Recently I asked my Instagram followers what makes you almost immediately want to leave a brewery that you’re at and what would make you want to stay longer than you had anticipated? Below are the answers I received from my followers.
What makes you want to almost immediately want to leave a brewery?
Let’s start with all the controversial/political talk:
- Sexist/racist side chatter from bar guests or especially staff
- Fox News playing
- A blue lives matter flag
- MAGA merch
- Indoor smoking
- Non inclusive/not a safe space for everyone
- Confederate flags/camo
- Drag shows
Moving onto the staff:
- Bad/lack of service
- Rude bartenders
- Condescending beertenders
- The front staff aren’t open and welcoming
- Obvious sexism/racism/homophobia displayed by staff
The beer situation:
- Bad beer
- Beer served in wine glasses
- Just IPAs
- They ran out of beer
- No IPA’s over 7%
- No west coast IPAs
Cleanliness (or lack of):
- It’s dirty
- Dirty glasses and tables everywhere
- Lack of sanitation/hygiene
- Bad smell
- Seeing gross cleanliness behind the bar or in the kitchen
- Rats
- A fly in the glass
- Unkept restrooms
The vibe is off:
- Super load live music
- Bad music
- Country music
- Obnoxious drunks
- Loud, screaming kids
- Too crowded
- Seeing an ex
- Lack of parking
- Karaoke
Now let’s move onto the good. What would make you stay at a brewery longer than you anticipated staying?
It’s all about the staff:
- Bar staff enjoying working with each other/chatting with regulars
- Attention and engagement from the staff
- A nice and welcoming beertender
- Friendly staff
- Good service
- Willingness of staff to talk about the beers
- Knowledgeable bartenders
The main reason you come to a brewery:
- Amazing beer
- Multiple IPAs available
- Glasses larger than a pint
- Variety of beers so you can keep trying something new
- Price of beverages
- Free beer
- Bottomless fruited sours
- A good beer sale
- Variety of beer styles
- Draft and cans available
Vibing:
- A friendly and social bar
- Fabulous outdoor space
- Good music
- Good atmosphere
- Decor and theme
- Table top activities/games
- Dogs are allowed
- Live music
- Good company
- Great sports game on TV
- A fun crowd
- Comfy seating
- It’s kid friendly
- Making new friends
Making sure our stomach is full:
- Good food available
- Food trucks
- Free popcorn
So there you have it! Thank you to those of you who sent in answers. I hope everyone has more good brewery experiences than bad.
