How Brewery Operators Can Cut Through Technology Hype and Focus on What Actually Works | Mike Wakerly, Taplist

Behind the Tab · 2026-06-11 · 29 min

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Episode notes

Brewery operators are constantly being pitched new technology. QR codes. AI tools. Loyalty platforms. Digital signage. Marketing software. Analytics dashboards. But how do you know which solutions actually help your business and which ones are simply adding cost and complexity? In this episode of Behind the Tab, Patricia Mejia sits down with Mike Wakerly, founder of Taplist, to discuss how brewery operators can evaluate technology with confidence, demand measurable results from vendors, and focus on the tools that truly improve guest experience and operations. They explore: • Why every brewery needs a technology "BS meter" • How to evaluate vendor claims and ROI • The state of brewery technology in 2026 • Why the best operators lean into what makes them different • Open ecosystems versus all-in-one platforms • The importance of guest feedback and continuous improvement • Lessons from hundreds of breweries using hospitality technology today Whether you're operating a neighborhood taproom, destination brewery, or large beer garden, this conversation offers practical advice for making smarter technology decisions and building a stronger hospitality business.

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