10 Taproom Resolutions to Boost Profits and Enhance Guest Experiences
Whether you’re a bartender, manager, or owner, the start of the new year is the perfect time to strive for personal and professional growth. Bartenders! Let’s find ways for you to see higher tabs and make more tips. Managers and owners! The industry is going through challenging times, let’s use data and actionable strategies to make your taproom experience more profitable.
Before diving into our list of Taproom Resolutions, a word of caution: don’t try to tackle everything at once. Start with a clear goal in mind. Which resolution below aligns best with your objectives? If multiple resonate, focus on one at a time. Avoid overwhelming yourself or your team by trying to do too much at once.
For January, pick a strategy, make the necessary behaviors a habit, monitor your progress with data, and assess your team’s results.
From increasing average tab sizes to cultivating more loyal customers, these resolutions will help set the foundation for a successful year.
Sell More Food –Taproom visits that include food generate 86% higher tabs. This resolution offers insights and strategies on launching a food program, increasing food sales, and attracting a broader audience to keep them coming back.
Don’t Just Sell Beer, Create Experiences - Guests from 2022 to 2024 who receive high-level engagement spend 40% more than those who receive low-level engagement. This resolution explores how creating memorable experiences, beyond just offering great beer, can boost customer loyalty, increase spend, and make your taproom the go-to spot for guests.
Better Promote Taproom Events - Hosting events is one of the best ways to create memorable experiences that keep guests coming back. This resolution focuses on why effective event promotion matters and provides tips to ensure your taproom events attract the attention they deserve.
See Higher Tips - Encouraging bigger tips isn’t just about good service—it’s about delivering top-notch hospitality that guests genuinely appreciate. This resolution shares proven strategies to enhance guest satisfaction, create memorable experiences, and boost tip percentages, leading to happier, more motivated staff.
Handle Less-Than-Ideal Situations with Grace - Challenging guest interactions are inevitable, but how you handle them can define your taproom’s reputation. This resolution focuses on strategies to navigate difficult situations with professionalism and empathy, turning potential issues into opportunities to build trust and loyalty.
Greet Guests Promptly - A quick, attentive greeting shows guests they are a priority from the moment they arrive. This resolution emphasizes the importance of timely, efficient welcomes to ensure your guests feel valued and ready to enjoy their experience right away.
Sell More Flights – While it may not be at the top of your list, selling more flights can help guests discover the perfect drink while boosting your sales. When staff suggest a flight, tabs are 30% higher than when they don’t, making this simple strategy a powerful way to increase spend and enhance the guest experience.
Learn From Others – Relying on the same ideas as nearby taprooms won’t help you stand out. This resolution encourages you to broaden your perspective by learning from beverage industry peers nationwide and observing innovative strategies in other industries, helping your taproom stay fresh, unique, and ahead of the curve.
Increase Loyalty Program and Mailing List Sign-Ups - Whether it’s through a loyalty program or a mailing list, staying connected with your guests is key to driving repeat visits. This resolution offers strategies to boost sign-ups for either, ensuring you stay top of mind and build lasting relationships with your customers.
Sell More To-Go Beer – You know we had to squeeze this one in. Simply asking guests if they’d like to take some beer to go leads to a "yes" nearly 50% of the time. This resolution explores how making this ask a regular part of your service can boost to-go sales and increase overall revenue with minimal effort.
Where will you begin? Select the resolution that best aligns with your goals and dedicate time to achieving measurable results. For all the managers and owners out there, here’s a bonus resolution: Just like each guest, every member of your staff requires a unique experience. As brewery owners and managers, it’s your responsibility to understand their needs, support their goals, and foster a positive work environment. Keep your staff feeling valued and appreciated, and they’ll be motivated to deliver their best to your guests.
Cheers to a successful 2025!
Bonus: Here are 12 metrics to monitor staff performance.