Bardtenders

Bardtenders

You’re listening to Bardtenders! A Dungeons & Dragons Podcast where a group of bartenders escape their lives behind bars and trade in their shakers for dice. Join us each episode as we put liquids in cups, discuss the world of hospitality and bartending, and whomp monsters along the way! You can check us out on social media @bardtenders or at https://www.bardtender.com/ to check out our shows, explore new content, snag some food & beverage education, and so much more! 

  1. The Mixing Glass | Heard House 2026 | Guest Shift - Tobias Steeves

    23 hr ago

    The Mixing Glass | Heard House 2026 | Guest Shift - Tobias Steeves

    Live from Fort Worth, Texas!  The Bardtenders head to Fort Worth for the third annual Heard House to bring you live episodes with some amazing hospitality professionals. The Bardtenders had the chance to stay at the Heard House sponsored by Heard Card Game where bartenders from around the country came together to share their stories, gain access to education opportunities, and create some amazing memories along the way. Join us over the next several weeks as these bartenders share their experiences in the hospitality industry! In this episode of "The Mixing Glass", Tobias Steeves discusses his journey in the world of hospitality, building a customer base in a small community in South Dakota, and The Flying Spaghetti Monster.  ------------ Tobias Steeves grew up as a Military Brat across the country with his 8 siblings, but started his hospitality and bartending journey in downtown Colorado Springs, CO, at The Archives (an underground cocktail bar) where he cut his teeth as a barback/bartender and was there for several years. Tobias has worked at several other bars over the years and is a member of the US Bartenders' Guild.  He has competed in numerous cocktail competitions and won the 2021 Fernet Branca Barback Games. He was also the runner up in 2022’s Patron Perfectionist, 2021’s Hampton Water Rocking Rose by Bon Jovi, and has had multiple World Class by Diageo top 10 /and top 30 placements.  In 2021 Tobias moved to Spearfish, South Dakota, and after 6 months of living there he took ownership of a small local Italian restaurant where he began building up the local cocktail and beverage scene through the restaurant.  In July of 2025 he built and opened his first cocktail lounge in the basement of the building where my restaurant is located. Tobis is also a self-proclaimed massive nerd and loves Fernet! ---------- Don't miss out on any of the action!  Head to www.bardtender.com to stay up to date with all of the Bardtender content, find resources for mental and physical well-being, get access to education materials, and check out what all of our bards are up to! Support the show

    1hr 6min
  2. The Mixing Glass | Heard House 2026 | Guest Shift - Kolby Howard

    4 May

    The Mixing Glass | Heard House 2026 | Guest Shift - Kolby Howard

    Live from Fort Worth, Texas!  The Bardtenders head to Fort Worth for the third annual Heard House to bring you live episodes with some amazing hospitality professionals. The Bardtenders had the chance to stay at the Heard House sponsored by Heard Card Game where bartenders from around the country came together to share their stories, gain access to education opportunities, and create some amazing memories along the way. Join us over the next several weeks as these bartenders share their experiences in the hospitality industry! In this episode of "The Mixing Glass", Kolby Howard shares his knowledge for creating special moments for guests, what it's like working for a well-known brand, and how to acquire the often sought-after Fernet Coin!  ------------ Kolby Howard started in the service hospitality industry straight out of school. He went from dishwasher to managing kitchens to the front of the house where he found his 1st love: the bar.  He honed his craft by attaining varied certifications and reading every book possible.  After a number of years “behind the bar”, he joined the original Hide Bar in Deep Ellum area of Dallas.   Kolby worked under one of the best bar mentors in the country where he dedicated his efforts to the craft and strived to continue his knowledge acquisition.  Kolby and the beverage team at Hide won countless awards.  He and the staff were also able to define & share their sensory experiences with the guest by redefining the idea of what a “good cocktail” tasted like. Kolby then narrowed his focus on one thing.  He wanted to work directly for a manufacturer.   Not any manufacturer would do.  He wanted one with an incredible brand, culture, and a history that he could stand behind as an Industry Professional.  After many years behind the bar, Kolby now gets to share his love for cocktails by representing one of the most iconic, historically significant spirit brands in the world - Fernet Branca. ---------- Don't miss out on any of the action!  Head to www.bardtender.com to stay up to date with all of the Bardtender content, find resources for mental and physical well-being, get access to education materials, and check out what all of our bards are up to! Support the show

    1hr 19min
  3. The Mixing Glass | Heard House 2026 | Guest Shift - Trey Fincher

    20 Apr

    The Mixing Glass | Heard House 2026 | Guest Shift - Trey Fincher

    Live from Fort Worth, Texas!  The Bardtenders head to Fort Worth for the third annual Heard House to bring you live episodes with some amazing hospitality professionals. The Bardtenders had the chance to stay at the Heard House sponsored by Heard Card Game where bartenders from around the country came together to share their stories, gain access to education opportunities, and create some amazing memories along the way. Join us over the next several weeks as these bartenders share their experiences in the hospitality industry! In this episode of "The Mixing Glass", Trey Fincher shares his passion for music and vinyl records. Trey also shares the story of how he opened his dream bar, Sidecar, in Fayetteville, Arkansas!  ------------ Trey Fincher is a seasoned bartender with over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry. He has worked at various establishments including bars, restaurants, and distilleries where he showcased his expertise in creating memorable guest experiences and crafting innovative cocktails.    Trey also competed in the USBG Presents World Class Competition in 2025 and made it to the Top 100 for the second time and advanced to the U.S. Top 30, competing for U.S. Bartender of the Year at the national finals in Atlanta.    Trey opened Sidecar Cocktail Lounge in 2025 with his partners Corey and Reese. Sidecar is his dream bar and truly a love letter to Fayetteville. They describe it as a refined dive — a neighborhood bar that just happens to make world-class cocktails. Their seasonal menus are inspired by vinyl records from their personal collections, with music serving as the creative muse behind everything they do. ---------- Don't miss out on any of the action!  Head to www.bardtender.com to stay up to date with all of the Bardtender content, find resources for mental and physical well-being, get access to education materials, and check out what all of our bards are up to! Support the show

    1hr 3min

About

You’re listening to Bardtenders! A Dungeons & Dragons Podcast where a group of bartenders escape their lives behind bars and trade in their shakers for dice. Join us each episode as we put liquids in cups, discuss the world of hospitality and bartending, and whomp monsters along the way! You can check us out on social media @bardtenders or at https://www.bardtender.com/ to check out our shows, explore new content, snag some food & beverage education, and so much more!