The Bar Business Podcast: Smart Hospitality & Marketing Secrets For Bar & Pub Owners - podcast cover

The Bar Business Podcast: Smart Hospitality & Marketing Secrets For Bar & Pub Owners

Chris Schneider, The Bar Business Coachwww.barbusinesspodcast.com

Are you spending more time stuck behind the bar than building a business that runs smoothly without you?

If you're a bar owner who feels overwhelmed by the day-to-day grind of hospitality and is struggling to balance operations, marketing, and profits this show is for you. Chris Schneider, with over 20 years in the industry, created this podcast to help you overcome burnout, increase profits, and create a business you can enjoy—not just endure.

Join us every Monday and Wednesday to:

  • Get expert strategies to boost profits while attracting loyal customers.
  • Learn bar marketing tactics, menu design hacks, and leadership tools that simplify operations.
  • Build the bar or pub that you have always dreamt of owning.


Ready to take control of your bar’s success? Start by tuning into the fan-favorite episode: 5 Strategies to Boost Bar Profits This Week: Quick Wins for Bar Owners. 


Episodes

Seasonal Menus: Smart Menu Changes for Bar Owners

Are high food costs eating into your profits? Discover how seasonal menu changes can dramatically reduce your expenses while delighting your customers. Rising food costs and supply chain issues are squeezing bar owners' margins. Strategic seasonal menu planning can help you take advantage of better pricing while keeping your offerings fresh and exciting. In today's episode learn to: Reduce food costs by purchasing ingredients at peak season Create buzz and excitement with limited-time seasonal o...

Mar 03, 20257 minSeason 3Ep. 114

How to Recognize and Fix a Failing Bar Before It's Too Late

Is your bar showing warning signs of failure that you're choosing to ignore? Many bar owners struggle to identify critical business problems until it's too late, often mistaking temporary setbacks for normal business fluctuations. In today’s episode: Learn how to spot early warning signs of business decline Understand the key financial indicators that matter Discover proven strategies to turn your business around. Get the essential knowledge you need to protect your bar's future - press play now...

Feb 26, 202523 minSeason 3Ep. 113

Labor Cost Secrets: Controlling Your Biggest Expense for Bar Owners

What if your labor costs are eating away at your profits without you even realizing it? Many bar owners struggle with managing labor costs effectively, leading to diminished profits and operational challenges. In today's episode: Learn proven strategies for labor cost control Understand the importance of proper scheduling Discover how to maintain quality service while optimizing staffing levels. Master the essentials of labor cost management to boost your bottom line - press play now. Learn More...

Feb 24, 202510 minSeason 3Ep. 112

Building an Unforgettable Bar Brand: Smart Strategies for Hospitality Owners

Want your bar to be the go-to spot in town? The secret isn’t just great drinks—it’s creating a brand people remember and want to return to. In a competitive market, the most successful bars don’t just serve alcohol—they create experiences. From unique menu items to strong community connections, how do you craft a brand that keeps customers loyal? Tune in today to: Discover the signature elements that make a bar unforgettable. Learn why emotional connections and storytelling are crucial for brand...

Feb 19, 202527 minSeason 3Ep. 111

Draft Line Cleaning: Protecting Your Bar’s Beer Quality & Profits

What if your draft beer sales are suffering because of a simple maintenance issue you're overlooking? Many bar owners struggle with inconsistent beer quality and waste due to poorly maintained draft lines, leading to lost profits and unhappy customers. In Today's Episode: Learn the proper techniques for draft line cleaning Understand the impact on beer quality and profits Discover how to implement an effective maintenance schedule. Master the essentials of draft line maintenance to serve perfect...

Feb 17, 20257 minSeason 3Ep. 110

Quarterly Industry Benchmarking Insights: Profitability Strategies for Bar & Restaurant Owners with Jordan Silverman of Starfish

Are your restaurant or bar margins feeling tighter than ever? You’re not alone. But what if small, strategic changes could turn your bottom line around? In this quarterly deep dive, Chris Schneider and Jordan Silverman analyze the latest trends in food, beverage, and labor costs, revealing surprising shifts in wine sales, liquor stocking habits, and the hidden impact of over-ordering. In today's episode: Discover why food costs surged in smaller markets and how to combat over-portioning and wast...

Feb 12, 202530 minSeason 3Ep. 109

The Basics of Food and Beverage Cost: Simple Math that Leads to Bigger Profits for Bar Owners

Are you losing money on every plate and drink you serve without even knowing it? Many bar owners struggle with calculating their true costs, leading to menu items that actually lose money despite appearing profitable. In today's episode: Learn the simple formulas for accurate cost calculation Discover how to track and reduce waste Master the basics of profitable pricing. Press play now to learn the essential math that will protect your profits. Learn More: Schedule a Strategy Session Bar Busines...

Feb 10, 20257 minSeason 3Ep. 108

Projecting Start-Up Costs: Financial Planning for New Bar Owners

What if you could avoid the #1 reason restaurants fail in their first year - undercapitalization? Many aspiring restaurant owners underestimate their start-up costs, leading to financial strain before they even open their doors. Accurate cost projection is crucial for long-term success. Learn how to calculate realistic start-up costs, understand hidden expenses that catch new owners off guard, and create a proper financial buffer for your first year. Get the complete financial roadmap for openin...

Feb 05, 202521 minSeason 3Ep. 107

Reading Guest Signals for Bar Owners: Boost Sales Through Body Language

Are you missing out on sales because you can't read your guests' buying signals? Many bars struggle with training staff to recognize buying signals and engagement opportunities, leading to missed sales and lower guest satisfaction In today’s episode: Master the psychology of guest interactions to naturally increase sales Create an environment where guests feel truly understood and valued Transform casual customers into repeat business through better engagement Discover how understanding subtle g...

Feb 03, 202511 minSeason 3Ep. 106

3 Simple Tools for 1% More Profit: Finding Incremental Income in your Bar or Pub

What if three simple tools could add thousands to your bottom line without changing your prices or cutting staff? Many bar owners struggle with profit margins, often implementing drastic changes that can hurt guest experience or staff morale. Small, strategic improvements can create significant financial impact. Learn how to implement automated financial tracking, optimize your operating hours based on real data, and leverage technology to reduce administrative tasks. Discover how these three pr...

Jan 29, 202522 minSeason 3Ep. 105

Bar Owner's Guide to Profitable Menu Pricing: Set Your Margins Right

Are your menu prices actually making you money, or are you just breaking even? Many bar owners struggle with pricing their menu items correctly, leading to razor-thin margins that threaten their profitability. Without proper margin analysis, you could be losing money on every sale. In today's episode: • Learn the proven formula for calculating profitable menu prices • Discover how to analyze your true costs beyond just ingredients • Master the psychology of pricing to increase sales while mainta...

Jan 27, 20259 minSeason 3Ep. 104

7 Employee Management Secrets Every Bar Owner Must Know

Are you struggling to keep your best employees while maintaining consistent performance across your team? Managing bar staff effectively can feel like herding cats - between personality conflicts, scheduling headaches, and maintaining service standards. But there are proven secrets that the most successful bars use to build and retain amazing teams. In today's episode: • Discover how to build a culture of accountability without micromanaging • Learn the psychology behind motivating different per...

Jan 22, 202524 minSeason 3Ep. 103

Streamlining Cash Handling: A Proven System for Bar Owners to Prevent Errors & Discrepancies

Struggling with cash discrepancies in your bar’s daily operations? Cash handling errors can cost your business money and peace of mind. Without a reliable system in place, you risk mismanagement and missed opportunities to identify problems early. In today's episode: Learn a proven, easy-to-use system for daily cash counts that minimizes errors. Discover how to create checks and balances to protect your bar from theft and discrepancies. Implement a simple Excel-based form to streamline your reco...

Jan 20, 20257 minSeason 3Ep. 95

A Bar Owner's Guide to Perfect Staff Training: The Tell-Show-Do-Review Method

Are your bartenders consistently making drinks the exact same way, or is quality varying depending on who's behind the bar? Inconsistent service and product quality can damage your bar's reputation and bottom line. Without a proper training system, even your best staff members might struggle to maintain standards. On today's episode: Master a proven four-step training method that ensures consistency Learn how to build muscle memory in your staff for flawless execution Discover how to implement a...

Jan 15, 202518 minSeason 3Ep. 94

5 Marketing Strategies for Bar Owners to Dominate 2025

Ready to elevate your bar's marketing game and dominate 2025? January is slow for most of us, making it the perfect time to plan. Most bars struggle with consistent marketing, but a simple strategy can boost customer visits and loyalty, ensuring a strong year ahead. Discover five actionable ways to grow your bar’s presence and guest engagement. Learn how to leverage social media, loyalty programs, and email campaigns without breaking the bank. Explore innovative partnerships and the power of dat...

Jan 13, 20258 minSeason 3Ep. 93

3 Game-Changing Strategies for Bar Owners in 2025

Are you tired of watching your bar stay stagnant while your competitors seem to be thriving? Many bar owners struggle with implementing meaningful changes that actually impact their bottom line, often feeling overwhelmed by where to start or what changes will yield the best results. • Learn practical, cost-effective improvements that can transform your bar's performance • Discover proven strategies to increase customer satisfaction and loyalty • Master modern operational techniques that reduce w...

Jan 08, 202525 minSeason 3Ep. 92

Managing Intoxicated Regulars: Effective Hospitality Strategies for Bar Owners

How do you handle intoxicated regulars without damaging relationships or disrupting your bar's atmosphere? Regulars bring loyalty and community, but their sense of ownership can make enforcing rules tricky. Without the right approach, these situations can escalate, affecting other patrons and your team. Learn subtle techniques to cut off intoxicated patrons gracefully and avoid conflict. Discover how clear policies and consistent training empower your staff to handle disruptions effectively. Gai...

Dec 30, 20249 minSeason 2Ep. 91

Bar Owner's Guide to Operational Excellence: Why Checklists Are Your Secret Weapon

Are you tired of constantly putting out fires in your bar because something was forgotten or overlooked? Many bar owners struggle with maintaining consistency in their operations, leading to costly mistakes, frustrated staff, and dissatisfied customers. Without proper systems in place, it's easy for important tasks to slip through the cracks. Learn How to: Create effective checklists that actually get used Discover the critical areas of your bar that need systematic oversight Master the art of a...

Dec 25, 202421 minSeason 2Ep. 90

Unlocking Bar Success: Harnessing Team Insights to Boost Efficiency & Profits

What if your team's insights were the missing piece to unlocking your bar’s success? It's time to set ego aside and find out! Bar owners often overlook the wealth of knowledge their staff possess about daily operations. By embracing team feedback, you can identify hidden inefficiencies and drive meaningful change that benefits everyone. Learn how to ask the right questions to uncover your team's pain points. Understand the mindset shift needed to overcome ego and embrace collaboration. Discover ...

Dec 23, 20245 minSeason 2Ep. 89

Essential Tax & Financial Strategies for Bar Owners with Michael Jamison

Struggling with the complexities of payroll and taxes? Discover how to turn tax compliance into a strategic advantage for your bar! From payroll pitfalls to missed tax credits, bar owners face costly mistakes that can hurt their bottom line. Learn how to safeguard your finances and unlock new opportunities with expert tips tailored for the bar industry. Discover how to: Master payroll compliance and avoid hefty penalties with professional services. Maximize tax credits, like the FICA tip credit,...

Dec 18, 202440 minSeason 2Ep. 88

Essential KPIs Every Bar Owner Must Master: Bar Success Tips

Are you truly in control of your bar's performance? Many bar owners struggle to identify which numbers actually matter for their success and profitability. Learn how to track, analyze, and improve the metrics that directly impact your bottom line. Learn which key metrics directly impact your bar's profitability Master the art of data-driven decision-making for your business Discover how to track and improve your most vital performance indicators Tune in now to master the essential KPIs that will...

Dec 11, 202435 minSeason 2Ep. 87

Steps to Master End Of Year Inventory for Bar Owners

Are you dreading end-of-year inventory? Learn how to make it stress-free while boosting your bar’s profitability! The chaos of New Year's Eve and scattered inventory can turn counting stock into a nightmare. Discover expert strategies to streamline your process, reduce stress, and start the new year strong. Uncover efficient inventory planning tips, from setting the right date to organizing your staff. Learn restocking strategies that save time and simplify post-NYE inventory counting. Get insid...

Dec 09, 20249 minSeason 99Ep. 7

Crafting Unforgettable Holiday Experiences: A Bar Owner's Guide to Seasonal Success

Are your holiday promotions falling flat while your competitors seem to pack their venues night after night during the festive season? The holiday season represents a crucial revenue opportunity for bars, yet many owners struggle to differentiate themselves from the competition and create memorable experiences that keep customers coming back. Master the art of creating signature seasonal cocktails that become yearly traditions Learn proven strategies for holiday event planning that maximize prof...

Dec 04, 202433 minSeason 2Ep. 86

Engage Bartenders to Boost Service & Profits

Is your bar ready to handle the holiday rush with lightning-fast service and happy staff? Inefficient bar setups can slow down service and frustrate your team—especially during the busiest time of the year. Discover how a few simple adjustments to your bartender stations can revolutionize operations and elevate the guest experience. Learn how to engage your bartenders to identify workflow bottlenecks and craft a standardized station setup. See how reorganizing your bar can speed up service, allo...

Dec 02, 20248 minSeason 99Ep. 6

Boost Your Bar’s Bottom Line: Strategic Pricing & Profit Optimization for Bar Owners

Are your bar’s pricing strategies boosting profits—or leaving money on the table? Setting the right price isn’t just about covering costs; it’s about mastering the balance between guest counts, menu appeal, and profitability. Discover how small pricing adjustments can have a big impact on your bar's bottom line. Understand the interplay of fixed, variable, and semi-variable costs to optimize pricing decisions. Learn menu engineering tactics to align prices with contribution margins and guest pre...

Nov 27, 202431 minSeason 2Ep. 85

Boost Team Morale for Thanksgiving: Strategic Pre-Holiday Planning for Bar Owners

Is your bar ready to handle Thanksgiving Eve, the busiest night of the year? With the holiday rush looming, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the demands of Thanksgiving Eve. But what if you could boost profits, streamline operations, and keep your staff happy, all at once? Learn how early admin planning can free up your time and reduce holiday stress. Discover strategies to show genuine appreciation for your team and create a supportive work environment. Equip your bar to handle last-minute holi...

Nov 25, 20246 minSeason 99Ep. 5

3 Common Mistakes Bar Owner's Make That Hurt Success

Are ego, education, and a lack of trust holding your bar back from thriving? Many bar owners unknowingly let outdated mindsets, knowledge gaps, and lack of trust stifle their growth. What if these barriers could be transformed into building blocks for success? In this episode: Discover how to overcome ego and embrace innovation to stay ahead in the ever-changing hospitality industry. Learn the value of educating both yourself and your team—not just in skills, but in life-changing tools like fina...

Nov 20, 202427 minSeason 2Ep. 84

Leadership, Employee Satisfaction & Marketing for Bar Owners with Monte Silva

Curious how the best restaurants keep both their employees happy and guests coming back? With fierce competition and rising costs, creating a thriving bar or restaurant means more than good food—it’s about building a great team, mastering the basics, and implementing innovative strategies to stand out. Monte Silva shares his insights: Learn the five foundational pillars of success: people, process, purchases, product, and profit. Discover powerful marketing tactics, from partnerships to concierg...

Nov 13, 20241 hr 3 minSeason 2Ep. 83

5 Strategies to Manage Food & Beverage Costs for Bar & Restaurant Profitability

Are you struggling to keep profits up while dealing with rising costs and ever-changing guest expectations? With inflation, labor issues, and waste concerns on the rise, strategic cost management is crucial for today’s bar owners who want to maintain quality while staying profitable. Today we cover 5 strategies you can use to control your costs without impacting guest satisfaction: Learn how to make every ingredient work harder with cross-utilization techniques that save money and reduce waste. ...

Nov 06, 202437 minSeason 2Ep. 82

Complete Your Bookkeeping This Week to Boost Bar Profitability

Do your bookkeeping records actually reflect your bar's current financial state—or are you making decisions based on outdated data? In the fast-paced bar industry, up-to-date financials are essential for real-time decision-making. This week's challenge focuses on getting your books done now, so you’re using accurate, timely data to drive profitability and growth in your business. Learn how to complete and verify your bookkeeping quickly, whether you handle it yourself or work with a bookkeeper. ...

Nov 04, 20247 minSeason 99Ep. 4
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