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

By Chris Schneider, The Bar Business CoachBusiness Arts Marketing Food Management

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

February 20 Party of Six - Bar Show Mastery: Unlocking the Secrets to Successful Industry Events and Networking
Discover how industry shows can transform your hospitality career and business.

In this episode, our expert panel shares personal stories and insights on the evolving role of bar shows and conventions. Learn how these events offer unparalleled opportunities for education, networking, and innovation.

Gain insider knowledge on selecting the right events, maximizing your experience, and leveraging the latest industry trends. Whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned professional, find out how to elevate your skills and business acumen.

Tune in to explore the benefits of attending industry shows and start planning your next event to unlock new opportunities for growth and success.

Key Topics

- The shift from product promotion to education-focused conferences
- Personal experiences from top industry events like Tales of the Cocktail
- Strategies for choosing the right shows based on your goals
- The impact of networking and trend research
- Supporting newcomers through scholarships and inclusive programs

Resources & Links

- India Bartender Show - https://www.indiabartendershow.in/
- Tales of the Cocktail - https://talesofthecocktail.org/
- A Tale of Two Taverns By Dave Nitzel and Dave Domzalski - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GLMFNDM9/
- Menus that Sell by Chris Schneider - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GHW722LF/
- Stinger Compliance - https://www.stingercompliance.com/
- QuickSpec AI Business Intelligence - https://www.quixspec.com

Cliff Crider - https://www.linkedin.com/in/clifford-crider-0323548/
Aoife Halliday - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoife-halliday-8831b29a/
Minakshi Singh - https://www.linkedin.com/in/minakshi-singh-4ba9a071/
Dave Nitzel - https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidnitzel/
Chris Schneider - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-schneider-74732021/
📌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/
1 hr
February 18 Blind Spots of Data-Driven Bar Management Every Bar Owner Must Understand
Why do your numbers look right… but your bar feels off?
Your labor’s tight.
Margins look healthy.
The menu’s optimized.
On paper, you’re doing everything right.
But data is transactional. It tracks sales and costs. It doesn’t track loyalty. It doesn’t measure vibe. And it won’t tell you when you’re optimizing the life out of your bar.
Cutting a low-margin item might improve percentages.
It might also hurt long-term relationships.
In this episode, we break down the blind spots of data-driven bar management and where gut instinct still matters.
If your spreadsheet says you’re winning but something feels off, 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/
18 min
February 16 The Vibe Audit: Why $2,000 in Dimmers Beats Another POS Upgrade
Why are guests leaving earlier than you think they should?
Your pricing’s solid, the drinks are good, the team’s doing their job and still, tabs are closing after two rounds.
Most operators assume it’s a marketing issue or a menu problem, but a lot of the time it’s the room itself working against you.
Lighting that’s too bright, music that’s just a little too loud, or a space that’s slightly uncomfortable can quietly shave minutes off dwell time.
In this episode, we break down how to measure those invisible factors and make simple adjustments that actually show up in your sales.
If you think your bar is “fine” but your numbers say otherwise, 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/
16 min
February 11 Dave Nitzel & Dave Domzalski on A Tale of Two Taverns: Why Most Bars Solve the Wrong Problem
Running a bar isn’t just about controlling costs, it’s about leading people.
In our latest episode with Dave Nitzel and Dave Domzalski, we unpack their new book, A Tale of Two Taverns, and the deeper lesson behind it.
Through the story of two competing bar owners, they reveal why traditional corporate logic often fails in hospitality, and how culture, incentives, and leadership directly impact your bottom line.
One owner focuses on spreadsheets.
The other focuses on people.
The difference? Profit becomes an outcome, not the goal.
The lesson here? If you’re still treating your bar like a transaction, you’re missing the real driver of growth.
📌Grab a copy of A Tale of Two Taverns on Amazon here:📌
👉 https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B0GLMFNDM9
📌Connect with the authors:📌
👉 Dave Nitzel – https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidnitzel/
👉 Dave Domzalski – https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-domzalski-0392a939/
📌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/
54 min
February 09 The Staff Sentiment Index: Why 20% Labor Means Nothing
You can run a perfect 20% labor cost and still feel like your bar is one bad shift away from falling apart.
Call-outs start stacking up, the vibe changes, and people show up physically but mentally they’re gone.
That’s usually the moment owners realize the numbers never warned them anything was wrong.
In this episode, we break down the Staff Sentiment Index and why labor cost doesn’t protect you from turnover, burnout, or walkouts.
You’ll learn how to spot the early signals that someone is checking out, how to identify high performers who are quietly hurting your culture, and what actually predicts a quit before it happens.
If you want fewer surprises, less turnover, and a team that wants to be there, not just clock in, 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/
15 min
February 04 How to Build a Profitable Neighborhood Bar from Scratch with Zach Yurchuck of Truck & Tap
A lot of people think you need years of bar experience to open or run a successful bar.
That assumption keeps a lot of people stuck or broke.
Today, I’m talking with Zach Yurchuck of Truck & Tap, who helped build a profitable, multi-location neighborhood bar brand without coming from the bar industry.
We get into why smaller bars often outperform big ones, why hiring for personality beats hiring for experience, and how clear systems make both staff and guests happier.
If you run a bar, want to open one, or are trying to grow without burning out your team, this episode will give you perspective you can actually apply.

📧 Connect with Zach Yurchuck
[email protected]
🍺 Truck & Tap Website
https://truckandtap.com
🍻 TAPS @ PH’EAST
https://tapsatpheast.com
📍 PH’EAST at The Battery Atlanta
https://pheastatl.com
📌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/
36 min
February 02 The Simple Way to See When Your Bar Actually Makes Money
You can have a packed bar, a full staff, and still wonder why the profits aren’t there.
The truth is, most owners mistake busy for profitable.
The real problem isn’t effort, it’s not knowing which hours actually make money and which ones just look good on paper.
In this episode, I break down a simple daily check that shows you exactly when your bar makes money and when it doesn’t.
You’ll learn how to spot your most profitable dayparts, see where labor is quietly eating your margins, and make smarter decisions about hours, staffing, and specials.
It’s not complicated, just clear, quick, and powerful once you see the numbers the right way.
By the end, you’ll stop guessing and start managing your bar with real confidence, knowing exactly when the business is working 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/
13 min
January 30 Party of Six - Unlocking Bar Success: Simplify Menus, Boost Profits, and Control Inventory Now!
Are you struggling to balance menu complexity with profitability in your bar? Discover the surprising insights that could transform your business strategy.

In this episode of Party of Six, Chris, Dave, and Cliff dive deep into the intricacies of menu design, inventory management, and pricing strategies. Learn how industry leaders use simple menus to maximize margins and minimize waste, and why most bars fail to control inventory effectively.

Imagine running a bar where your menu not only delights customers but also boosts your bottom line. With expert tips on seasonal menu adjustments, strategic supplier partnerships, and effective staff training, you can achieve operational excellence and financial success.

Tune in now to uncover actionable strategies that will help you streamline your operations, enhance customer satisfaction, and increase your profits. Don't miss out on the opportunity to elevate your bar's performance!

Key Topics:
- Balancing menu complexity with guest experience
- Pricing strategies that drive revenue and profitability
- Inventory management techniques to control costs
- Showcasing premium spirits effectively
- Seasonal menu adjustments and leveraging back stock
-Staff training for consistency and customer satisfaction

Connect with Us:
Chris Schneider – https://barbusinesscoach.com/
Dave Nitzel – https://daveanddave.co/
Cliff Crider – https://truckandtap.com/

Resources & Links:
Stinger Compliance – ID verification and bar safety solutions - https://www.stingercompliance.com/
Quickspec – Data-driven dashboard for POS and financial analytics - https://www.quixspec.com/
Book: Hospitality DNA – Insights on building a resilient hospitality operation - https://www.amazon.com/dp/195984086X/
Book: The Bar Shift – Practical strategies for bar management and profitability - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1987562216
Book: How to Make Top Shelf Profits in the Bar Business - 75 Lessons on Bar Ownership - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C5BMKDJN/
📌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/
1 hr 5 min
January 28 The Dry ROI Playbook: How 80% Margin Non-Alcoholic Drinks Are Outperforming Your Best Cocktails
Bars aren’t losing money on non-alcoholic drinks.
They’re losing money by misunderstanding them.
As guest behavior shifts toward functional, botanical, and alcohol-free options, the bars winning right now aren’t guessing, they’re following the math.
In this episode, I break down why non-alcoholic drinks can match or exceed cocktail margins, how pricing psychology has changed, and what happens when you treat this category like a system instead of a patch.
If your menu hasn’t evolved with how people actually choose drinks now, this episode explains what changed.
📌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/
32 min
January 26 The 3-Minute Miracle: How the 1-3-1 Rule Saves Bar Owners Hours Every Week
Why does every “quick update” from your manager turn into a 20-minute conversation?
Most bar owners don’t realize how much vague communication is slowing decisions, increasing burnout, and keeping them stuck in the weeds instead of running the business.
In this episode, I walk through the 1-3-1 Rule, a three-minute update format that forces clarity, speeds up decision-making, and trains managers to think in solutions.
If you’re tired of chasing details and want your team to communicate like leaders, this episode makes the fix simple.
📌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/
13 min

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

From the publisher's feed

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