Advertise on podcast: Bar Stars Happy Hour

Ever wondered why, and how, some Bar or Restaurant menus just seem to pull you in, while others leave you staring blankly? That’s the magic of menu psychology and engineering at work. In this episode, I break down the art and science of designing the perfect bar and restaurant menu that not only showcases your offerings but also guides your guests’ choices in subtle, clever ways. Mastering this can turn your Bar or Restaurant into a playground of happy customers and flowing orders. Support the show

Bar lingo can feel like its own secret dialect, but mastering it can transform the way bartenders, servers, and even guests navigate a night out. In this episode, Tom breaks down the essential terms, phrases, and bits of industry slang that every hospitality pro should know. Whether you're behind the bar or simply sitting at one, understanding this vocabulary will help you communicate more clearly and keep service running smoothly. Tom also dives into another installment of his cocktail book review series, this time exploring Booze & Vinyl, one of his all‑time favorite collections. Inspired by a classic song, he highlights two featured cocktails—complete with recipes—and shares why this book continues to be a standout for music lovers and mixologists alike. Support the show

It's time to level up. In this episode, Tom covers the essential traits and behaviors that all great bartenders have in common. If you learn these, you will no doubt be well on your way to becoming a Bar Star. There are many things bartenders need to learn to be proficient at their craft, and all of them are attainable with effort, practice, and having pride in what you do. Bartending is a profession in which you should always be learning, open to new ideas, and expanding your knowledge of the craft. There are always methods to improve to presence, product, and to provide that great customer experience and genuine hospitality everyone is in search of. From the basics to advanced, this episode gives insight as to what makes a good bartender, GREAT.      Support the show

In this episode, Tom covers ten things that bartenders wished that guests knew when they're at the bar or restaurant from a bartender, or servers, point of view. Topics covered such as the importance of ice, trying to get more liquor, and behavior patterns on date nights to name a few. He also dives into one of his favorite cocktail books and covers two cocktails paired with an artist and a song. For all the Happy Hours click HERE  Support the show

Ashlee Gambino is a wife, a mother, former professional boxer, and MMA fighter. Her ascending career was impacted by a terminal disease that has left her fighting for her life. In this episode we discuss what lead her from boxing on Fremont Street in Las Vegas, to ultimately making her way to the professional ranks of boxing and MMA. On the path to being a champion, she experienced major setbacks, tragic loss, and a medical diagnosis that would change her life forever.  She now fights with even more tenacity for the life of her family and herself. Ashlee gives you a glimpse into real life and the importance of living everyday to the fullest. This interview will give you insight on what it truly means to be a fighter in every sense of the word, and having the heart and determination of a warrior.   Support the show

Chris Cardone is a Restaurant and Bar consultant, Healthy lifestyle coach, public speaker, and the Diageo World Class 2017 Bartender of the Year. Chris has exploded in the world of mocktails and brand education, ensuring the bar is a welcoming and fun place for everyone. In this episode, we talk about having mastery of your craft, the non-alcoholic mocktail explosion, the focus on brand education, and the launch of his new company Continuous Beverage Solutions. Check out his website HERE   Support the show

There's nothing more important in the Bar and Restaurant industry than repeat guests. This episode outlines how to exceed expectations and achieve this with proper training, and outlines ten proven steps of service guidelines for you to train your staff, and follow. If these steps are followed, you are sure to make a lasting impression, and the chances of guest satisfaction and repeat guests is much greater. Also, enjoy another segment of "Cocktails of the Movies" randomly landing on one of the most classic cocktails there is. Do not miss this episode as it will help bartenders, servers, and managers improve operations immediately.    Support the show

You can't become a star behind the bar without knowing the basics first. In this episode, I'm taking you back to the basics of bartending with types of glassware, cocktail techiques, components of a cocktail, types of cocktails, and so much more. I also pick a random cocktail from one of my favorite books and tell the story what movie it was featured in, how to make it, and what famous celebrity was known to indulge. And you don't want to miss the hilarious story about my aunt, and her cocktail of choice. All that and more in this new Happy Hour!    Support the show

Shaun is a bartender that has worked at some of the most popular places in Las Vegas. Most notably, the world-famous Carnival Court and Circa Hotel and Casino. Shaun has decided to walk out from behind the bar and pursue his desire to serve and help people in a different way as a life coach. In this episode we dive into his decision to pursue life coaching, the fear of trying a new career path, the mentality of success, and so much more! Follow his journey from serving cocktails to changing lives!  https://shaunplummer.com/ Support the show

It's the age old debate, are you a bartender or do you consider yourself a mixologist? In this episode, Tom discusses what sets one apart from the other, the mentality of both, and he gives you his position on what he will forever call himself. There's also another segment of Booze and Vinyl which happens to land on one of the most iconic singers and cocktails of all time. Whether you're a bartender or a mixologist, you are going to want to listen to this episode!  Be sure to follow the Bar Stars Happy Hour Podcast anywhere podcasts are available. Click HERE to listen to all the Happy Hours!    Support the show

Work culture is one of the most important aspects of success in the Food and Beverage Industry. In this Happy Hour, Tom talks about the importance of a healthy work environment and how to assess if it's in need of a change. You'll learn what really matters when it comes to running a successful business, keeping your best employees, and how to get the most out of them on a daily basis. You'll know whether or not you're in a healthy work environment after listening to this episode! Click here to listen to all the Happy Hours! Remember to follow Bar Stars Happy Hour podcast anywhere podcasts are available.   Support the show

In this episode, Tom discusses the many differences between a boss, and a leader. Being a boss, or manager is one thing, but leadership is an acquired skill. He details 10 differences between the two, things to watch for within your own career, and how to become the absolute best version of yourself if you want to become a leader. There’s also a new segment called Booze and Vinyl, based off the incredible cocktail book by Andre and Tenaya Darlington. He randomly picks a page to an album, sets the scene, and shares the two cocktails associated with that album. Get your taste buds ready! You don’t want to miss this happy hour! Available anywhere podcasts are found.  Support the show

If you want to be a Bar Star, one of the first things you'll need is a job! This episode covers the all important job interview. Tom goes over some interviewer questions you may be asked, how to present yourself in the best light, what to have with you day of, and how to manage those pesky curveball questions. Tom also gives you the Bar Stars Happy Hour Cheat Sheet and some examples of answers to very important questions you most certainly will be asked. If you want to land that dream job, you need to crush the interview. And this episode will help you do just that! Do not miss this episode! Listen to all the Happy Hours HERE   Support the show

On this episode, Tom does a deep dive into the world of Rum. It's origins as we know them, different types, multiple nicknames, and how it's made. Tom gives you his three favorite Rums to drink, and his favorite Rum cocktails you definitely need to try. He also shares a personal story about the time he and Jackie were stuck in the middle of the Jamaican jungle, and Rum came to the rescue. You don't want to miss this Happy Hour! Available on most podcast platforms. To listen directly from our website, CLICK HERE   Support the show

How important is the drink menu? Some may say, Very! In this episode Tom talks the importance of having a cocktail menu, why size (of the menu) does matter, and why it's crucial to know how much everything costs in order to price your new menu accordingly. It's one thing to be very good at what you do, it's another to have passion for it. Tom talks about how, and why, having passion and pride in what you do will ultimately lead to a successful rollout of your new cocktail menu. Tom also gives his honest opinion of the recent Netflix show, Drink Masters. Spoiler Alert! You definitely don't want to miss the first show of the new year! Available anywhere podcasts are found, or directly from our website CLICK HERE Support the show