Josh Harris has maintained Trick Dog's position among the world's top bars for over a decade through a simple principle: never compromise what makes it essential. When COVID threatened to force every hospitality concept into survival mode, Josh made a different choice entirely.

This conversation examines the intentionality behind Trick Dog's biannual reinvention, the spatial and operational missteps that led to Bon Voyage's closure, and how Josh approaches leadership through outcome rather than process. We discuss his philosophy that hospitality exists at the intersection of form and concept, and how this thinking shapes his approach to Quik Dog at Mission Rock.

Josh's perspective on building authentic concepts while maintaining commercial viability offers insight into the discipline required to create lasting hospitality experiences. His work demonstrates how personal values can become business strategy when applied with consistency and care.

[00:00:00] - Opening: Multi-hyphenate hospitality leader

[00:11:00] - Trick Dog's menu evolution as business strategy

[00:14:00] - The intersection of form and concept in design

[00:18:00] - From law school to hospitality leadership

[00:24:00] - Building confidence behind the bar

[00:41:00] - Scaling success: what makes Trick Dog endure

[00:57:00] - Bon Voyage: lessons in space, location, and leadership

[01:13:00] - Management philosophy: trial by fire and ownership mindset

[01:20:00] - Community impact: raising $900K through hospitality

[01:27:00] - COVID decision: protecting brand integrity over revenue

[01:33:00] - Quik Dog concept development and design thinking

[01:40:00] - Mission Rock partnership and neighborhood building

[01:51:00] - Rapid fire: hospitality wisdom

Follow Josh:

Instagram: @josh_the_bonvivants@trickdogbar@quik_dog

Connect with ROY:

Instagram: @hospitablyroy

Website: https://www.thisisroy.com/

Connect with Hannah:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-collins-tate-b64981103/

Instagram: @hannah.collins.tate

Connect with Jacob:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-cross-61028012/