Let’s be honest, running a bar is one thing. Running a nightclub? That’s a whole different game. In this episode, I’m joined by Connor Treacy, who co-founded Off Sunset, one of LA’s most buzzed-about nightclubs. We talk through everything you don’t see on Instagram what it really takes to keep a club relevant, why you’re basically running a circus, and how a tiny 150-person room was pulling in $4 million a year. If you’ve ever been curious about nightlife, or even tempted to open a club yourself...
Jun 25, 2025•30 min
Are your food and beverage costs higher than expected? Learn the key food cost calculation formulas and strategies to take control of your margins and protect your restaurant finances. Many restaurants and bars struggle with tracking the cost of goods sold restaurant data accurately, leading to unexpected losses. Understanding the difference between actual and theoretical costs can help you maximize profitability. In today's episode: Learn the simple yet powerful formula for food cost calculatio...
Jun 23, 2025•10 min•Season 3Ep. 143
Want to make smarter, more profitable decisions without working longer hours? Your POS system holds the answers. Most bar owners barely scratch the surface of the data they already have. But when you know what to look for, you can spot waste, improve margins, and make every shift run smoother. In today’s episode: Learn which weekly reports actually boost your bottom line Track inventory the right way (and stop wasting cash on dead stock) Build a data-driven ordering system that reduces spoilage ...
Jun 18, 2025•18 min•Season 1Ep. 142
Want to raise prices without losing customers or damaging your guest experience? Rising costs are unavoidable, but raising your prices doesn’t have to feel risky. With the right timing, menu strategy, and communication, you can protect your margins and keep guests happy. In today’s episode: Learn the best times of year to raise prices (without guest backlash) Use smart menu design to minimize price sensitivity Train your staff to confidently handle price questions from guests Listen now and disc...
Jun 16, 2025•11 min•Season 3Ep. 141
Want to keep more of what you earn and build long-term security for yourself and your team? Retirement planning may sound overwhelming — but with the right strategy, it can reduce your taxes, attract better employees, and set you up for the future. In this episode, I talk with Matt Ruttenberg, co-owner and Director of Business Development at Life, Inc. Retirement Services. Matt helps businesses, including bars and restaurants, figure out how to set up retirement plans that actually work for them...
Jun 11, 2025•26 min•Season 3Ep. 140
Want a bar that runs faster, smoother, and more profitably, without burning out your staff? Boosting your speed of service doesn’t mean cutting corners. With the right bar setup, systems, and training, you can serve more guests, increase revenue, and keep both customers and staff happy. In today’s episode: Discover hidden setup mistakes that slow your bar down Implement systems that double your service speed, without adding chaos Train your bartenders to move with precision, not panic Listen now...
Jun 09, 2025•10 min•Season 3Ep. 139
Want a team that actually makes your bar better, not harder to run? Building the right team doesn’t have to be a constant struggle. With the right systems, you can hire smarter, train faster, and keep morale high. In today’s episode: Learn how to create a hiring process that attracts the right people Set clear expectations and avoid team drama before it starts Build a steady pipeline so you're never scrambling to fill a shift Listen now and take the guesswork out of hiring and firing for good. L...
Jun 04, 2025•23 min•Season 3Ep. 138
Are your bar events packed but your profits still "Missing In Action"? Plenty of bar owners throw high-energy events that look great on the surface but behind the scenes, they’re losing money without even realizing why. In today’s episode: Learn the key numbers that make or break your event's bottom line Nail your staffing strategy so you’re not overpaying or underprepared Spot the hidden costs that quietly eat your margins Listen now and turn your next event into a money-maker, not a resource d...
Jun 02, 2025•10 min•Season 3Ep. 137
Ever dreamt of opening your own bar — only to wonder if you’re cut out for the chaos that comes with it? Gregg Singer didn’t set out to open a bar. What started as a real estate deal turned into The Golden Monkey Lounge in Glens Falls, NY — and a crash course in what it really takes to run a bar from the ground up. This isn’t a story about ribbon cuttings or flashy cocktails. It’s about long nights, hard lessons, and figuring it out one stumble at a time. In this episode: The gut-check moments n...
May 28, 2025•31 min•Season 1Ep. 136
Is your late-night crowd disappearing faster than your beer inventory? Many bar owners watch their late-night sales plummet without understanding the real reasons why guests aren't staying - or coming back. In today's episode: Learn how to energize and optimize your late-night team Master the perfect late-night menu and pricing strategy Discover the environmental factors that keep guests longer Listen now to transform your late-night dead zone into a profit powerhouse. Learn More: Schedule a Str...
May 26, 2025•13 min•Season 3Ep. 135
Is your craft beer program facing its biggest challenge yet? With craft beer production plummeting 4% in 2024—the largest decline outside the pandemic—bar owners need to act fast to protect their profits. For the first time in two decades, brewery closures (501) have outpaced openings (434). This seismic shift signals a transformation in consumer preferences and market dynamics that directly impacts your bar's bottom line. In this episode, discover: How to transform your beer program to match ev...
May 21, 2025•23 min•Season 3Ep. 134
Is one slow night wiping out three good ones? Many bar owners watch their weekly profits disappear because of poorly managed slow periods. In today's episode: Learn to maintain profitability even during quiet shifts Master staff scheduling for maximum efficiency Discover proven strategies to build consistent traffic Action Listen now to transform your slow nights from profit-killers into opportunities for growth. Learn More: Schedule a Strategy Session Bar Business Nation Facebook Grou p The Bar...
May 19, 2025•11 min•Season 3Ep. 133
What if better leadership—not better cocktails—is the secret to unlocking your bar’s full potential? In this episode, Chris sits down with Dave Nitzel to unpack why the old-school, hard-nosed management style in hospitality just doesn’t cut it anymore. From coaching bar leaders to changing lives, Dave shares how real leadership development can radically transform not just your team—but your entire business. In today's episode: Learn why hospitality leadership is about more than barking orders—an...
May 14, 2025•33 min•Season 3Ep. 132
Is your bar missing out on dozens of positive reviews every week? Most bar owners struggle to get consistent reviews, despite having hundreds of happy guests each week. In today's episode: Learn the exact moment to ask for reviews Master a non-pushy approach that works Discover how to make review collection automatic Listen now to transform your online reputation with this simple, proven strategy. Learn More: Schedule a Strategy Session Bar Business Nation Facebook Grou p The Bar Business Podcas...
May 12, 2025•8 min•Season 3Ep. 131
Are you tired of wondering where all your bar's money went at the end of each month? Kasey Anton joins us to show how the Profit First system is transforming hospitality businesses by giving every dollar a specific purpose. Learn why traditional bank balance accounting fails bar owners and how a properly structured multiple-account system can provide immediate visibility into your business's true financial health. In today's episode: Understand why P&Ls don't tell the whole story of your bus...
May 07, 2025•31 min•Season 3Ep. 130
Need a quick boost in your weekend revenue? Many bar owners struggle to create promotions that are both profitable and quick to implement, leaving money on the table every weekend. In today's episode: Learn instant-implementation promotional strategies Discover how to structure pricing for maximum profit Master the art of creating urgency in weekend specials Listen now to transform your next weekend's revenue with these ready-to-launch promotions. Learn More: Schedule a Strategy Session Bar Busi...
May 05, 2025•11 min•Season 3Ep. 129
Ever wondered why some bars proudly wear their one-star Yelp reviews like a badge of honor? In the cat-and-mouse game of underage drinking, fake IDs are getting more sophisticated—and bars are on the front lines. But cracking down without scaring off real customers or running afoul of the law? That’s the real trick. In today's episode: Learn why scanning IDs is only one piece of the puzzle in spotting fakes. Hear how rewarding staff for catching phonies creates a culture of compliance. Find out ...
Apr 30, 2025•30 min•Season 3Ep. 128
Are your bartenders leaving money on the table every time they serve a drink? Many bar owners struggle with getting their staff to consistently upsell, resulting in thousands of dollars in lost revenue potential each month. In today's episode: Learn proven psychological techniques to overcome upselling resistance Discover how to create effective incentive programs that actually work Master the art of training staff to upsell naturally and confidently Listen now to transform your team's approach ...
Apr 28, 2025•11 min•Season 3Ep. 127
Why are bar insurance premiums skyrocketing—and is there anything you can do to protect your business? If you’re a bar, restaurant, or nightclub owner, you’ve likely seen your insurance rates spike in the last few years. With more lawsuits, stricter laws, and fewer insurers willing to play ball, coverage has become more expensive—and more confusing. This episode gets into the weeds with an expert who knows exactly what’s going on behind the curtain. In today's episode: Learn the four critical ty...
Apr 23, 2025•27 min•Season 3Ep. 126
Is your bar losing customers because you're not prepared for the cashless payment revolution? As cash transactions decline and customers increasingly expect digital payment options, bar owners must adapt their operations or risk frustrating guests and losing business while dealing with increased reconciliation complexity. In today’s episode: Learn proven strategies to smoothly transition your bar operations for the digital payment era Discover how to optimize your POS system for faster service a...
Apr 21, 2025•10 min•Season 3Ep. 125
Is your bar's profitability taking a nosedive during slow seasons while your expenses remain the same? Many bar owners struggle with maintaining profits during predictable seasonal downturns, leading to cash flow problems and stress. Smart preparation and strategic adjustments can help you maintain healthy margins even during slower periods. In today’s episode: • Learn proven strategies to reduce costs without sacrificing quality • Discover creative promotion ideas that drive traffic during slow...
Apr 16, 2025•21 min•Season 3Ep. 124
What's the real cost of waiting until your bar equipment breaks down during a busy Friday night? Every bar owner knows the panic of unexpected equipment failures that can derail service and drain profits, but with proper preventative maintenance, you can avoid these costly disruptions. In today’s episode: Learn essential daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance schedules for critical bar equipment Discover cost-effective ways to extend the life of your expensive bar assets Master the art of traini...
Apr 14, 2025•8 min•Season 3Ep. 123
Are your employees secretly draining your profits? The hidden costs of labor inefficiencies might shock you. Every bar owner knows that labor costs are a huge part of the budget—but most don’t realize just how much money is slipping away due to time theft, clock milking, and scheduling inefficiencies. In today's episode: Discover how tracking minor labor discrepancies can save thousands every year. Learn why "buddy punching" and clock milking are bigger threats than you think—and how to stop the...
Apr 09, 2025•32 min•Season 3Ep. 122
Is your menu secretly sabotaging your profits? Many bar owners waste valuable menu real estate on items guests already know they want, while missing opportunities to showcase high-profit signature items that could dramatically increase sales. In today's episode: Learn strategic menu placement techniques that boost profits Discover how to use psychology to influence ordering behavior Master the art of writing compelling drink descriptions Listen now to transform your menu from a simple list into ...
Apr 07, 2025•9 min•Season 3Ep. 121
Struggling with high manager turnover and inconsistent performance? The problem might not be your managers—it might be you. Let’s fix that. Running a bar is tough, and without a solid management team, it’s even harder. Many bar owners fail to set clear expectations, provide financial empowerment, or build strong support systems. But when you do? You create an unstoppable management team that drives profitability, boosts morale, and keeps operations running smoothly. In today's episode: Learn how...
Apr 02, 2025•18 min•Season 3Ep. 120
What if I told you there's a single bookkeeping secret that could save your bar thousands of dollars in lost revenue every month? Many bar owners struggle with financial tracking and end up losing money through inventory discrepancies, mismanaged cash flow, and overlooked expenses. This episode reveals the fundamental bookkeeping practice that can transform your financial control. In today's episode: Master the most crucial bookkeeping practice that successful bars consistently use Learn how to ...
Mar 31, 2025•10 min•Season 3Ep. 119
Why do most bar owners fail to hit world-class profits—and what can you do differently? Running a bar is supposed to be fun and profitable, but too many owners get stuck in the weeds, struggling with inefficiency, financial blind spots, and staff turnover. If you’re pouring your time and money into your bar without seeing serious returns, it’s time to change the game. In today's episode: Discover the systems successful bar owners use to scale profits and free up their time. Learn how to take con...
Mar 26, 2025•18 min•Season 3Ep. 118
Is your bar’s tech helping or hurting your business? Learn how to build a seamless, efficient system that saves you time and boosts your profits. Many bar owners struggle with clunky systems, hidden fees, and software they barely use. In this episode, we cut through the noise and show you exactly what tech you need—and what you don’t—to streamline operations without breaking the bank. In today's episode: Discover the five essential tech tools that will modernize your bar operations. Learn how to...
Mar 24, 2025•12 min•Season 3Ep. 117
Are your food and beverage costs higher than expected? Learn the key formulas and strategies to take control of your margins. Many restaurants and bars struggle with tracking costs accurately, leading to unexpected losses. Understanding the difference between actual and theoretical costs can help you maximize profitability. In today's episode: Learn the simple yet powerful formula for calculating food and beverage costs. Discover how to track waste, spillage, and variance to keep your costs in c...
Mar 10, 2025•10 min•Season 3Ep. 116
Are you struggling to build a team that truly excels in your bar or restaurant? Wondering how to foster leadership, engagement, and a winning culture? A thriving hospitality business isn't just about great food and drinks—it's about having a high-performing team. But without strong leadership, clear systems, and engaged employees, success can feel out of reach. In today's episode: Learn how to develop leadership within your team through ongoing training and shared decision-making. Discover key s...
Mar 05, 2025•27 min•Season 3Ep. 115
