Bar Stars Happy Hour

Work culture is one of the most important aspects of success in the Food and Beverage Industry. In this Happy Hour, Tom talks about the importance of a healthy work environment and how to assess if it's in need of a change. You'll learn what really matters when it comes to running a successful business, keeping your best employees, and how to get the most out of them on a daily basis. You'll know whether or not you're in a healthy work environment after listening to this episode!
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In this episode, Tom discusses the many differences between a boss, and a leader. Being a boss, or manager is one thing, but leadership is an acquired skill. He details 10 differences between the two, things to watch for within your own career, and how to become the absolute best version of yourself if you want to become a leader. There’s also a new segment called Booze and Vinyl, based off the incredible cocktail book by Andre and Tenaya Darlington. He randomly picks a page to an album, sets the scene, and shares the two cocktails associated with that album. Get your taste buds ready! You don’t want to miss this happy hour! Available anywhere podcasts are found. 

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If you want to be a Bar Star, one of the first things you'll need is a job! This episode covers the all important job interview. Tom goes over some interviewer questions you may be asked, how to present yourself in the best light, what to have with you day of, and how to manage those pesky curveball questions. Tom also gives you the Bar Stars Happy Hour Cheat Sheet and some examples of answers to very important questions you most certainly will be asked. If you want to land that dream job, you need to crush the interview. And this episode will help you do just that! Do not miss this episode!
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On this episode, Tom does a deep dive into the world of Rum. It's origins as we know them, different types, multiple nicknames, and how it's made. Tom gives you his three favorite Rums to drink, and his favorite Rum cocktails you definitely need to try. He also shares a personal story about the time he and Jackie were stuck in the middle of the Jamaican jungle, and Rum came to the rescue. You don't want to miss this Happy Hour!

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How important is the drink menu? Some may say, Very! In this episode Tom talks the importance of having a cocktail menu, why size (of the menu) does matter, and why it's crucial to know how much everything costs in order to price your new menu accordingly. It's one thing to be very good at what you do, it's another to have passion for it. Tom talks about how, and why, having passion and pride in what you do will ultimately lead to a successful rollout of your new cocktail menu.

Tom also gives his honest opinion of the recent Netflix show, Drink Masters. Spoiler Alert! You definitely don't want to miss the first show of the new year! Available anywhere podcasts are found, or directly from our website CLICK HERE

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On this educational episode, Tom talks the difference between stirring vs. shaking cocktails, and when to do each. What are the proper steps to do both? What are the reasons to do each based on the specific cocktail you’re making? And how do you know which one to do? Step up your cocktail game with some easy proper procedures to produce the best cocktails you can! He also addresses the difference between a dry shake and wet shake, and why you would use egg whites, or Aquafaba, in some cocktails. What is aquafaba? Listen and find out! Don’t have too many shots at happy hour today, because you’re going to want to remember these, and take them to work with you to try for yourself. https://www.barstarspodcast.com

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Enjoy the conclusion of this two part episode with the master mixologist, Livio Lauro! We pick up where we left off with his very interesting, and well thought out answers to Fill The Seats. We also get an exclusive on what he's working on next. And, can he really pin point the exact location where Sambuca was created? All that and much more! Enjoy! 

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We are honored to spend some time with Master Mixologist, author, educator, and so much more, Livio Lauro. In one of our most captivating interviews, he opens up about his life, his passions, his drive, and the need to create a legacy. Livio is is the recipient of several prestigious awards in International cocktail competitions, and recognized in 2002 for passing the final Capo Barman AIBES exam, the most prestigious testing series run by the International Bartenders Association. He also helped pioneer the resurgence of the United States Bartenders Guild and is the founding President of USBG Master Accreditation program. He has also started a YouTube channel to spread his knowledge, and passions, called Master Your Glass. Can you guess who he chooses to "Fill The Seats"? You will be as surprised as we were! You do not want to miss this episode!

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In this weeks episode we talk with Ivan Grant. Ivan works at the long bar at The D Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, and has been a big part of the image that is The D. We discuss his long battle with Covid, his viral beer chug videos, his goals to be an actor, and how he transformed his body to become the "beast" he is today! We also address how he creates the ultimate guest experience, and whether or not there is temptation to go to the newest bars and casinos. All of that, and so much more, in this one of a kind interview! Do not miss it!  

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In one of our most interesting Happy Hours, we talk to former circus performer turned flair bartender, Aaron Pierce. We begin with his life from an early age in the Big Apple Circus with his family, all the way to bartending in the best, and busiest, bars in Atlanta. He takes some interesting detours along the way with stops in Alaska and the British Virgin Islands, and he tells the stories to prove it! We also dive in to the dark side of the bar industry, and nightlife, that many fall into and how it drove him to realize his true passion in woodworking, and open his own company, Southern River Tables. We discuss the differences of a jugglers grip and bartenders grip, his world travels, and he tells a border crossing story from a previous guest of the show you have got to hear! All that and so much more in this most interesting and fun episode.

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