The Bar Business Podcast: Smart Hospitality & Marketing Secrets For Bar & Pub Owners

Chris Schneider, The Bar Business Coach

Are you spending more time stuck behind the bar than building a business that runs smoothly without you?If you're a bar owner who feels overwhelmed by the day-to-day grind of hospitality and is struggling to balance operations, marketing, and profits this show is for you. Chris Schneider, with over 20 years in the industry, created this podcast to help you overcome burnout, increase profits, and create a business you can enjoy—not just endure.Join us every Monday and Wednesday to: Get expert strategies to boost profits while attracting loyal customers.Learn bar marketing tactics, menu design hacks, and leadership tools that simplify operations.Build the bar or pub that you have always dreamt of owning. Ready to take control of your bar’s success? Start by tuning into the fan-favorite episode: 5 Strategies to Boost Bar Profits This Week: Quick Wins for Bar Owners. 

  1. 9H AGO

    What Smart Bar Operators Are Doing Differently with Jay Ashton & Domenic Pedulla

    Running a bar or restaurant right now isn’t just hard, it’s overwhelming. Costs are up, regulations keep shifting, and somehow you’re still expected to master tech, lead a team, control inventory, and deliver unforgettable service at the same time.  The truth? Most owners were never taught the business fundamentals before jumping in and the failure rate shows it. In this episode, Jay Ashton and Domenic Pedulla, hosts of the Late Night Restaurant Podcast, share what they’re seeing from the front lines of hospitality across Canada and beyond. They break down government pressure, rising alcohol taxes, tech resistance, lack of execution, and why education (not hustle) is the real separator between operators who survive and those who shut their doors. If you care about profitability, longevity, and building a bar or restaurant that doesn’t become another statistic, this conversation will challenge the way you think about running your business. Connect with Jay and Domenic and check out the Late Night Restaurant Podcast  👉 Jay Ashton – https://www.linkedin.com/in/canadasrestaurantguy/ 👉 Domenic Pedulla – https://www.linkedin.com/in/domenic-pedulla-71605848/ 👉 Late Night Restaurant Podcast – https://www.youtube.com/@LateNightRestaurantPodcast 🔴 Learn More: 🔴 📌 Want a personalized bar growth plan? Book your FREE STRATEGY SESSION here → https://barbusinesscoach.com/strategy-session 🚨 Want a stronger team and better bar culture? Grab the free Bar Culture Workbook now → https://barbusinesspodcast.com 📢 Get FREE ACCESS to a group that understands the bar business → https://www.facebook.com/groups/barbusinessnation 🚀 Snag my books "How to Make Top-Shelf Profits in the Bar Business!" and "Menus that Sell". → https://barbusinesscoach.com/book/ Our Partners: QuixSpec Bar and Restaurant Intelligence Business intelligence that actually works! Make confident, data-driven decisions that directly impact your bottom line. https://www.quixspec.com Dining Alliance Dining Alliance helps foodservice operators of all sizes unlock real savings and earn CashBack through our industry-leading rebate program. https://mydiningalliance.com/register/easy/?c=cjps&segment=Restaurant

    35 min
  2. 2D AGO

    The Human Audit: 5 Questions Your Bar Staff Can Answer That Your Dashboard Can’t

    Your dashboard tells you what happened. It doesn’t tell you why. If revenue is slipping, labor is climbing, or regulars are quietly disappearing, your KPIs are showing symptoms, not causes. In this episode, we break down The Human Audit, a simple 15-minute monthly system for bar owners to reduce staff turnover, improve guest experience, and protect profit by asking five direct questions. You’ll learn: Why KPIs are lagging indicatorsThe five questions to ask your team every monthHow to spot turnover risk earlyHow to catch guest experience leaks before they cost youHow to fix culture issues before they hit your numbersIf something feels off in your bar, this is how you figure out why. 🔴 Learn More: 🔴 📌 Want a personalized bar growth plan? Book your FREE STRATEGY SESSION here → https://barbusinesscoach.com/strategy-session 🚨 Want a stronger team and better bar culture? Grab the free Bar Culture Workbook now → https://barbusinesspodcast.com 📢 Get FREE ACCESS to a group that understands the bar business → https://www.facebook.com/groups/barbusinessnation 🚀 Snag my books "How to Make Top-Shelf Profits in the Bar Business!" and "Menus that Sell". → https://barbusinesscoach.com/book/ Our Partners: QuixSpec Bar and Restaurant Intelligence Business intelligence that actually works! Make confident, data-driven decisions that directly impact your bottom line. https://www.quixspec.com Dining Alliance Dining Alliance helps foodservice operators of all sizes unlock real savings and earn CashBack through our industry-leading rebate program. https://mydiningalliance.com/register/easy/?c=cjps&segment=Restaurant

    11 min
  3. FEB 25

    The Emotional ROI of Hospitality: Why $50 on a Regular Outperforms $5,000 in Ads

    You’re spending money on ads… but your bar still doesn’t have real regulars. The drinks are good.  The vibe is solid.  People come in once, and then you never see them again. Because attention isn’t loyalty. And discounts don’t build attachment. Today, we’re breaking down why a simple $50 hospitality move can outperform a $5,000 ad campaign and how to turn everyday service into moments people actually talk about. If you’re tired of chasing new customers and ready to build the kind that stick, let’s get into it. 🔴 Learn More: 🔴 📌 Want a personalized bar growth plan? Book your FREE STRATEGY SESSION here → https://barbusinesscoach.com/strategy-session 🚨 Want a stronger team and better bar culture? Grab the free Bar Culture Workbook now → https://barbusinesspodcast.com 📢 Get FREE ACCESS to a group that understands the bar business → https://www.facebook.com/groups/barbusinessnation 🚀 Snag my books "How to Make Top-Shelf Profits in the Bar Business!" and "Menus that Sell". → https://barbusinesscoach.com/book/ Our Partners: QuixSpec Bar and Restaurant Intelligence Business intelligence that actually works! Make confident, data-driven decisions that directly impact your bottom line. https://www.quixspec.com Dining Alliance Dining Alliance helps foodservice operators of all sizes unlock real savings and earn CashBack through our industry-leading rebate program. https://mydiningalliance.com/register/easy/?c=cjps&segment=Restaurant

    16 min
  4. FEB 23

    The Theatrical Menu: How to Turn Every Cocktail Into Free Marketing

    Why are you paying for ads… but your bar isn’t getting talked about? Your costs are controlled.  Margins look healthy.  The menu is optimized. On paper, you’re doing everything right. But great drinks aren’t marketing. They serve guests. They don’t create moments. And they won’t give people a reason to pull out their phones. A small theatrical upgrade might increase cost.  It might also increase perceived value, dwell time, and organic reach. In this episode, we break down how to design a menu that markets your bar for you. If your cocktails taste great but no one’s sharing them, this one’s for you. 🔴 Learn More: 🔴 📌 Want a personalized bar growth plan? Book your FREE STRATEGY SESSION here → https://barbusinesscoach.com/strategy-session 🚨 Want a stronger team and better bar culture? Grab the free Bar Culture Workbook now → https://barbusinesspodcast.com 📢 Get FREE ACCESS to a group that understands the bar business → https://www.facebook.com/groups/barbusinessnation 🚀 Snag my books "How to Make Top-Shelf Profits in the Bar Business!" and "Menus that Sell". → https://barbusinesscoach.com/book/ Our Partners: QuixSpec Bar and Restaurant Intelligence Business intelligence that actually works! Make confident, data-driven decisions that directly impact your bottom line. https://www.quixspec.com Dining Alliance Dining Alliance helps foodservice operators of all sizes unlock real savings and earn CashBack through our industry-leading rebate program. https://mydiningalliance.com/register/easy/?c=cjps&segment=Restaurant

    12 min
  5. FEB 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/ 🔴 Learn More: 🔴 📌 Want a personalized bar growth plan? Book your FREE STRATEGY SESSION here → https://barbusinesscoach.com/strategy-session 🚨 Want a stronger team and better bar culture? Grab the free Bar Culture Workbook now → https://barbusinesspodcast.com 📢 Get FREE ACCESS to a group that understands the bar business → https://www.facebook.com/groups/barbusinessnation 🚀 Snag my books "How to Make Top-Shelf Profits in the Bar Business!" and "Menus that Sell". → https://barbusinesscoach.com/book/ Our Partners: QuixSpec Bar and Restaurant Intelligence Business intelligence that actually works! Make confident, data-driven decisions that directly impact your bottom line. https://www.quixspec.com Dining Alliance Dining Alliance helps foodservice operators of all sizes unlock real savings and earn CashBack through our industry-leading rebate program. https://mydiningalliance.com/register/easy/?c=cjps&segment=Restaurant

    59 min
  6. FEB 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. 🔴 Learn More: 🔴 📌 Want a personalized bar growth plan? Book your FREE STRATEGY SESSION here → https://barbusinesscoach.com/strategy-session 🚨 Want a stronger team and better bar culture? Grab the free Bar Culture Workbook now → https://barbusinesspodcast.com 📢 Get FREE ACCESS to a group that understands the bar business → https://www.facebook.com/groups/barbusinessnation 🚀 Snag my books "How to Make Top-Shelf Profits in the Bar Business!" and "Menus that Sell". → https://barbusinesscoach.com/book/ Our Partners: QuixSpec Bar and Restaurant Intelligence Business intelligence that actually works! Make confident, data-driven decisions that directly impact your bottom line. https://www.quixspec.com Dining Alliance Dining Alliance helps foodservice operators of all sizes unlock real savings and earn CashBack through our industry-leading rebate program. https://mydiningalliance.com/register/easy/?c=cjps&segment=Restaurant

    18 min
  7. FEB 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. 🔴 Learn More: 🔴 📌 Want a personalized bar growth plan? Book your FREE STRATEGY SESSION here → https://barbusinesscoach.com/strategy-session 🚨 Want a stronger team and better bar culture? Grab the free Bar Culture Workbook now → https://barbusinesspodcast.com 📢 Get FREE ACCESS to a group that understands the bar business → https://www.facebook.com/groups/barbusinessnation 🚀 Snag my books "How to Make Top-Shelf Profits in the Bar Business!" and "Menus that Sell". → https://barbusinesscoach.com/book/ Our Partners: QuixSpec Bar and Restaurant Intelligence Business intelligence that actually works! Make confident, data-driven decisions that directly impact your bottom line. https://www.quixspec.com Dining Alliance Dining Alliance helps foodservice operators of all sizes unlock real savings and earn CashBack through our industry-leading rebate program. https://mydiningalliance.com/register/easy/?c=cjps&segment=Restaurant

    15 min
  8. FEB 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/ 🔴 Learn More: 🔴 📌 Want a personalized bar growth plan? Book your FREE STRATEGY SESSION here → https://barbusinesscoach.com/strategy-session 🚨 Want a stronger team and better bar culture? Grab the free Bar Culture Workbook now → https://barbusinesspodcast.com 📢 Get FREE ACCESS to a group that understands the bar business → https://www.facebook.com/groups/barbusinessnation 🚀 Snag my books "How to Make Top-Shelf Profits in the Bar Business!" and "Menus that Sell". → https://barbusinesscoach.com/book/ Our Partners: QuixSpec Bar and Restaurant Intelligence Business intelligence that actually works! Make confident, data-driven decisions that directly impact your bottom line. https://www.quixspec.com Dining Alliance Dining Alliance helps foodservice operators of all sizes unlock real savings and earn CashBack through our industry-leading rebate program. https://mydiningalliance.com/register/easy/?c=cjps&segment=Restaurant

    54 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Are you spending more time stuck behind the bar than building a business that runs smoothly without you?If you're a bar owner who feels overwhelmed by the day-to-day grind of hospitality and is struggling to balance operations, marketing, and profits this show is for you. Chris Schneider, with over 20 years in the industry, created this podcast to help you overcome burnout, increase profits, and create a business you can enjoy—not just endure.Join us every Monday and Wednesday to: Get expert strategies to boost profits while attracting loyal customers.Learn bar marketing tactics, menu design hacks, and leadership tools that simplify operations.Build the bar or pub that you have always dreamt of owning. Ready to take control of your bar’s success? Start by tuning into the fan-favorite episode: 5 Strategies to Boost Bar Profits This Week: Quick Wins for Bar Owners. 

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