Managing Through the Madness: Lines, Call-Outs, and Keeping It Together

There are certain times of year in this industry that feel like trying to run a marathon... while also juggling... in a thunderstorm.

For us, that time is now.

Eugene Beer Week rolls into Father’s Day and graduation weekend, and together, they make up some of the busiest days of the year. We’re talking about back-to-back events, full taproom buyouts, collaboration beer releases, and a line out the door that doesn’t let up for hours. It’s exciting, it’s high-energy, and it can also push every system—and every person on the team—to the edge.

And here’s the part they don’t always tell you: someone will call out. Equipment will break. Something will run out. The day will not go as planned.

Still, the show must go on.

As a manager, you don’t get to tap out during the hard parts. You have to stay calm when it’s chaotic. You have to triage on the fly, support your staff, and keep the energy from turning toxic when the pressure is high. You have to be the steady voice when someone's overwhelmed, the backup dishwasher if needed, and the person reminding everyone to drink water and eat something.

What I’ve learned over the years is that the logistics matter, but the people matter more. Yes, we need prep lists, floor charts, and product counts—but we also need to check in with the bartender who’s been on their feet for six hours, give space for the kitchen to vent when the printer won’t stop, and make time to say thank you even in the middle of the storm.

Keeping morale high during high-volume stretches isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence. Being available. Being honest. Having their back.

And when the last shift ends and the doors finally close, we take a breath, raise a glass, and remember why we do it. Not just for the business—but for the team that shows up, every single day, and makes it happen.