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

Ever wondered why your bar's profits might be pouring down the drain? The answer could lie in the nuanced world of inventory management, which we're cracking open in this week's Bar Business Podcast. I'm Chris Schneider, and I'm here to walk you through the must-know strategies to keep your stock in check and your financials on point. We tackle the importance of running a...

Ever wondered why your bar isn't hitting that golden 55% prime cost target? This week on the Bar Business Podcast, I reveal why this number isn't the be-all and end-all for every establishment. You'll learn how factors like location and occupancy costs can shift the goalposts, and why tailoring your approach is crucial for your bar's financial well-being. I'm not here to p...

Embark on an insightful journey with Greg Buda, as he shares the cocktail of skills that took him from the lab bench to the buzzing bar scene. Greg distills the essence of shifting from consulting to ownership, spilling secrets on the art of delegation and the necessity of a hands-on approach in cultivating a vibrant, educated team. His passion for transforming complex ideas into palatable knowled...

Unlock hospitality's hidden code with bar industry juggernaut Sean Fenter, who joins your host Chris Schneider for a revelatory discussion on navigating the perilous yet rewarding world of bars and restaurants. Discover the secret sauce distinguishing exceptional service from true hospitality, and why it's critical to your establishment's survival. We also dissect the art of hiring...

Unlock the secrets to a profitable bar with this week's deep-dive into the misunderstood world of Profit and Loss statements. I'm Chris Schneider, your guide through the maze of bar bookkeeping, and together we'll clarify the complexities of P&L that so often trip up bar owners.  This is not just theory; it’s practical, actionable knowledge that will equip you with the financial...

Prepare to unlock the secrets of bar business success with industry virtuoso Jason Littrell as we tap into the gritty realities and marketing mastery that define today's bar scene. Jason dissects the challenges and opportunities that can make or break your establishment. This conversation isn't just about keeping your head above water; it's about thriving in a competitive market whe...

Ever wondered why your restaurant's masterpiece dishes aren't flying out of the kitchen as expected? It might all boil down to those sneaky menu design flaws that are inadvertently guiding your patrons' choices. In our latest episode, we're peeling back the layers on the five cardinal sins of menu design, laying bare the critical errors that could be siphoning off your profits....

Ready to shake up the bar scene with some expert guidance on goal-setting? Let's raise the bar on your business's performance with the SMART goal framework – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This episode isn't just a lesson in terminology; it's a crafted cocktail of strategies that can lead to a staggering increase in profitability. We zero in on the...

Raise your glasses high—our 50th edition of the Bar Business Podcast is here, and it's a milestone worth celebrating! With heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering support, I'm dishing out a masterclass on snapping professional-quality photos and videos with just the smartphone in your pocket. Imagine transforming your bar's online allure with captivating visuals that beckon poten...

From behind the bar, I've seen it all – the good, the bad, and the downright hypocritical. But what if I told you that the real secret to a successful bar goes beyond just the drinks and decor? This episode peels back the layers of the bar industry, revealing how a genuine mindset from leadership sets the tone for an establishment's culture and performance. As we navigate the evolution o...

Ever wondered what truly draws a crowd to their local watering hole? It's not just the promise of a cold beer or a fancy cocktail. Today's episode serves up a refreshing take on the allure of bars, tapping into the human need for community, belonging, and yes, sometimes an antidote to loneliness. We're not just quenching thirsts; we're fostering connections, and I'm here t...

Unlock the secret formula to a cocktail list that not only captivates your patrons but also boosts your bar's profile! We go behind the scenes of the mixology world, revealing the art and science of curating a cocktail menu that resonates with your bar's unique ambiance and delights your clientele. From the perfect number of concoctions to feature, to the essential variety your selection...

Ever been bitten by a bad review? You're not alone. But, review sites are much more than an annoyance that we can ignore. In this episode, we dive into the world of online review sites and how to use them for reputation management. Including the vital role these sites play in bringing new patrons through our doors and the undeniable sway they hold over our establishments' reputations. We...

Unlock the secret to a bustling bar and higher profits with our latest Bar Business Podcast episode, guiding you through the game-changing strategy of food-based happy hour specials. Imagine your patrons lingering for just one more drink, enticed by irresistible food discounts that perfectly complement your beverages. We'll dissect the numbers behind why offering mouth-watering deals on appet...

Unlock the secrets to a successful bar purchase with our essential guide to seven bar purchase considerations on the Bar Business Podcast. This week, we're spilling the beans on everything from navigating the murky waters of stock sales versus asset sales, to dissecting the real fiscal health behind those too-good-to-be-true financial statements. If you've ever daydreamed about owning yo...

Ever wondered how to ensure your bar isn't just surviving, but actually thriving? Strap in for a masterclass as we unravel the secrets to menu pricing that marry competitiveness with profitability. We kick things off with a step-by-step breakdown of how to adjust your prices in response to supplier cost hikes—a timely move as we usher in the new year. Discover the formula for setting margins...

Are you ready to glimpse the future? Tune in for an enlightening conversation about the upcoming 2024 bar industry trends. We're talking martini resurgence, the potential rum comeback, and the need for innovative ingredients. It's clear that flexibility and a focus on local communities will be key for bars in the post-COVID era. And, for those who appreciate a good drink, but not necessa...

Ever wondered what separates a profitable bar business from the rest? Let's crack the code together! Join me, Chris Schneider, as we delve into the intriguing world of bars, spotlighting the vital yet often overlooked details that can skyrocket your business to new heights. From the significance of maintaining your physical and mental health to creating a seamless customer experience, we&apos...

Greetings Bar owners! As we head towards 2024, we've got your back on how you can set up your business to hit the ground running in the new year. This episode is chock-full of practical steps you need to take, and the strategies you need to implement. Buckle up as we talk about bookkeeping, managing your team, marketing your business, your physical facility, and setting big goals. We've...

Wondering how to transform your bar business using social media? Unsure of which platforms to focus on or how to create engaging content? We've got you covered in this episode. We're taking a deep look at how you can leverage social media to not only strengthen your relationship with your existing customers, but to catch the eye of new ones. From choosing the right platforms to creating...

Are you ready to revolutionize your bar business? We can promise you this: our latest episode will show you exactly how to build a robust leadership pipeline, even if you run a small bar with just a few bartenders. We discuss the utmost importance of a great manager — the backbone of any successful establishment and share secrets to creating a culture that will not just attract but also retain the...

Running a bar is no easy task, especially when you're introducing pivotal changes in procedures and policies. There's always the looming question: how do you ensure your team is well-informed and comfortable with these changes? Join us as we explore the landscape of change management in the bar business, diving into everything from effective communication techniques to the importance of...

Ready to decode the enigma of sales forecasting for your bar business? Strap in for an in-depth exploration as we,  delve into the complex task of sales forecasting, whether you're running an established business, buying an existing bar, or starting a new venture. It’s no easy task, but we’re here to guide you through it, underlining the importance of this crucial tool in managing labor and o...

Have you ever wondered why your bar's food and beverage costs are spiraling out of control? Brace yourself for an enlightening episode of the Bar Business Podcast, where we dissect Robert Petrie's list of 40 Thieves of Food Cost. Originally developed in 1972, this list remains a crucial tool in understanding the pitfalls of food and beverage service. We thoroughly examine areas that coul...

Imagine a remarkable transformation for your bar business in a single episode! In this week's installment of the Bar Business Podcast, we unveil an exciting toolbox to help you achieve just that. Dive headfirst into the art of problem-solving for businesses, where we unravel the crucial elements of our framework: mindset, concept, and culture. Learn how to harness the incredible potential of...