Running a brewpub often feels like managing two businesses. You face the challenge of brewing operations alongside a full-service restaurant. Tracking brew batch costs and tying them directly to per-pint profitability presents a constant struggle. Seasonal beer releases create unpredictable demand. This makes inventory and sales forecasting difficult.
Finding a POS system that understands this dual nature is important. Your system must handle taproom sales and kitchen orders well. It needs to provide insights into your product mix.
This comparison examines Aloha and Lavu. We look at their ability to support your brewpub needs. Discover which system helps your business more in 2026.
Quick Verdict: Lavu
Lavu provides more flexibility and real-time insights for the brewpub environment. Its cloud design adapts faster to changing needs.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Lavu | Aloha | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brewery Inventory Management | Tracks raw ingredients, finished kegs, and packaging. Integrates with third-party brewery software via open APIs. | Manages inventory. Often requires custom configurations or external modules for brew-specific tracking. | Lavu |
| Taproom & Flight Management | Offers digital tap list management, easy flight creation, and growler fill tracking. Mobile ordering options improve taproom service. | Provides taproom sales functions and custom modifiers for flights. Digital tap lists may require third-party integrations. | Lavu |
| Recipe Costing & Profitability | Calculates ingredient costs for both food and beer recipes. Marty, Lavu’s AI, offers per-pint profitability analysis and sales forecasting. | Offers recipe costing for food items. Beer costing often requires manual input or custom reports. | Lavu |
| Dual Menu Management | Manages separate food and beer menus. Updates are instant across all terminals and online platforms. | Handles multiple menus for different service types. Menu updates can be more involved across multiple systems. | Lavu |
| Integrated Customer Loyalty | Offers built-in loyalty programs for beer clubs and frequent diners. Integrates with popular CRM tools. | Provides loyalty features, often as an add-on module. Integration with external CRM can vary. | Lavu |
| Real-time Reporting & Analytics | Provides instant sales data, labor insights, and inventory status. Marty offers predictive analytics for demand and staffing. | Offers sales and operational reports. Real-time access and predictive capabilities are often less dynamic. | Lavu |
| Hardware Flexibility | Runs on iPad-based terminals and mobile devices. Supports a wide range of standard, affordable hardware. | Typically requires proprietary NCR hardware. Mobile options are less common or require specific devices. | Lavu |
| Online Ordering & Pickup | Offers integrated online ordering for food and packaged beer. Supports curbside pickup and delivery integrations. | Provides online ordering, often through a separate module or third-party service. Integration can require more setup. | Lavu |
| Offline Mode Reliability | Continues taking orders and payments during internet outages. Syncs data automatically once connectivity returns. | Offers an offline mode, ensuring continued operation. Data syncing capabilities can vary. | Tie |
Pricing Comparison
Lavu
Lavu offers subscription-based pricing with multiple tiers. Plans start around $99/month, scaled by features and terminals. Hardware is purchased separately, often using affordable iPad devices. Payment processing is competitive, with transparent rates.
Aloha
Aloha’s pricing typically involves custom quotes, making it less transparent. It often includes higher upfront costs for proprietary hardware and specialized installation. Monthly software fees can be significant, alongside varying payment processing rates.
For brewpubs, Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) leans towards Lavu. Its cloud model and flexible hardware reduce initial investment and long-term maintenance. Aloha’s legacy system often requires specialized technicians and upgrades, adding to hidden costs. Lavu provides predictable subscription costs and less expensive, off-the-shelf hardware, making budgeting simpler for brewpub owners.
Use Case Analysis
A new brewpub opening, focused on modern operations and mobile flexibility.
Recommendation: Lavu
Lavu’s cloud design, iPad compatibility, and mobile ordering are perfect for a new startup. It offers rapid deployment and lower initial hardware costs.
An established brewpub with a complex existing NCR ecosystem for their larger restaurant arm.
Recommendation: Competitor
Aloha integrates well with NCR’s ecosystem. Migrating away would mean a large overhaul. Aloha likely already handles their specific custom integrations well.
A brewpub prioritizing real-time per-pint profitability analysis and seasonal menu changes for beers.
Recommendation: Lavu
Lavu’s integrated recipe costing and Marty AI provide immediate, actionable insights. This helps optimize pricing and inventory for unpredictable seasonal releases.
A brewpub expanding to multiple locations and needing centralized management and data.
Recommendation: Lavu
Lavu’s cloud architecture makes multi-location management straightforward. Centralized menu updates, reporting, and inventory across all sites are easy to access.
Overall Winner: Lavu
Lavu emerges as a better ally for most brewpubs. Its cloud features, AI analytics, and flexible hardware directly address brewpub challenges. Aloha remains a contender for those integrated well into the NCR ecosystem, but its legacy nature limits agility.
- Cloud architecture provides real-time data and remote management.
- Marty, Lavu’s AI, offers specific insights into per-pint profitability and demand forecasting.
- Hardware flexibility lowers upfront costs and supports mobile taproom operations.
- Integrated brewery-specific inventory and recipe costing simplifies dual operations.
- More transparent and predictable Total Cost of Ownership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Lavu integrate with dedicated brewery management software?
Yes. Lavu offers open APIs for integration with many specialized brewery management platforms.
Can Aloha manage a digital tap list for our brewpub?
Yes. Aloha can manage a digital tap list, but often requires specific add-on modules or third-party integrations.
Does either system help track keg inventory and returns?
Yes. Both systems track keg inventory. Lavu offers more native features for tracking empties and returns.
Is mobile ordering for taproom guests an option with both systems?
Yes. Lavu offers native mobile ordering. Aloha can support mobile ordering through third-party platforms or more setup.
How does Lavu’s Marty AI help with seasonal beer releases?
Marty analyzes past sales data to predict demand for seasonal beers. It helps optimize inventory, staffing, and menu pricing for better profitability.
Can I manage multiple brewpub locations with one system?
Yes. Lavu’s cloud platform simplifies multi-location management. Aloha also supports this, but setup can be more involved.
Ready to see Lavu in action?
Book a free demo and see how Lavu helps operators like you.
