Send us a Text Message.

Have you ever wondered how a background in theater can revolutionize the craft of bartending? Join us as we sit down with Tanner Weston to uncover the secrets behind creating unforgettable bar experiences. Tanner's unique journey from the world of acting to the vibrant bar scene of Hollywood reveals how storytelling and performance can transform a simple drink into a captivating adventure.

Imagine stepping into a bar that feels like an escapade to another world, where every detail is meticulously designed to immerse you in a sensory narrative. Tanner shares his insights on the art of crafting such immersive environments, whether it’s a hidden speakeasy or a fully themed venue. From understanding the importance of ambiance to producing personalized engagements, Tanner explains how these elements justify the premium prices of handcrafted cocktails and leave guests yearning for more.

But it’s not just about the atmosphere; it’s about connections. Tune in as Tanner delves into the rich histories and cultural contexts behind beloved cocktails, enhancing our appreciation for each sip. Learn how he handles awkward situations with grace, engages guests in meaningful conversations, and builds genuine relationships through authentic storytelling. Packed with historical anecdotes and professional tips, this episode is a treasure trove for anyone passionate about the bar industry and the stories that make it so enchanting.

Contact Tanner:
LinkedIn

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Welcome to the Bar Business Podcast, the ultimate resource for bar owners looking to elevate their businesses to the next level. Our podcast is packed with valuable insights, expert advice, and inspiring stories from successful bar owners and industry professionals. Tune in to learn everything from how to craft the perfect cocktail menu to how to manage your staff effectively. Our mission is to help you thrive in the competitive bar industry and achieve your business goals.

Special thank you to our benchmarking data partner Starfish. Starfish works with your bookkeeping software by using AI to help you make smart data-driven decisions and maximize your profits while giving you benchmarking data to understand how you compare to the industry at large.

For more information on how to spend less time working in your bar and more time working on your bar:
The Bar Business Podcast Website
Schedule a Strategy Session
Chris' Book 'How to Make Top-Shelf Profits in the Bar Business'
Bar Business Nation Facebook Group

Send us a Text Message.

What if the secret to mastering mixology was simply a matter of accessible education and the right tools? Join us this week on the Bar Business Podcast as we sit down with Chris Tunstall from A Bar Above, who shares his transformative journey from a bartender to a prominent figure in the mixology world. Chris opens up about his struggles with the early days of secretive and ego-driven bartending circles and how his move to San Francisco became a turning point. Learn how he embraced a philosophy of open knowledge-sharing, drawing on parallels between culinary and mixology trends to help democratize the craft cocktail movement.

Chris discusses his groundbreaking mixology course that launched in 2014, which examines every variable in cocktail construction. From understanding acids and sugars to innovating with uncommon ingredients, this course has made top-tier cocktail-making techniques accessible to all.

We also dive into bar profitability and efficiency strategies, revealing how to test high-quality cocktails, track essential data points, and optimize preparation processes. Chris shares his insights on turning data into profit and enhancing customer satisfaction, making this episode a goldmine for bar owners and aspiring mixologists.

Finally, we highlight the importance of durable bar tools and educating bar managers on the business side of the industry. Chris emphasizes the need for reliable tools and robust training to reduce frustration and improve service quality. He also underscores the value of community among bar owners, advocating for shared knowledge and mutual support to help everyone grow together. If you’re looking to elevate your bar business, this episode is packed with invaluable insights and practical tips that promise to inspire and empower. Don’t forget to subscribe and join our community for future episodes!

Get In Touch With Chris Tunstall:
A Bar Above Website
Chris's LinkedIn

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Welcome to the Bar Business Podcast, the ultimate resource for bar owners looking to elevate their businesses to the next level. Our podcast is packed with valuable insights, expert advice, and inspiring stories from successful bar owners and industry professionals. Tune in to learn everything from how to craft the perfect cocktail menu to how to manage your staff effectively. Our mission is to help you thrive in the competitive bar industry and achieve your business goals.

Special thank you to our benchmarking data partner Starfish. Starfish works with your bookkeeping software by using AI to help you make smart data-driven decisions and maximize your profits while giving you benchmarking data to understand how you compare to the industry at large.

For more information on how to spend less time working in your bar and more time working on your bar:
The Bar Business Podcast Website
Schedule a Strategy Session
Chris' Book 'How to Make Top-Shelf Profits in the Bar Business'
Bar Business Nation Facebook Group

Send us a Text Message.

Discover the financial pulse of the bar and restaurant industry in our latest episode of the Bar Business Podcast with me, Chris Schneider. Learn how top-performing establishments are navigating increased labor, food, and occupancy costs while still maintaining profits. We'll examine the latest Starfish benchmarking data, revealing why non-major city bars and restaurants are seeing significant drops in net profits. Plus, get insider tips on effective financial controls and forecasting that can help your business thrive, even in challenging times.

As we gear up for the 4th of July, we'll take you back in time to uncover the boozy tales that shaped America. From John Hancock's rum smuggling escapades to Benjamin Franklin's "Drinker's Dictionary," discover how alcohol and taverns played a pivotal role in the founding of the United States. Hear stories of the Founding Fathers' drinking habits and how their favorite beverages influenced key moments in American history. Celebrate American independence with us as we explore these historical connections and their lasting impact on today's bar industry.

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Welcome to the Bar Business Podcast, the ultimate resource for bar owners looking to elevate their businesses to the next level. Our podcast is packed with valuable insights, expert advice, and inspiring stories from successful bar owners and industry professionals. Tune in to learn everything from how to craft the perfect cocktail menu to how to manage your staff effectively. Our mission is to help you thrive in the competitive bar industry and achieve your business goals.

Special thank you to our benchmarking data partner Starfish. Starfish works with your bookkeeping software by using AI to help you make smart data-driven decisions and maximize your profits while giving you benchmarking data to understand how you compare to the industry at large.

For more information on how to spend less time working in your bar and more time working on your bar:
The Bar Business Podcast Website
Schedule a Strategy Session
Chris' Book 'How to Make Top-Shelf Profits in the Bar Business'
Bar Business Nation Facebook Group

Send us a Text Message.

Can a bar with great food and service still fail? Absolutely, and today's episode of the Bar Business Podcast reveals why. Join me, your host Chris Schneider, as I share a personal tale about my parents' fine dining restaurant in Indianapolis. Despite the glowing reviews and stellar reputation, their venture ultimately failed, underscoring the critical importance of keeping an eye on where your money is going.

This week, we shine a spotlight on why cash flow is the lifeblood of any bar or restaurant. Trendy spots might attract buzz, but without steady cash flow, they can quickly fade away. We break down how to regularly review cash flow statements, differentiate between P&L and cash flow, and the impact of loan repayments, amortization, and depreciation. The episode also highlights the perils of over-leveraging and taking on high-cost loans, which can put even the most lucrative businesses at risk. Understanding these elements is crucial for sustaining your business and ensuring its long-term success.

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Welcome to the Bar Business Podcast, the ultimate resource for bar owners looking to elevate their businesses to the next level. Our podcast is packed with valuable insights, expert advice, and inspiring stories from successful bar owners and industry professionals. Tune in to learn everything from how to craft the perfect cocktail menu to how to manage your staff effectively. Our mission is to help you thrive in the competitive bar industry and achieve your business goals.

Special thank you to our benchmarking data partner Starfish. Starfish works with your bookkeeping software by using AI to help you make smart data-driven decisions and maximize your profits while giving you benchmarking data to understand how you compare to the industry at large.

For more information on how to spend less time working in your bar and more time working on your bar:
The Bar Business Podcast Website
Schedule a Strategy Session
Chris' Book 'How to Make Top-Shelf Profits in the Bar Business'
Bar Business Nation Facebook Group

Send us a Text Message.

Discover the untold challenges and triumphs within the bar industry as we chat with Tim Etherington-Judge, the innovative mind behind Healthy Hospo and Avallen spirits. From Cornwall to his global stints in New Zealand, India, and Africa, Tim's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Our conversation sheds light on his unwavering commitment to mental health, employee wellness, and sustainability, touching on the often-overlooked hurdles that hospitality workers face daily. Tim's insights are essential for anyone invested in fostering a healthier, more sustainable work environment.

We delve into the darker side of the hospitality industry, critiquing the toxic culture perpetuated by figures like Gordon Ramsay and reflecting on Anthony Bourdain’s regrets. The episode highlights the severe health risks tied to night shift work, classified by the World Health Organization as a carcinogen. Together, we discuss practical strategies to mitigate these risks and improve overall bar management. Tim shares the tangible benefits of investing in staff well-being, illustrating how happy employees lead to higher retention rates and customer satisfaction.

Our discussion also ventures into the realm of sustainability in the spirits industry. Avallen's dedication to producing environmentally conscious Calvados sets a benchmark for others to follow. We explore the ecological impact of single-use materials and the importance of transparent sustainability practices. With innovative packaging solutions and a strong stance against corporate greenwashing, Tim exemplifies how businesses can protect the environment while thriving. Join us as we uncover actionable insights and foster a community dedicated to a positive future in hospitality.

Contact Tim:
Healthy Hospo
Avallen Calvados
Tim's Instagram
Tim's LinkedIn

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Welcome to the Bar Business Podcast, the ultimate resource for bar owners looking to elevate their businesses to the next level. Our podcast is packed with valuable insights, expert advice, and inspiring stories from successful bar owners and industry professionals. Tune in to learn everything from how to craft the perfect cocktail menu to how to manage your staff effectively. Our mission is to help you thrive in the competitive bar industry and achieve your business goals.

Special thank you to our benchmarking data partner Starfish. Starfish works with your bookkeeping software by using AI to help you make smart data-driven decisions and maximize your profits while giving you benchmarking data to understand how you compare to the industry at large.

For more information on how to spend less time working in your bar and more time working on your bar:
The Bar Business Podcast Website
Schedule a Strategy Session
Chris' Book 'How to Make Top-Shelf Profits in the Bar Business'
Bar Business Nation Facebook Group

Send us a Text Message.

What if the failure rate statistics you've been hearing about the bar industry are all wrong? Join me, Chris Schneider, on this week's Bar Business Podcast as we dispel some of the most pervasive myths that have been haunting bar owners for years. We start by dissecting the oft-quoted but unsubstantiated claim that 80% of bars fail within five years. Leveraging studies from Ohio State University and data from Starfish, we debunk these misleading figures and encourage bar owners to focus on improving their own performance metrics rather than being swayed by inaccurate industry standards.

We also explore fascinating data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, showing even lower failure rates for businesses opened in 2022, and how establishments that opened just before the COVID-19 pandemic have shown remarkable resilience in the face of adversity.

Finally, let's talk profitability. Contrary to the belief that bars operate on razor-thin margins of less than 5%, data from Starfish reveals that bars in major cities can see average net profits of 10.4%, with non-major cities reaching as high as 21.4%. We delve into the importance of managing prime costs effectively and provide actionable strategies to boost your P&L numbers. From understanding occupancy costs to adapting to consumer behavior trends, this episode is packed with insights to help you steer your bar toward greater profitability. Tune in for data-driven advice and practical tips tailored to your unique business model.

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Welcome to the Bar Business Podcast, the ultimate resource for bar owners looking to elevate their businesses to the next level. Our podcast is packed with valuable insights, expert advice, and inspiring stories from successful bar owners and industry professionals. Tune in to learn everything from how to craft the perfect cocktail menu to how to manage your staff effectively. Our mission is to help you thrive in the competitive bar industry and achieve your business goals.

Special thank you to our benchmarking data partner Starfish. Starfish works with your bookkeeping software by using AI to help you make smart data-driven decisions and maximize your profits while giving you benchmarking data to understand how you compare to the industry at large.

For more information on how to spend less time working in your bar and more time working on your bar:
The Bar Business Podcast Website
Schedule a Strategy Session
Chris' Book 'How to Make Top-Shelf Profits in the Bar Business'
Bar Business Nation Facebook Group

Send us a Text Message.

Join us in this captivating episode as we host Dave Nitzel of Dave and Dave, Hospitality and Barmetrix. Dave shares his journey from working with giants like UPS and Office Depot to acquiring Barmetrix franchises and co-authoring the books The Bar Shift and Hospitality DNA.

Dave opens up about his challenges and the rewarding moments he experienced while creating "Hospitality DNA." We explore the Helix model that encapsulates the fundamental traits of successful hospitality professionals—Humble Nature, Explorer's Pursuit, Lifetime of Experience, Indomitable Spirit, and Xtraordinary Culture.

We'll also discuss the role of well-defined partnerships, the value of mentorship relationships, and we'll dive into the revolutionary framework of the Inception Archetype. We wrap up with a conversation about what bar inventory actually entails. Complete with practical inventory management tips, this episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone in the hospitality field.

Contact Dave:
Dave Nitzel on LinkedIn
www.DaveandDave.co
www.barmetrix.com

Buy Dave's Books:
The Bar Shift
Hospitality DNA

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Welcome to the Bar Business Podcast, the ultimate resource for bar owners looking to elevate their businesses to the next level. Our podcast is packed with valuable insights, expert advice, and inspiring stories from successful bar owners and industry professionals. Tune in to learn everything from how to craft the perfect cocktail menu to how to manage your staff effectively. Our mission is to help you thrive in the competitive bar industry and achieve your business goals.

Special thank you to our benchmarking data partner Starfish. Starfish works with your bookkeeping software by using AI to help you make smart data-driven decisions and maximize your profits while giving you benchmarking data to understand how you compare to the industry at large.

For more information on how to spend less time working in your bar and more time working on your bar:
The Bar Business Podcast Website
Schedule a Strategy Session
Chris' Book 'How to Make Top-Shelf Profits in the Bar Business'
Bar Business Nation Facebook Group

Send us a Text Message.

Ever wondered how you could transform your bar or restaurant's finances with minimal effort? This week on the Bar Business Podcast, we sit down with Jordan Silverman of Starfish, an AI-driven analytic and benchmarking platform that's disrupting the industry. Learn how this innovative platform fills a crucial gap in the market, providing bar and restaurant owners with actionable insights to manage costs more effectively, understand industry benchmarks, and make data-driven decisions for better profitability.

Get ready to explore the automation of Profit and Loss (P&L) analysis and cost data management like never before. Discover how Starfish's seamless integration with QuickBooks automates tedious tasks, enabling timely, strategic decision-making. Hear real-life success stories, including impressive recoveries of overpayments and significant cost savings, and understand how Starfish can provide substantial returns on your investment. Emphasizing customer satisfaction and leveraging word-of-mouth growth, Jordan reveals how Starfish aims to revolutionize the industry, one bar at a time.

Get in touch with Jordan:
https://www.usestarfish.com
Jordan.Silverman@usestarfish.com
(914) 844-5775

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Welcome to the Bar Business Podcast, the ultimate resource for bar owners looking to elevate their businesses to the next level. Our podcast is packed with valuable insights, expert advice, and inspiring stories from successful bar owners and industry professionals. Tune in to learn everything from how to craft the perfect cocktail menu to how to manage your staff effectively. Our mission is to help you thrive in the competitive bar industry and achieve your business goals.

Special thank you to our benchmarking data partner Starfish. Starfish works with your bookkeeping software by using AI to help you make smart data-driven decisions and maximize your profits while giving you benchmarking data to understand how you compare to the industry at large.

For more information on how to spend less time working in your bar and more time working on your bar:
The Bar Business Podcast Website
Schedule a Strategy Session
Chris' Book 'How to Make Top-Shelf Profits in the Bar Business'
Bar Business Nation Facebook Group