revenue, and strengthen your brand. In this episode, we break down compliance vs. value-added tasks and share practical strategies to shift more time toward the activities that truly grow taproom success. Know the Difference — What compliance tasks are (required, but don’t drive sales) vs. v...

Great taprooms aren’t built by guesswork — they’re built by talking to guests, getting feedback, and acting on what they learn. Today's podcast was inspired by a recent moment Andrew had while he was stuck in traffic. Hint: Ever see those "How's my driving?" bumper stickers. Andrew did. And he called to see how they handled the feedback. In the episode, we explore how breweries c...

In this episode of Taproom Success , we dive into the recipe for a profitable food program. You'll learn 3 financial best practices to drive margins and 3 operational strategies to simplify your kitchen, highlight your top menu performers, and deliver food guests crave, without overwhelming your team or your bottom line. Key Takeaways: Financial Best Practices: Know your food cost % and contri...

In this episode, we explore how small, thoughtful actions can create powerful emotional connections with your guests. From remembering names to celebrating life moments and offering surprise tokens of appreciation, these seemingly tiny gestures are the secret ingredients to long-term loyalty and raving fans. Personal Touches Build Loyalty: Remembering a guest’s name or favorite beer shows they mat...

Are your customers tipping less? If so, what can be done about it? You have questions, we have answers. In today's podcast, Andrew dives into taproom data from 1300 unique taproom visits and reveals the results. Want to increase tips (and sales) in your taproom? Listen to today's episode and get the tips...on tips! We want YOU to join the conversation at TaproomSuccess.com. Visit to learn...

In today's episode we share 5 book recommendations that will help taproom managers boost profits. 5 Books to Boost Taproom Profits The Great Game of Business. Key takeaway: High involvement planning (inclusion) Open Book Experience. Key takeaway: Weekly huddles (execution) Workshopper Playbook. Key takeaway: Workshop (creativity) The Decision Book. Key takeaway: 50 Strategic models (decisions)...

In this episode, we explore the hidden costs of inaction in your brewery’s taproom. From neglecting staff training to ignoring menu optimization, we’ll dive into how not making necessary changes can lead to missed opportunities, reduced profits, and long-term stagnation. If you’ve been putting off improvements, this episode will make you rethink the price of doing nothing. Bullet Point Summary : T...