Bartending Weekly Brief: May 27 – June 2, 2025
This past week, the bartending and beverage industry saw significant developments, from economic pressures impacting craft producers to exciting professional development opportunities and evolving consumer trends. The landscape continues to evolve rapidly, presenting both challenges and new avenues for growth. This summary distills the most impactful news to keep professionals informed and ahead of the curve, offering insights into market shifts, new product innovations, and resources for career advancement.
Key Industry News & Trends
-
Tariffs Intensify Strain on U.S. Craft Breweries
A recent GlobalData report reveals that U.S. craft breweries are facing escalating financial pressure due to increasing tariffs on crucial raw materials such as steel, aluminum, barley, and malt. This economic burden arrives at a challenging time, as more craft breweries closed than opened for the second consecutive year, according to the Brewers Association. The inflated costs are significantly squeezing already thin profit margins, making it difficult for small brewers to absorb price hikes or effectively compete in a softening market. This challenging economic reality is compelling many to re-evaluate their sourcing strategies, rethink export plans, particularly to key markets like Canada, and potentially delay or modify expansion projects that rely on imported equipment. For the bartending community, these pressures could lead to shifts in the availability and pricing of craft beers, potentially impacting menu development and profitability in bars.
Published: June 2, 2025
https://www.craftbrewingbusiness.com/featured/tariffs-stack-more-pressure-on-u-s-craft-breweries-according-to-globaldata-report/ -
Braxton Brewing Acquires Hi-Wire’s Cincinnati Taproom
Braxton Brewing Co. has acquired Hi-Wire Brewing’s taproom at Factory 52 in Cincinnati, with the transition effective June 2, 2025. The location will be rebranded as Braxton Factory 52, and Braxton Brewing Company will also take over the adjacent greenspace and full-service bar, to be known as The Porch by Braxton Brewing Co. This strategic acquisition, which includes the retention of current Hi-Wire employees and a commitment to keep several Hi-Wire beers on tap, represents a positive adaptation in the face of adversity for Hi-Wire, following severe damage to its Asheville facilities from Hurricane Helene in September 2024. Both breweries plan to collaborate on a special co-branded beer to commemorate this new chapter, highlighting a trend of industry resilience through strategic partnerships and consolidation. The location will undergo minor renovations before reopening later in June, signaling a continued commitment to providing vibrant community spaces.
Published: June 2, 2025
https://www.craftbrewingbusiness.com/business-marketing/braxton-brewing-takes-over-hi-wires-cincinnati-taproom-at-factory-52/ -
2025 USBG Bar Summit Elevates Craft, Leadership, and Community
The 2025 USBG Bar Summit, held on May 27 in Atlanta, provided a robust platform for professional growth and community building within the bartending industry. The event featured a comprehensive program of seminars, including deep dives into classic Italian spirits and modern mixology, sessions on mastering International Bartenders Association (IBA) techniques, and discussions on the critical role of mentorship in shaping strong leaders. Significant announcements included new USBG member benefits, such as partnerships with Signature Federal Credit Union, offering financial services, and Virgin Voyages, providing exclusive travel discounts designed for hospitality professionals. The summit also celebrated industry achievements, crowning the 2025 World Class US Bartender of the Year and revealing Philadelphia as the host city for the 2026 Summit, reinforcing the industry’s commitment to continuous education, professional development, and fostering a strong, supportive community.
Published: May 27, 2025
2025 Bar Summit: A Celebration of Craft, Leadership, and Community | United States Bartenders' Guild
Tools & Tips
Handheld POS Devices for Streamlined Service
For busy bar environments and mobile bartending setups, integrating handheld Point-of-Sale (POS) devices and portable card readers can dramatically improve operational efficiency. These modern tools streamline the entire ordering and payment process, from taking customer orders to processing transactions, allowing bartenders to serve guests faster and significantly reduce wait times. They are particularly beneficial in supporting cashless transactions, including credit cards and mobile payments like Apple Pay and Venmo, which are increasingly preferred by consumers for their convenience. Implementing such technology can enhance the overall customer experience and optimize workflow behind the bar.
https://pos.toasttab.com/blog/on-the-line/mobile-bar-equipment
Fun Fact
Did you know that the “Father of Mixology,” Jerry Thomas, published the first bartender’s guide in 1862? Titled “The Bon Vivant’s Companion, also known as The Bar-Tender’s Guide,” his groundbreaking work laid down the foundational principles for mixing drinks and included a collection of original recipes, many of which remain influential in modern mixology. Thomas was not only a pioneer in documenting cocktail recipes but also a renowned showman. His signature act, the “Blue Blazer,” involved the daring feat of igniting whiskey and dramatically tossing the flaming liquid back and forth between two mixing glasses, solidifying his legendary status as a pioneer and entertainer in the art of bartending. This historical figure underscores the deep roots of artistry and innovation within the bartending profession.
https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/5-things-you-didnt-know-cocktails-bartending.htm
We’d love to hear from you! Have you participated in any bartending events or utilized new bartending tools recently? Share your experiences or insights with us—we’re featuring selected community voices in next week’s edition.