Jun 11th, 2026

What Brewery Operators Should Demand From Every Technology Vendor

In this episode of Behind the Tab, Patricia Mejia speaks with Mike Wakerly, founder of Taplist, about how brewery operators can evaluate technology more effectively, avoid costly distractions, and focus on solutions that solve real business problems.

The conversation explores why every operator needs a healthy dose of skepticism when evaluating vendor claims, how the best breweries differentiate themselves in crowded markets, and why open, integrated technology ecosystems often outperform one-size-fits-all solutions.

Mike also shares lessons from his journey building Taplist, insights from hundreds of brewery customers, and practical advice operators can use to improve guest experience, operational efficiency, and long-term business performance.

Key Takeaways:
• How to identify technology that delivers measurable value
• Why differentiation matters more than ever in craft beer
• The role of integrations in future-proofing brewery operations
• Common mistakes operators make when evaluating software
• Why guest feedback remains one of the most valuable growth tools