Taproom Success

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. value-added tasks (directly enhance guest experience and revenue)Make the Shift — How to streamline or automate compliance work so staff can focus more time on creating memorable experiences and building guest loyaltyMeasure What Matters — Tracking the results of value-added actions so the team sees the impact and keeps improvingJoin the conversation at www.TaproomSuccess.com!

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 can create a consistent process to gather guest feedback - kind of like "how's my driving?" - act on what they learn, and celebrate wins with their team to drive loyalty, sales, and a stronger culture.Ask with Intention — How to talk to guests, ask meaningful questions, and uncover what they truly valueClose the Loop — Turning feedback into real improvements and showing guests that their voice mattersPositive Feedback = Team Fuel — Sharing the praise with staff to reinforce great experiences and keep morale highBuild a Feedback Rhythm — Regular reviews, simple tools (QR codes, surveys, comment cards), and accountability so feedback becomes a habit, not a one-offJoin the conversation at www.TaproomSuccess.com!

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 contribution margin as dollars matter more than percentages.Use menu engineering to spotlight and sell your most profitable items.Track and control waste with simple systems that boost your bottom line.Operational Best Practices:Design a focused menu with crossover ingredients to simplify prep and reduce inventory.Streamline BOH operations with clear SOPs and prep guides.Offer customizable options that give guests choice without adding complexity.Join the conversation at TaproomSuccess.com!

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 matter and they’ll keep coming back.Celebrate Special Moments: A handwritten note for a birthday or anniversary turns an ordinary visit into something unforgettable.Surprise and Delight: A free sticker, coaster, or small branded item can spark joy and start conversations beyond your walls.Consistency Creates Culture: Empower your team to make these moments happen daily. The little things done consistently become your brand.Join the conversation at TaproomSuccess.com!

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 more about our monthly masterminds, taproom expert sessions, and on-demand taproom success blueprint.

In today's episode we share 5 book recommendations that will help taproom managers boost profits. 5 Books to Boost Taproom ProfitsThe 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)Book of Beautiful Questions. Key takeaway: Ask better questions (better answers)Join the conversation at TaproomSuccess.com!

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:The Consequences of Inaction: What happens when you don’t implement changes in key areas like staff training, events, or food program optimization?Missed Revenue Opportunities: How failing to take action can result in lost revenue streams, lower guest engagement, and missed chances to increase profitability.Staff Training & Development: The cost of not investing in staff education, especially in areas like suggestive selling techniques, and the impact on customer experience and sales.Event Strategy & Guest Engagement: Why a lack of events and programming can lead to stagnation and reduced guest loyalty.Food Program Optimization: The financial risks of not improving food quality, pricing, and profitability in your taproom.Urgency to Act: The importance of taking immediate action and how consistent, incremental improvements can lead to long-term success.This episode is a wake-up call to brewery owners who might be waiting for the “perfect time” to make improvements. It’s time to take action and stop letting opportunity slip away.Join the conversation: Learn more at www.TaproomSuccess.com!

In this episode, we explore the key drivers of a profitable food program for brewery taprooms. From menu engineering and using the "platform strategy" to understanding food costs and margins, we’ll discuss how to optimize your food offerings and track profitability in real-time. Key Takeaways:Menu Engineering: How to design a menu that drives profitability by focusing on high-margin items and customer preferences.Platform Strategy: Menu design that focuses on a small, core set of ingredients to make a wide variety of offerings (think wraps, burgers, small plates, and bowls!)Understanding Food Costs: How to track and control food costs, ensuring your menu remains profitable.Using MarginEdge: Real-time financial insights to evaluate profitability and adjust your food program on the fly.Data-Driven Decision Making: How tapping into financial tools allows brewery taprooms to make smarter, more informed decisions for sustainable growth.Want to join the community of Taproom owners and managers working together to drive profitability? Learn more at www.TaproomSuccess.com!

Today on the podcast we share tools, tips, and real-world examples to identify and grow your most lucrative revenue streams to increase taproom profits.Key PointsA simple system you can use to find out where you actually make money in your businessQuick tips to analyze profits by business area: taproom, wholesale, self-distributionA fancy spreadsheet to track your cost of goods sold for each beer you sellWe'd love to have you join the conversation at www.TaproomSuccess.com!

Today on the podcast we talk about how a small change in staff behavior can lead to big financial returns.It's the power of the 'ask'. Training your staff to ask the customer if they want beer to go can have a powerful impact on your bottom line.Key PointsGuest are 480% more likely to buy to go beer when asked...is your staff asking?How asking about to-go beer can mean an extra $364 a month in tips per staff memberIf you want to build your brand and make more money in your taproom, this is one simple way to do itWe'd love to have you join the conversation at TaproomSuccess.com!

Today on the podcast we tackle the CONTROVERSIAL topic of kids in the taproom.Whether you love or hate the idea, today we talk about how to maximize the children's experience in the taproom. Why it's important to create welcoming spaces for all types of guests, even kids3 ways we can maximize a kid's experience in a taproomThe BIG benefit to the taproom...Join the conversation at TaproomSuccess.com!

Mister Rogers, known for teaching us how to be a good neighbor, understand our feelings, and become our best selves, poses a great question: "How do we make goodness attractive?"In today's podcast we explore this question as it relates to your taproom: "How do you make ______ attractive?"Examples:"How do you make greeting your guests when they arrive more attractive?""How do you make suggesting a flight of beer more attractive?"And our personal favorite: "How do you make offering to-go beer more attractive?"And how do you make these habits stick? Make them easy, worthwhile, and profitable!For more taproom tips, best practices, and training courses, join the conversation at TaproomSuccess.com.

In today's podcast you'll hear the audio version of our taproom event planning workshop. Over 20 taproom owners and managers joined to share ideas, best practices, and trends in event planning. You'll hear what types of events work to drive traffic, sales and profitability to your taproom. Key takeawaysOctoberfest? Try Dog-Toberfest. How to use shark week, easter eggs, and leprechaun hats to create fun (and profitable) events. Use the "Red Envelope" at checkout to get more return visitors ("People love it, they lose their minds!" said one taproom manager)Join the conversation at www.TaproomSuccess.com!

Spring is (almost) here and it's a great time for a spring clean of your taproom financial records. We know, it sounds boring, but we'll do our best to make it fun and valuable for you!Key PointsHow to organize all those corporate records Tips to stay on top of taproom license renewalsBest practices to count taproom inventoryJoin the conversation at www.TaproomSuccess.com!

In this episode you'll hear the audio version of our live presentation on How to Use Your Taproom as a Profit Center. Key Topics 5 things your taproom staff should be doing (but probably aren't) 5 actionable strategies to boost taproom profits Brewing financial excellence processResourcesReady to join the conversation? Learn more at www.TaproomSuccess.com

In today's episode we talk about customer spending habits by location in your taproom. And you'll hear our BRAND NEW Taproom Success Podcast INTRO MUSIC! Andrew shares the data on how much customers spend when they sit at the bar, or at a table, or out on your patio.Key TakeawaysHow customers order (printed menu, QR code, etc)Spending impact depending on where customers sitSpoiler alert: Customers sitting at the bar spend the most (buy why? tune in to find out!)Join the conversation at Taproom Success.com!

Andrew recently wrote a blog about how a punk rock singer recorded one of his songs with different bands across the world, in their native language.Today on the podcast we use this idea as a jumping off point to talk about how we can tap into unique partnerships to grow sales in your taproom.Key PointsWho is Frank Turner is what can we learn from him?Why taprooms should apply the "Frank Turner" approach to create mutually beneficial relationships in their communitiesHow to step out of our comfort zones to attract new patronsHow taprooms can balance maintaining their brand identity while appealing to a broader audienceWant more taproom tips? Join the conversation at www.TaproomSuccess.com!

We talk about key performance indicators, KPIs, a LOT!  Today we review the most important KPIs to focus on for success.Labor and occupancy costs are super important to measure. What else is on the most important list of numbers to watch? Cash flow, net operating income, sales growth and margins, of course.We also have KPI spreadsheets to share. Grab these templates so that you can run the numbers for your taproom. https://www.taproomsuccess.com/blog/top-taproom-key-metricsWant more taproom tips? Join the conversation at www.TaproomSuccess.com

Today we tackle a hot topic: How to navigate a brewery lease renewal. There's lots of moving parts and lots of things to consider. In the podcast we break down the most important items so you can negotiate a successful lease renewal. Key Points Use the XYZ negotiating strategy to get what you want ("those who ask for more, get more") Think of the lease agreement as a 'disagreement'. Once it's signed you won't look at it again unless there's a problem. Make sure you've addressed foreseeable disagreements. Understand a few key terms and conditions of the lease - NNN costs, renewal options, termination and exit clauses NNN costs can be huge - we cover simple tactics to keep these costs under control For more taproom tips, tactics and best practices, join the conversation at TaproomSuccess.com!

In today's podcast we flip the calendar to the New Year and talk about taproom goal setting and resolutions. Andrew shares 10 Taproom Resolutions to Boost Profits and Enhance Guest Experiences. Key Points Focus on ONE THING to get the best results Measure results so you know what's working (and what isn't) Check out Andrew's Top 10 Taproom Resolutions Want more Taproom Success tips, strategies and best practices? Join the conversation at TaproomSuccess.com!