Trends Shaping Breweries and Taprooms in 2025

The craft beer industry has never stood still. From hazy IPAs to barrel-aged stouts, breweries and taprooms have always been places of creativity and innovation. But in 2025, the change isn’t just in the pint glass—it’s in how breweries operate, how guests interact with them, and how technology powers the experience.

Here’s a look at the top trends shaping the future of breweries and taprooms, driven by evolving consumer expectations, shifting market dynamics, and the rise of hybrid service formats.

1. Hybrid Service Models Are the New Normal

In the past, breweries typically fell into one of two categories: full-service with table-side ordering or counter-service with guests ordering at the bar. Now, many are blending these approaches.

Hybrid service—a mix of counter service, QR code ordering, and roaming staff—is becoming increasingly popular. Guests might open a tab at the bar, order another round from a QR code at their table, and then close out with a server. This flexibility gives guests control over their experience and keeps service flowing during peak times.

For operators, hybrid models can help maximize efficiency, reduce wait times, and improve table turnover. The key is having a brewery point-of-sale (POS) system that can seamlessly manage tabs across different service styles and integrate with kitchen display systems (KDS) for speed and accuracy.

2. Contactless Ordering Moves from Novelty to Necessity

QR code menus were once a pandemic-era workaround. In 2025, they’re a core part of many breweries’ service strategy. Guests appreciate being able to browse the latest tap list, place orders, and pay without flagging down staff.

But contactless ordering isn’t replacing staff—it’s empowering them. With guests able to order and reorder independently, servers can focus more on delivering personal recommendations, upselling specialty pours, or managing large groups. For breweries with limited staff, QR ordering can be a game-changer for maintaining high service standards without overextending the team.

3. Breweries with Food & Distribution Are Winning Share

The most competitive breweries in 2025 are diversifying. Those that both distribute their beer beyond the taproom and offer an appealing food menu are steadily winning market share from those that don’t. Why? Because they capture guests in multiple ways: through retail presence, restaurant-quality meals, and compelling on-premise experiences.

Food programs—whether it’s elevated pub fare or chef-driven menus—encourage longer visits and higher average checks. Paired with wholesale distribution, these breweries build stronger brand recognition and more resilient revenue streams.

4. Flexible Payment Options Win Loyalty

Today’s guests expect to pay their way—whether that’s splitting a tab between six friends, storing a card for multiple orders, or tapping a mobile wallet at the bar. In breweries and taprooms, where group visits are common, flexible payment processing can make or break the guest experience.

Modern POS platforms now allow for roaming tabs (open at the bar, add orders from a table, close anywhere), split checks by seat or item, and even seamless integration with loyalty or membership programs.

5. Back-of-House Efficiency Gets the Spotlight

While guests enjoy the fun atmosphere out front, efficiency in the back of the house can be the difference between a smooth shift and a stressful one. With more breweries expanding food offerings beyond bar snacks—think gourmet wings, artisanal flatbreads, and shareable boards—kitchen operations are getting more complex.

Kitchen display systems are replacing paper tickets, routing orders from multiple service points to the right prep station without confusion. This not only speeds up service but also reduces errors, ensuring the beer and the bites arrive together, fresh and hot.

6. Integrated Membership Programs Are Driving Loyalty

Mug clubs and beer memberships aren’t new, but the way breweries manage them is evolving. GoTab’s out-of-the-box features allow operators to sell and redeem mug club benefits directly through their POS, with automatic guest identification based on mobile number. That means members get their perks without fumbling for a card or app, and staff can focus on making the interaction feel personal and seamless.

Integrated memberships like these not only boost repeat visits but also help breweries gather valuable data on their most loyal guests.

7. Waitlist & Reservation Tools Improve Guest Flow

Not every brewery takes reservations, but managing guest flow during peak hours is essential. Waitlist tools, especially those integrated with the POS, give hosts and managers real-time visibility into table status and guest wait times.

For breweries that double as event spaces—hosting trivia nights, live music, or private parties—having an organized system for managing guest flow helps avoid bottlenecks and ensures guests have a great experience from arrival to last call.

8. Data-Driven Decisions on Tap

Breweries have always relied on feedback from regulars and seasonal sales trends. In 2025, more operators are tapping into real-time data to make smarter decisions. POS systems can now break down sales by pour size, track the popularity of seasonal releases, and monitor how events impact food and drink sales.

This data can guide everything from staffing decisions to menu pricing, inventory ordering, and marketing campaigns.

9. Multi-Zone Operations Require Smarter Tech

Many breweries now operate with multiple service zones—taprooms, outdoor patios, event spaces, even separate concessions at festivals or beer gardens. Managing orders, payments, and staffing across these zones requires a flexible and connected tech stack.

The ideal system allows for centralized control with the flexibility to tailor menus, pricing, and service styles to each zone. This is where choosing the right point-of-sale platform can pay dividends, ensuring a consistent guest experience no matter where in the brewery they order.

The Bottom Line: Adaptability is the New Competitive Advantage

In 2025, breweries and taprooms are no longer just about what’s in the glass. They’re complex, dynamic spaces that require adaptable service models, integrated technology, and a deep understanding of guest preferences.

From hybrid service to data-driven decision-making, the operators thriving this year are the ones who embrace flexibility—not just in their beer menus, but in their operations. Those who can combine great beer with smooth, tech-enabled service will not only keep pace with changing trends—they’ll help set them.