Behind the Tab · 2026-05-21 · 21 min
The craft beer industry may be flat - but that doesn’t mean breweries can’t grow smarter. In this episode of Behind the Tab, Patricia Mejia sits down with: Kevin Irvin (“Swirv”) of Atlantucky Andrew Coplon of Craft Beer Professionals Chris Farmand of Small Batch Standard Together, they unpack one of the biggest themes coming out of the 2026 Craft Brewers Conference in Philadelphia: Is flat the new growth for craft beer? The conversation explores: Why breweries are shifting away from distribution-first growth How successful taprooms are building “super fans” and community Why hospitality and experience now matter as much as beer quality New brewery revenue strategies focused on events, food, and loyalty How operators can improve profitability without chasing aggressive expansion Actionable ideas breweries can implement before summer The episode also previews CBP Connects Chicago, where brewery owners and operators will gather for practical conversations around margins, operational efficiency, hospitality, and sustainable growth. GoTab is a proud sponsor of the event and can provide complimentary passes for qualified operators.
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