Why Taproom Managers Rate GoTab the Best Brewery POS

Many of the leading breweries across the United States utilize the GoTab Brewery POS. In this article, we will explore why prominent breweries consider the GoTab platform an invaluable asset for their sales and operational efficiency. We will highlight the essential features they use to increase revenue while minimizing effort, as well as how they prioritize these features for optimal success. Continue reading to discover why taproom owners, operators, and managers regard GoTab as one of the premier brewery POS systems available in the U.S.

1. GoTab was created by brewery operators for a brewery’s unique needs.

Originally created to improve the operations of a particular brewery, Caboose Commons in Vienna, Virginia, GoTab has now expanded its use across a variety of hospitality venues. Caboose Commons was founded by GoTab’s CEO and is currently owned by his spouse. As a result, the platform is equipped with several features specifically aimed at meeting the unique requirements of a brewery. For example, since 2018, GoTab has offered contactless ordering and payment via QR codes, leading the way for many software providers in the brewery industry. Ultimately, the GoTab system was designed to support seamless contactless ordering as part of its overall functionality. Which leads to the next most powerful GoTab feature for breweries, its Tab- vs Table-based ordering model.

2. Tab vs Table Based

A significant challenge for breweries providing table service is tracking down a customer who orders at the bar and subsequently relocates to a different table or area within the establishment. With GoTab, Tabs are associated with the guest, not the table where they’re sitting. When guests place a new order using their mobile device, GoTab will automatically ask them to verify their location. This means the server always knows where the guest is sitting and can deliver their food and beverage order promptly. Additionally, this system allows for an infinite number of open Tabs at one table. Consequently, patrons who wish to order and settle their bills separately need not stress about dividing the check with their companions. GoTab manages everything, allowing them to savor their experience without any complications. Moreover, operators can rest easy knowing that guests won't mistakenly access someone else's Tab and charge items to an incorrect credit card. So guests get control, which leads to the next most powerful GoTab feature for breweries, GoTab’s unique ability to recognize return guests, leading to a frictionless ordering process.

3. Frictionless Beer Ordering

Visitors are instantly identified if they have previously utilized GoTab at any location. This creates a seamless ordering process for repeat visitors. With this technology, brewery operators can access extensive data on guest orders, enabling them to categorize guests for automated discounts or exclusive promotions.

4. Easy Tab

Using GoTab’s patented Easy Tab feature, patrons have the option to place orders directly at the bar or through a server, with their tab conveniently sent via text to their registered device, card and name. This effective hybrid service approach enhances guest experience. The Easy Tab system establishes a GoTab profile, ensuring recognition during future visits. It efficiently reduces wait times and simplifies reordering or settling Tabs via mobile. This could potentially double the average revenue per Tab. Today’s brewery patrons demand this level of efficiency in the ordering and payment process, which leads to the next most powerful GoTab brewery POS feature, the ability to open tabs with a chip or tap.

5. Opening Tabs with Chip or Tap

With other popular brewery POS platforms, you can only authorize tabs by swiping a credit card. It is easy to charge back these types of pre-authorizations, and it is not PCI compliant. In this scenario, brewery operators need to keep the guest’s card and close them out with a chip or dip afterward. GoTab is different. It allows brewery operators to open tabs with a chip, a tap or Apple Pay, which are all PCI compliant, avoiding costly chargebacks. Operators can auto-close Tabs at the end of the night with a default tip! And speaking of closing out Tabs. The next GoTab feature that is helping breweries and taprooms win big and dramatically improve their profitability is GoTab’s Insufficient Funds Protection. 

6. Insufficient Funds Protection

Real-time authorization is critical in hospitality and taprooms especially. When a guest places a new order, GoTab initiates a request for authorization from the guest's financial institution, which can include credit card companies or banks. This request is transmitted electronically and is designed to verify that the guest’s account is active and contains sufficient funds or credit limit to cover the anticipated charges. If the funds are confirmed as accessible, the order is processed and sent to the kitchen display system (KDS), allowing the guest to order freely. This seamless experience enhances customer satisfaction and encourages additional spending, while ensuring the brewery operator is protected from failed charges at the end of the night.

7. Hybrid Service Leaders

Presently, craft breweries encounter numerous obstacles, including rising expenses for materials, packaging, and workforce. To address these challenges, forward-thinking craft brewers are incorporating hybrid service strategies that seamlessly integrate advanced technology into their operations. These techniques allow businesses to deliver outstanding customer experiences while promoting efficiency and growth. By leveraging GoTab’s advanced POS and mobile ordering solutions, establishments can enhance service, reduce wait times, and elevate overall customer satisfaction. Allowing guests to utilize self-service through their mobile devices via GoTab’s ordering and payment system, along with Handheld POS and a connected kitchen display system for order fulfillment, operators can enhance efficiency, cut labor costs, and boost average transaction values.

8. Advanced KDS

Brewery and Taproom Managers unanimously agree that incorporating food into their establishments is a straightforward way to boost sales and enhance customer satisfaction. When food is offered, patrons tend to consume more beer. The GoTab KDS makes it easy to add a food menu, whether the brewery has an on-site kitchen, or they are working with a food vendor who offers a food truck or nearby location that delivers. All orders get routed to their appropriate station in the GoTab KDS, and operators get the flexibility to manage everything in the GoTab Manager Dashboard. Using the GoTab KDS, operators can 86 items and modifiers, set product delays, comp/void adjustments, and 86 modifiers. They can also text guests when their orders are received and fulfilled and communicate with guests via text in the event there is a guest issue. This allows them to solve issues in the moment, rather than waiting for a negative review.

9. Brewery Management System Integrations

The GoTab Open API facilitates rapid integration development, resulting in active integrations with prominent brewery management platforms. If you don’t see a brewery management platform you’re interested in, reach out to us and we’ll connect with your partner and support the integration process.

10. Hardware Agnostic

Numerous craft breweries are functioning with extremely narrow profit margins, making the adoption of a new platform potentially prohibitively expensive. Consequently, GoTab enables operators to utilize their current hardware, provided their former vendor allows it. Additionally, the GoTab POS and Manager App can be operated directly from a mobile phone. Furthermore, operators are able to process “tap” payments on smartphones that fully adhere to PCI compliance standards.

GoTab offers numerous benefits, making it an excellent option for busy breweries and taprooms focused on enhancing customer satisfaction and boosting profits. To explore how GoTab can support your brewery's success, reach out to us at info@gotab.io or schedule a demo today!