It shouldn't be goodbye. It should be "when am I going to see you next?"
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You all know I'm a big fan of Will Guidara and Unreasonable Hospitality. I just finished the Unreasonable Hospitality: Field Guide, an interactive workbook laced with his signature insights. In working my way through, he brought up the concept of the Peak-End Rule, created by the legendary psychologists Daniel Kahneman and Barbara Fredrickson.
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An empty taproom doesn't have to feel empty. Here's what real guest data says about the three things that make or break the experience when the crowd isn't there to do it for you.
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Nobody Reads Your Taproom Signage. But when they can't find what they need, they order less, tip less, and don't come back. Here's what your signage might be missing.
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Most taproom guests leave without knowing what's coming up next or that private bookings are even an option. Here's a simple audit to fix that.
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A nonprofit farm market in a town of 270 people taught me more about customer data than most breweries I talk to. Here's what they got right, and how your taproom can do the same.
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Raise your hand if you like to wait in line. Exactly. No matter where we are, we like to receive our services, our products, and especially our beer as quickly as possible. Despite everyone’s general opposition to waiting, sometimes it’s unavoidable. So instead of simply chalking up a guest’s wait as part of the process to get a drink, ask yourself, how can you make your line a positive part of the experience?
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Sometimes it is the smallest touches that leave the biggest impact. Discover five simple ideas to create memorable experiences and build stronger connections with your guests.
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Brewery staff are only asking about to-go beer 18.4% of the time, and it’s costing them and your business. Guests are 480% more likely to buy when asked. The result? Bigger tabs, better tips, and thousands in missed revenue. Here's what your team needs to do next.
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Discover why making your taproom more kid-friendly can boost visits, increase spending, and create a space families want to return to again and again.
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Learn how to build attractive habits that motivate your taproom staff and boost profitability. Discover key strategies for making tasks easier, more worthwhile, and profitable while improving staff engagement and guest experiences.
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Some aspects of the taproom experience are obvious: great beer, a welcoming vibe, friendly staff, and a clean space. These all matter to your guests. But sometimes, it’s the little things that make a visit even more valuable, both for them and for you. A well-timed recommendation for another pint, a simple mention of beer to go. Small touches can have a big impact. But what else can elevate your taproom experience and turn good visits into great ones?
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According to a February 2025 Craft Beer Professionals poll, 26% of breweries operate their own kitchen. Coming in close behind, 22% rely on food trucks, while another 22% offer guests a menu of basic snacks (i.e. “would you like a bag of chips?”). No matter the approach, one thing is clear—offering food at your brewery takes effort, but it leads to higher tabs, longer visits, and more reasons for guests to return.
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Guests come to your taproom for connection. While service is important, true hospitality goes beyond handing someone a pint. QR codes don’t replace staff engagement—in fact, when used alongside strong service, they increase sales. Meet your guests where they are. Give them options. And always, always ask the question.
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Discover how taproom managers can draw inspiration from punk rock musician Frank Turner's global collaborations to expand their audience. Learn how creative partnerships, community events, and cross-promotion can help your taproom reach new customers and build lasting connections. This article explores unconventional strategies for attracting diverse crowds and fostering a unique experience that encourages repeat visits.
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Guest engagement can make or break the taproom experience, and recent data reveals fascinating trends in how staff interactions vary throughout the week and on weekends. Across all days, engagement peaks during lunchtime, with staff delivering consistently high levels of service to early-day visitors. However, as the day progresses, patterns begin to shift—weekday evenings see engagement drop slightly, while weekends maintain a higher baseline but lean more toward moderate interactions during busy periods. These findings not only highlight when taprooms are excelling but also uncover opportunities to fine-tune strategies, ensuring guests feel valued no matter when they walk through the door.
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Learn how leading breweries are using Secret Hopper taproom data to see greater success.
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Does the solo guest or larger party spend more money in your taproom? Is your staff offering each group the same level of engagement? How can you use this data to create more memorable and profitable experiences for all?
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Over the years, Secret Hopper has explored taproom data extensively, examining everything from the significance of the initial greeting to how age impacts spending habits. Two consistent themes have emerged in nearly all our studies: the importance of education and engagement. We understand you’re busy and don’t have time to continually review hundreds of data points, share them with your team, and implement training to maximize them. Don’t worry—if you only have time to monitor two metrics, focus on tip percentage and average tab size.
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How does the speed at which a beer is served impact a guest’s taproom experience? Faster isn’t always better. The right level of engagement with guests doesn’t necessarily correspond directly with speed—other factors should also be considered. When a guest chooses to visit your taproom, they do so with intention. Understanding that intention and their goals can help you provide the experience they seek.
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