Bar Stars Happy Hour

Ever wondered why, and how, some Bar or Restaurant menus just seem to pull you in, while others leave you staring blankly? That’s the magic of menu psychology and engineering at work. In this episode, I break down the art and science of designing the perfect bar and restaurant menu that not only showcases your offerings but also guides your guests’ choices in subtle, clever ways. Mastering this can turn your Bar or Restaurant into a playground of happy customers and flowing orders.

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Bar lingo can feel like its own secret dialect, but mastering it can transform the way bartenders, servers, and even guests navigate a night out. In this episode, Tom breaks down the essential terms, phrases, and bits of industry slang that every hospitality pro should know. Whether you're behind the bar or simply sitting at one, understanding this vocabulary will help you communicate more clearly and keep service running smoothly.

Tom also dives into another installment of his cocktail book review series, this time exploring Booze & Vinyl, one of his all‑time favorite collections. Inspired by a classic song, he highlights two featured cocktails—complete with recipes—and shares why this book continues to be a standout for music lovers and mixologists alike.

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It's time to level up. In this episode, Tom covers the essential traits and behaviors that all great bartenders have in common. If you learn these, you will no doubt be well on your way to becoming a Bar Star. There are many things bartenders need to learn to be proficient at their craft, and all of them are attainable with effort, practice, and having pride in what you do. Bartending is a profession in which you should always be learning, open to new ideas, and expanding your knowledge of the craft. There are always methods to improve to presence, product, and to provide that great customer experience and genuine hospitality everyone is in search of. From the basics to advanced, this episode gives insight as to what makes a good bartender, GREAT.     

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In this episode, Tom covers ten things that bartenders wished that guests knew when they're at the bar or restaurant from a bartender, or servers, point of view. Topics covered such as the importance of ice, trying to get more liquor, and behavior patterns on date nights to name a few. He also dives into one of his favorite cocktail books and covers two cocktails paired with an artist and a song. For all the Happy Hours click HERE 

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Ashlee Gambino is a wife, a mother, former professional boxer, and MMA fighter. Her ascending career was impacted by a terminal disease that has left her fighting for her life. In this episode we discuss what lead her from boxing on Fremont Street in Las Vegas, to ultimately making her way to the professional ranks of boxing and MMA. On the path to being a champion, she experienced major setbacks, tragic loss, and a medical diagnosis that would change her life forever.  She now fights with even more tenacity for the life of her family and herself. Ashlee gives you a glimpse into real life and the importance of living everyday to the fullest. This interview will give you insight on what it truly means to be a fighter in every sense of the word, and having the heart and determination of a warrior.  

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Chris Cardone is a Restaurant and Bar consultant, Healthy lifestyle coach, public speaker, and the Diageo World Class 2017 Bartender of the Year. Chris has exploded in the world of mocktails and brand education, ensuring the bar is a welcoming and fun place for everyone. In this episode, we talk about having mastery of your craft, the non-alcoholic mocktail explosion, the focus on brand education, and the launch of his new company Continuous Beverage Solutions. Check out his website HERE  

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There's nothing more important in the Bar and Restaurant industry than repeat guests. This episode outlines how to exceed expectations and achieve this with proper training, and outlines ten proven steps of service guidelines for you to train your staff, and follow. If these steps are followed, you are sure to make a lasting impression, and the chances of guest satisfaction and repeat guests is much greater. Also, enjoy another segment of "Cocktails of the Movies" randomly landing on one of the most classic cocktails there is. Do not miss this episode as it will help bartenders, servers, and managers improve operations immediately.   

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You can't become a star behind the bar without knowing the basics first. In this episode, I'm taking you back to the basics of bartending with types of glassware, cocktail techiques, components of a cocktail, types of cocktails, and so much more. I also pick a random cocktail from one of my favorite books and tell the story what movie it was featured in, how to make it, and what famous celebrity was known to indulge. And you don't want to miss the hilarious story about my aunt, and her cocktail of choice. All that and more in this new Happy Hour!   

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Shaun is a bartender that has worked at some of the most popular places in Las Vegas. Most notably, the world-famous Carnival Court and Circa Hotel and Casino. Shaun has decided to walk out from behind the bar and pursue his desire to serve and help people in a different way as a life coach. In this episode we dive into his decision to pursue life coaching, the fear of trying a new career path, the mentality of success, and so much more! Follow his journey from serving cocktails to changing lives!
 https://shaunplummer.com/

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It's the age old debate, are you a bartender or do you consider yourself a mixologist? In this episode, Tom discusses what sets one apart from the other, the mentality of both, and he gives you his position on what he will forever call himself. There's also another segment of Booze and Vinyl which happens to land on one of the most iconic singers and cocktails of all time. Whether you're a bartender or a mixologist, you are going to want to listen to this episode!  Be sure to follow the Bar Stars Happy Hour Podcast anywhere podcasts are available. Click HERE to listen to all the Happy Hours!   

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