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

Is your craft beer program facing its biggest challenge yet? With craft beer production plummeting 4% in 2024—the largest decline outside the pandemic—bar owners need to act fast to protect their profits.

For the first time in two decades, brewery closures (501) have outpaced openings (434). This seismic shift signals a transformation in consumer preferences and market dynamics that directly impacts your bar's bottom line.

In this episode, discover:

• How to transform your beer program to match evolving consumer tastes
• Strategic ways to maintain margins despite market pressures
• Innovative event programming that drives traffic in the changing landscape
• Expert insights on diversifying your beverage program
• Practical steps to position your bar for success in the new craft beer era

Ready to adapt your bar to these changes? Listen now to get actionable strategies you can implement immediately.

📌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/ 

 Is one slow night wiping out three good ones? 

Many bar owners watch their weekly profits disappear because of poorly managed slow periods. 

In today's episode:

• Learn to maintain profitability even during quiet shifts 
• Master staff scheduling for maximum efficiency 
• Discover proven strategies to build consistent traffic Action 

Listen now to transform your slow nights from profit-killers into opportunities for growth. 

📌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/ 

What if better leadership—not better cocktails—is the secret to unlocking your bar’s full potential?

 In this episode, Chris sits down with Dave Nitzel to unpack why the old-school, hard-nosed management style in hospitality just doesn’t cut it anymore. From coaching bar leaders to changing lives, Dave shares how real leadership development can radically transform not just your team—but your entire business.

In today's episode:

• Learn why hospitality leadership is about more than barking orders—and how to become the kind of boss people want to follow.
• Hear why dive bar owners and fine dining managers actually have more in common than you think when it comes to leadership.
• Discover the truth behind those “Bar Rescue” style quick fixes—and why real change takes time, support, and community.

Hit play now to hear how Dave and Chris are flipping the script on hospitality leadership—one honest conversation at a 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/ 

 Is your bar missing out on dozens of positive reviews every week?

Most bar owners struggle to get consistent reviews, despite having hundreds of happy guests each week. 

In today's episode: 

• Learn the exact moment to ask for reviews 
• Master a non-pushy approach that works 
• Discover how to make review collection automatic 

Listen now to transform your online reputation with this simple, proven strategy. 

📌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 tired of wondering where all your bar's money went at the end of each month? Kasey Anton joins us to show how the Profit First system is transforming hospitality businesses by giving every dollar a specific purpose.

Learn why traditional bank balance accounting fails bar owners and how a properly structured multiple-account system can provide immediate visibility into your business's true financial health.

In today's episode:

• Understand why P&Ls don't tell the whole story of your business's financial health
• See how segregating funds can prevent common financial pitfalls
• Discover why treating your business as its own entity is crucial for success

Listen now to learn how Profit First can transform your bar's finances.

Get in touch with Kasey:
Spark Business Consulting
ProfitFirst4Restaurants.com
Profit First for Restaurants on Amazon

📌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/ 

 Need a quick boost in your weekend revenue? 

Many bar owners struggle to create promotions that are both profitable and quick to implement, leaving money on the table every weekend. 

In today's episode: 

• Learn instant-implementation promotional strategies 
• Discover how to structure pricing for maximum profit 
• Master the art of creating urgency in weekend specials 

Listen now to transform your next weekend's revenue with these ready-to-launch promotions. 

📌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/ 

Ever wondered why some bars proudly wear their one-star Yelp reviews like a badge of honor?

In the cat-and-mouse game of underage drinking, fake IDs are getting more sophisticated—and bars are on the front lines. But cracking down without scaring off real customers or running afoul of the law? That’s the real trick.

In today's episode:

• Learn why scanning IDs is only one piece of the puzzle in spotting fakes.
• Hear how rewarding staff for catching phonies creates a culture of compliance.
• Find out how Cliff's company, Stinger Compliance, uses incognito testers to help bars cover their legal bases and boost training—without disrupting service.

Hit play now to hear how bars are turning fake ID fails into five-star operational wins—with a little help from secret shoppers and a lot of legal smarts.

Learn more about Cliff and Stinger:
Stinger Compliance Website
Stinger on LinkedIn
Cliff's LinkedIn

📌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 your bartenders leaving money on the table every time they serve a drink?

Many bar owners struggle with getting their staff to consistently upsell, resulting in thousands of dollars in lost revenue potential each month. 

In today's episode:

• Learn proven psychological techniques to overcome upselling resistance 
• Discover how to create effective incentive programs that actually work 
• Master the art of training staff to upsell naturally and confidently 

Listen now to transform your team's approach to upselling and boost your bottom line immediately. 

📌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/ 

Why are bar insurance premiums skyrocketing—and is there anything you can do to protect your business?

If you’re a bar, restaurant, or nightclub owner, you’ve likely seen your insurance rates spike in the last few years. With more lawsuits, stricter laws, and fewer insurers willing to play ball, coverage has become more expensive—and more confusing. This episode gets into the weeds with an expert who knows exactly what’s going on behind the curtain.

In today's episode:

• Learn the four critical types of insurance your bar needs to carry—and why skipping any one of them is a risk you can’t afford.
• Understand why assault & battery and liquor liability are the real troublemakers in your premium hikes.
• Get the scoop on why hospitality-specific insurers can often save you money—and stress—compared to big national providers.

Listen now to get the hard truths (and some smart tips) on how to manage rising insurance costs before renewal season hits.

Get in touch with Lars:
KEL Insurance 
Lars on LinkedIN

📌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/ 

Is your bar losing customers because you're not prepared for the cashless payment revolution?

As cash transactions decline and customers increasingly expect digital payment options, bar owners must adapt their operations or risk frustrating guests and losing business while dealing with increased reconciliation complexity.

In today’s episode:

• Learn proven strategies to smoothly transition your bar operations for the digital payment era
• Discover how to optimize your POS system for faster service and better reporting
• Master efficient financial tracking methods for multiple payment streams

Tune in now to future-proof your bar's payment systems and streamline your operations for the modern customer.

📌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/