The Bar Business Podcast: Bar & Pub Owner Profits, Marketing & Operations

Most bars have no idea what it really costs to bring in a new customer. 

And if they are tracking it, they’re usually missing half the expenses. 

This episode breaks down a simple way to calculate your true customer acquisition cost so you’re not just guessing. 

 📌  What You’ll Learn 📌 

🌟Why CAC is the number most bars ignore but shouldn’t
🌟The simple math that reveals if your marketing actually works
🌟What most bar owners miss when calculating CAC
🌟Why “free” marketing costs more than you think
🌟How to know when a guest finally turns a profit
🌟The ratio that makes or breaks your marketing ROI
🌟Why 3 visits in 90 days is your magic number
🌟The real value of a guest and how to calculate it
🌟Which numbers to track so you stop guessing
🌟How to tell if your bar’s growth is actually sustainable 

You’ll learn how to figure out when a guest becomes profitable, how to shorten that window, and the one ratio that makes or breaks your marketing strategy. 

If your goal is to stop wasting money and start growing on purpose, this one’s worth your time. 

📌Start Here
Own, run, or manage a bar? Join Bar Business Nation.

An EXCLUSIVE private Facebook group for bar owners and operators who want better ways to run the business.

Ask questions, hear what other owners are dealing with, and get ideas you can actually use.

🔴Join here:
 → https://www.facebook.com/groups/barbusinessnation

📌Additional resources
🔴Grab the books “How to Make Top-Shelf Profits in the Bar Business!” and “Menus that Sell” here:
→ https://barbusinesscoach.com/book/ 

Feel like every tech company is trying to sell you the next “must-have” tool for your bar? 

You’re not crazy, and half of them don’t even understand how bars actually work. 

In this episode, we’re talking about why most bar tech ends up wasting your time and money and how to figure out what’s actually worth the investment. 

📌  What You’ll Learn 📌  

🌟Why bar tech drains profits before you even notice.
🌟The one metric that shows if tech is worth it.
🌟How flashy features create more work, not less.
🌟Why Excel might beat your $500/month tool.
🌟A smarter way to price out any bar tech.
🌟What vendors push that bar owners don’t need.
🌟How to trial tech without wasting money. 

You’ll walk away with a super practical framework to evaluate tech before you buy, and hear which simple tools usually deliver the best ROI. 

If you’re tired of shiny object syndrome and want tech that actually helps your bottom line, this one's for you. 

📌Start Here
Own, run, or manage a bar? Join Bar Business Nation.

An EXCLUSIVE private Facebook group for bar owners and operators who want better ways to run the business.

Ask questions, hear what other owners are dealing with, and get ideas you can actually use.

🔴Join here:
 → https://www.facebook.com/groups/barbusinessnation

📌Additional resources
🔴Grab the books “How to Make Top-Shelf Profits in the Bar Business!” and “Menus that Sell” here:
→ https://barbusinesscoach.com/book/ 

Your bar’s bringing in money, but somehow you’re still stressing about next week’s payroll. Sound familiar?

It’s one of the most frustrating things: sales look solid, your P&L shows a profit, but the cash just isn’t there when you need it. 

This episode breaks down why that happens and how to fix it before it turns into a real emergency.

*What You’ll Learn:*

🌟Why profit doesn’t mean you’ve got money in the bank
🌟The one shelf mistake draining your cash flow
🌟 How to prep for slow seasons without panic
🌟The inventory fix that frees up fast cash
🌟When bulk buying starts costing you
🌟How much cash you really need on hand
🌟 The transaction habit that delays your payday

I’m walking you through three simple things you can start doing today to stop cash leaks and get a grip on your money.

If your bank account isn’t reflecting how hard you’re working, this is the one to stick around for. 

📌Start Here
Own, run, or manage a bar? Join Bar Business Nation.

An EXCLUSIVE private Facebook group for bar owners and operators who want better ways to run the business.

Ask questions, hear what other owners are dealing with, and get ideas you can actually use.

🔴Join here:
 → https://www.facebook.com/groups/barbusinessnation

📌Additional resources
🔴Grab the books “How to Make Top-Shelf Profits in the Bar Business!” and “Menus that Sell” here:
→ https://barbusinesscoach.com/book/ 

Dive into the world of cocktails with Neal Bodenheimer, one of the top bar owners globally and co-chair of Tales of the Cocktail. Discover the magic behind this iconic event and how it shapes the cocktail industry.

Neal shares his journey from a college bar bouncer to a leading figure in the hospitality industry. Learn about his passion for giving back through the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation and how it has become a cornerstone for bartenders and enthusiasts worldwide.

Uncover the secrets of Tales of the Cocktail, from its humble beginnings to its current status as a must-attend event for industry professionals. Neal discusses the importance of community, education, and innovation in keeping the spirit of cocktails alive.

Ready to be part of this vibrant community? Visit https://www.talesofthecocktail.org for more information and join the celebration. Don't miss out on the opportunity to connect, learn, and grow in the world of cocktails. 

Check out Tales on Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/tales_of_the_cocktail/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/totc2023

📌Start Here
Own, run, or manage a bar? Join Bar Business Nation.

An EXCLUSIVE private Facebook group for bar owners and operators who want better ways to run the business.

Ask questions, hear what other owners are dealing with, and get ideas you can actually use.

🔴Join here:
 → https://www.facebook.com/groups/barbusinessnation

📌Additional resources
🔴Grab the books “How to Make Top-Shelf Profits in the Bar Business!” and “Menus that Sell” here:
→ https://barbusinesscoach.com/book/ 

Think cutting labor costs is the only way to keep your bar profitable? 

I used to believe that too, but I’ve learned that obsessively cutting labor often hurts your profits instead of helping them.

In this episode, I’ll show you how investing in your staff through strategic overstaffing and better pay can actually make you MORE money by improving guest experience, reducing turnover, and increasing revenue per customer.

📌 What You’ll Learn 📌

• Why the “keep labor under 30%” rule can backfire.
• The hidden costs of constant staff turnover (it’s more than you think).
• How paying a bit more than your competitors can keep your best people around.
• Why overstaffing during peak hours can boost revenue and guest satisfaction.
• Simple ways to track the real return on your labor investment.
• The key staff and sales metrics matter more than just labor percentage.
• How experienced staff can upsell and prevent theft adding straight to your bottom line.

You’ll hear real strategies for improving profits by treating your team as an investment, not a cost. Plus, easy ways to start tracking metrics like sales per labor hour and guest retention so you know what’s working.

If you want to run a more profitable bar without running yourself (or your staff) into the ground, you won't want to miss this episode! 

📌Start Here
Own, run, or manage a bar? Join Bar Business Nation.

An EXCLUSIVE private Facebook group for bar owners and operators who want better ways to run the business.

Ask questions, hear what other owners are dealing with, and get ideas you can actually use.

🔴Join here:
 → https://www.facebook.com/groups/barbusinessnation

📌Additional resources
🔴Grab the books “How to Make Top-Shelf Profits in the Bar Business!” and “Menus that Sell” here:
→ https://barbusinesscoach.com/book/ 

Think your pricing strategy is solid because your drink cost is sitting at 20%? 

I used to think that too until I realized the standard markup model was leaving serious money on the table. 

In this episode, I’ll walk you through how a few small shifts in pricing psychology can increase your profits without raising prices across the board or scaring off your regulars. 

 📌  What You’ll Learn 📌  

• Why a 20% pour cost isn’t the win you think it is.
• How to raise margins without raising prices.
• The happy hour habit that’s killing your profits.
• What guests really think when they see your prices.
• How menu layout changes what people buy.
• Why scarcity makes people spend more.
• The smarter way to price your top sellers.

You’ll hear exactly how I use strategic menu design, pricing tiers, and value perception to help bar owners boost their average check size and profit margins. 

If you're looking for simple ways to make more without burning out or overhauling your whole menu, this episode is for you.  

📌Start Here
Own, run, or manage a bar? Join Bar Business Nation.

An EXCLUSIVE private Facebook group for bar owners and operators who want better ways to run the business.

Ask questions, hear what other owners are dealing with, and get ideas you can actually use.

🔴Join here:
 → https://www.facebook.com/groups/barbusinessnation

📌Additional resources
🔴Grab the books “How to Make Top-Shelf Profits in the Bar Business!” and “Menus that Sell” here:
→ https://barbusinesscoach.com/book/ 

Are you feeling stuck in your business or contemplating a major career change?

Many entrepreneurs find themselves at a crossroads, unsure of how to pivot or reinvent themselves in a constantly evolving market. 

In this episode, we chat with Kelvin Abrams, who transformed his journey from a government employee to a successful doggy daycare owner and, eventually, a high-end bourbon bar owner. 

 

What You’ll Learn:

•  Why reinventing yourself regularly keeps your business growing
•  How to pivot based on market demand—not just passion
•  The real costs of food waste and poor inventory management
•  Why storytelling builds loyal, engaged customers
•  How to choose products that fit your community and brand
•  Why running a bar is harder than most businesses
•  The hidden costs every bar owner should watch out for 

You'll hear about the challenges he faced, the importance of getting uncomfortable, and how to adapt your business to meet market demands. 

Connect with Kevin:

Website
K9 and Coffee
Tiki's Playhouse
Book: *Get Uncomfortable or Change Course* by Kelvin Abrams 

📌Start Here
Own, run, or manage a bar? Join Bar Business Nation.

An EXCLUSIVE private Facebook group for bar owners and operators who want better ways to run the business.

Ask questions, hear what other owners are dealing with, and get ideas you can actually use.

🔴Join here:
 → https://www.facebook.com/groups/barbusinessnation

📌Additional resources
🔴Grab the books “How to Make Top-Shelf Profits in the Bar Business!” and “Menus that Sell” here:
→ https://barbusinesscoach.com/book/ 

Looked at your menu and thought, “No one’s really gonna order that $12 juice, right?” I thought the same. 

But here’s the truth mocktails and zero-proof drinks are on the rise. And if your bar isn’t leaning in, you’re probably leaving money on the table.

In this episode, I’m breaking down how the sober curious trend is changing the game and how bar owners like you can turn it into a real opportunity.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why mocktails can actually be more profitable than cocktails
• What Gen Z and Millennials really want when they walk into your bar
• How to create a zero-proof menu that’s easy to sell and hard to ignore
• Housemade sodas, seasonal flavors, and those Instagrammable drinks people love
• Pricing tricks, staff training, and menu design that make this all work

This isn’t about turning your bar into a juice bar. It’s about adapting to the shift without losing what makes your place your place.

So if you’ve been side-eyeing this trend, give this a listen. You don’t have to understand it you just have to be smart enough to use it.

📌Start Here
Own, run, or manage a bar? Join Bar Business Nation.

An EXCLUSIVE private Facebook group for bar owners and operators who want better ways to run the business.

Ask questions, hear what other owners are dealing with, and get ideas you can actually use.

🔴Join here:
 → https://www.facebook.com/groups/barbusinessnation

📌Additional resources
🔴Grab the books “How to Make Top-Shelf Profits in the Bar Business!” and “Menus that Sell” here:
→ https://barbusinesscoach.com/book/ 

Menu engineering isn’t just about what’s selling it’s about understanding why it’s selling, and how each item on your menu affects your bottom line. 

In this episode, I  break down into the advanced side of menu engineering: the psychology, operational impact, and customer behavior behind what stays, what goes, and what truly drives profitability. 

We’ll cover: 

• Why removing “unprofitable” items might actually cost you money
• How to account for customer lifetime value, halo effect, and seasonal shifts
• The hidden role of plow horses, dogs, and loss leaders
• What most menu engineering models miss and how to fix it
• Practical ways to optimize your menu for both profit and speed

If you’ve only ever used the basic matrix or relied solely on margins, this episode will show you how to level up your strategy and boost bar profitability in the process.

📌Start Here
Own, run, or manage a bar? Join Bar Business Nation.

An EXCLUSIVE private Facebook group for bar owners and operators who want better ways to run the business.

Ask questions, hear what other owners are dealing with, and get ideas you can actually use.

🔴Join here:
 → https://www.facebook.com/groups/barbusinessnation

📌Additional resources
🔴Grab the books “How to Make Top-Shelf Profits in the Bar Business!” and “Menus that Sell” here:
→ https://barbusinesscoach.com/book/ 

Managing a bar takes more than great service and solid sales you also need accurate financial systems behind the scenes. 

In this episode, I walk through how to properly move sales data from your POS system into QuickBooks, and why doing it right can save you time, reduce errors, and improve your cash flow. 

We’ll cover: 

• What data you actually need to move from POS to QuickBooks
• Common mistakes bar owners make with integration
• Why over-complicating your setup can hurt more than help
• How to catch errors like double entries or miscategorized sales
• Simple solutions to streamline your financial process

If you're tired of messy books, manual entry, or not knowing where your money is going this episode will help you get clarity and control.

📌Start Here
Own, run, or manage a bar? Join Bar Business Nation.

An EXCLUSIVE private Facebook group for bar owners and operators who want better ways to run the business.

Ask questions, hear what other owners are dealing with, and get ideas you can actually use.

🔴Join here:
 → https://www.facebook.com/groups/barbusinessnation

📌Additional resources
🔴Grab the books “How to Make Top-Shelf Profits in the Bar Business!” and “Menus that Sell” here:
→ https://barbusinesscoach.com/book/