Creating more memorable and profitable taproom experiences

Secret Blogger

Which Taproom Bucket Do You Fall Into?

As brewery owners and taproom managers, you’re insanely busy. You’re juggling hiring, events, inventory, staff questions, business decisions, and the day-to-day chaos that comes with owning or managing a brewery. It’s a lot. And if we can help make even one part of your role simpler, that’s a win.

We want to make your life easier.

After talking with breweries across the country, most folks land in one of these 4 buckets:

  • You’re not sure how your taproom is doing and want a clearer understanding.

  • You know there are challenges and want to make improvements.

  • You feel things are running smoothly and want data to reward and recognize your team.

  • You’re ready to spot new opportunities and see what else is possible.

Which bucket do you fall in? Where do you wish you were?

These 4 buckets are feelings. You’re not stuck in this state forever. Taproom data can not only make your life easier but make you more money.

Once you know where you fall, the next step is paying attention to a few key metrics. They’re simple and give you a better sense of how your taproom is performing.

  • Tip percentage: Maybe my favorite metric. Tip percentage ties directly to staff engagement. Guests who feel taken care of tip more. A quick look in your POS says a lot. Someone averaging 24% is connecting with guests very differently than someone sitting at 17%.

  • Level of engagement: Secret Hopper makes this one easy. Each visit includes an engagement rating from low to high, so you can see who is creating real guest connections and who might need coaching. Guests receiving a high level of engagement spend 40% more per visit.

  • To-go beer sales: A great read on upselling. Look at how much to go beer your team is actually selling, then compare that to how often they’re asking. Guests make the purchase almost half the time when they’re encouraged.

No matter your bucket, you don’t have to guess. We can help you understand what’s working, what’s not, and where more revenue can come from.

Schedule your 2026 Taproom Planning call to talk strategy.

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