Q2 2026 Taproom Trends: Engagement Flat, But Staff Recommendations Are Up
We’re back with our quarterly look at what’s actually happening inside taprooms.
In Q2 2026, 45% of guests received a high level of staff engagement. Q1 was at 44%. Pretty much flat, and still way down from Q4's 75%. Additionally, from our data, taprooms didn't get busier this quarter. They also didn't get slower. Traffic stayed about the same as Q1. What shifted was the mix, fewer dead empty nights, fewer packed nights, more visits landing in that in between zone.
Most experiences were still friendly. Staff answered questions well, guests got a sincere thank you on the way out, conversation happened more often than not. Generally speaking, things were fine. However, we still see opportunities in the little things that can make a big difference.
Common positive staff behaviors observed in Q2 2026
Staff answered questions knowledgeably in 96% of visits
Staff engaged in conversation on 83% of visits
Tabs were suggested in 79% of visits, up from 69% in Q1
Guests received a sincere thank you on the way out 91% of the time
Frequent guest frustrations or missed opportunities
Staff introductions still hover around two thirds, no more consistent than last quarter
Recommendations were only offered in 54% of visits (up 23% from Q1).
Flights were suggested just 19% of the time, down from 27% in Q1
Beer to go was suggested only 13% of the time, a bit below our average of 19%.
Joining a mailing list or loyalty programs came up in just 18% of visits
So what can you do with this?
Get better at introducing yourself
Staff introductions are still only a tad better than a coin flip. Offering a name is the fastest way to make a visit personal. “Hi, I’m Andrew, welcome to the brewery.”
Recommendations jumped, now keep it going
While we’re up 75% from Q1, we need to always look to improve on this. Recommendations help guests find the right drink, and insanely increase the chance they’re order a second or take some home.
More staff are encouraging guests to start tabs, but flights and to go sales aren't following. Starting a tab should open a conversation about what's next, not end it. Train staff to pair the tab with a suggestion, not just the transaction.
Q2 did show improvements for several taproom habits. Make sure to take the time to point out these positive increases to your team. Thank them for doing a great job, and continue to train them on ways to maximize the taproom experience for their guests. More consistency means more money in everyone's pocket.
If you found this article helpful, please share it with someone who’d also find value. Thank you for reading.
¹ The data was collected from a set of 136 unique taproom visits from April 1 to June 30, 2026. Each tab represents 1.9 guests and includes tax and tip.