Attracting new customers to your brewery is great, but the real success lies in turning them into loyal patrons who keep coming back for more.
Regulars not only provide steady business but also become your best brand ambassadors.
They bring in friends and spread the word.
Here’s how to keep your taproom full of familiar faces.
1. Make a Killer First Impression
That first sip matters!
From the moment a guest walks into your brewery, they should feel welcomed and excited.
Your beer selection, friendly staff, and inviting atmosphere should instantly impress.
💡 Pro Tip:
- Train your team to offer tasting recommendations based on guest preferences.
- Ensure your glassware, tables, and bar area are spotless.
- Greet customers with a smile and make them feel at home.
2. Create a Memorable Taproom Experience
People don’t just come back for great beer—they return for the experience.
Your brewery should feel like a community hub.
Offer good vibes, fun events, and a setting that makes people want to stay a while.
💡 Pro Tip:
- Use warm lighting, comfortable seating, and live music to enhance the ambiance.
- Host game nights, trivia, or brewery tours to create unique experiences (shout out to our favorite breweries already doing this)!
- Design Instagram-worthy spots for customers to snap and share photos of your brewery.
3. Personalize the Interaction
People appreciate when bartenders and staff remember their names and favorite brews.
A little extra effort goes a long way in making guests feel like they belong.
If your brewery is dog-friendly, remembering a pup’s name makes for an extra warm welcome!
💡 Pro Tip:
- Implement a customer log to track favorite beers or past visits.
- Introduce a Mug Club or VIP program for loyal customers.
- Offer a “welcome back” discount for second-time visitors.
4. Offer an Incentive to Return
Give guests a reason to make your brewery their go-to spot.
Exclusive deals, fun promotions, and member perks can keep them coming back—and bringing friends!
💡 Pro Tip:
- Start a loyalty program with rewards like free pints or merch.
- Host seasonal beer releases or exclusive tasting events.
- Offer a “bring a friend” discount to encourage word-of-mouth marketing.
5. Engage With Them Online
The relationship doesn’t end when they leave your taproom.
Staying connected online helps keep your brewery top of mind.
Whether it’s responding to reviews or teasing your next beer release, online engagement drives return visits.
💡 Pro Tip:
- Post behind-the-scenes content of your brewing process.
- Feature customer photos and tag them to encourage social sharing.
- Use social media contests and giveaways to create buzz.
Overwhelmed? Use Hivey to Streamline Food Truck Scheduling to Elevate Your Taproom Experience
Pairing great beer with delicious food keeps customers coming back.
However, coordinating food trucks and vendors can be a hassle.
That’s where Hivey comes in.
Hivey is the ultimate food truck and vendor scheduling system.
It makes it effortless to book top-notch vendors for your brewery.
With custom booking links, synced event calendars, automated QR codes, and more, Hivey simplifies food truck coordination.
This allows you to focus on serving great beer and creating an unforgettable experience for your guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I ensure a great first impression at my brewery?
Make guests feel welcomed and excited by providing a clean atmosphere, a great beer selection, and friendly staff trained to make tasting recommendations.
2. What makes a taproom experience memorable?
A memorable taproom experience is created through good vibes, fun events, and an inviting setting that encourages customers to stay longer.
3. How can I personalize interactions with customers?
Remember your customers’ names and favorite drinks. Consider implementing a customer log to track preferences and offer personalized greetings and discounts.
4. What incentives can I offer to encourage repeat visits?
Starting a loyalty program, offering seasonal beer releases, and providing discounts for bringing friends are effective incentives to encourage customers to return.
5. How important is online engagement for my brewery?
Online engagement helps keep your brewery top of mind for your customers. Responding to reviews and maintaining active social media presence promotes brand loyalty.
6. What are some effective ways to create buzz on social media?
Posting behind-the-scenes content, featuring customer photos, and running social media contests can effectively create buzz and encourage sharing.
7. Why is a community atmosphere important in a brewery?
A community atmosphere encourages customers to feel connected, making them more likely to return and recommend your brewery to others.
8. How can Hivey help with my brewery’s food truck scheduling?
Hivey simplifies food truck coordination with custom booking links, synced calendars, and automated QR codes, allowing you to focus on the customer experience.
9. What kind of events can I host to attract more customers?
Hosting game nights, trivia, brewery tours, and exclusive tasting events can attract more customers and help build a loyal patron base.
10. How can I train my staff to enhance customer experience?
Training your staff to provide personalized service, including tasting recommendations and ensuring a clean environment, can significantly enhance the customer experience.
