Step into Episode 190 of On the Delo as David DeLorenzo sits down with longtime friend and Arizona hospitality pro Tiffany for a candid conversation about life behind the bar, responsible service, mental health, and launching a new industry-driven concept in downtown Mesa. From nearly two decades in restaurants and bars to opening “The Walk In” while navigating new motherhood, Tiffany pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to care for guests, protect your team, and still protect your own energy. If you’re in hospitality, own a bar or restaurant, or just love the Arizona beer community, this one gives you real-world perspective and practical takeaways you can use right now. Hear how Tiffany went from a 19-year-old hostess at Native New Yorker in Tempe to a respected leader in Arizona’s craft beer scene, shaping programs at spots like Cornish Pasty, Postino Gilbert, and The Sleepy Whale. She breaks down the psychology of reading guests, the art and “mama bear” finesse of cutting someone off, and why hospitality that feels like family is the only way to stand out when people are more selective than ever about where they spend their money. The conversation also dives into how therapy, boundaries, lifting, early mornings, and porch coffee help her manage burnout and stay grounded in an industry that often expects you to be “on” no matter what’s happening in your own life. You’ll also get an inside look at The Walk In, the new “grandma’s basement” bar Tiffany is opening in a historic basement space in downtown Mesa with partners Chris Rogers and Thad Krosky. Think cozy couches, wood paneling, beer neons, beer, natural wine, vinyl nights, and a serious non-alcoholic program designed for people who want the full experience without the booze. Tiffany shares the real startup journey: losing their first dream Tempe location, regrouping with help from community and a strong broker, finding the former Sun Devil Liquor basement and its old cellar “relics,” and deciding they don’t have to settle for anything less than the right space. Chapter Guide (Timestamps): (0:00 - 2:40) Saturday Morning Vibes and Episode 190 Intro (2:41 - 5:56) Tiffany’s Start in Hospitality: Native New Yorker, ASU, and Falling in Love with the Industry (5:57 - 12:40) Psychology Behind the Bar: Reading Guests, Responsible Service, and Care Over Transactions (12:41 - 18:21) Arizona Beer Community: Hospitality, Storytelling, and Surviving a Changing Market (18:22 - 23:58) Building The Walk In: Concept, Partners, Mental Health Focus, and Learning the Business Side (23:59 - 30:38) Losing a Location, Finding a Basement: Tempe Setbacks, Downtown Mesa, and Not Settling( 30:39 - 37:56) Non-Alcoholic Programs, Mental Wellness, Therapy, and Coping Without the Crutch of Alcohol (37:57 - 43:21) Motherhood, Support Systems, Arizona Roots, and Raising Riley in Hospitality (43:22 - 47:24) Rapid Fire: Music, Tattoos, Aliens, Gold Shows, and Strength Inside and Outside the Bar (47:25 - 48:39) What’s Next: Copper State Beer Festival and Built Different Community Invite 👉 If this episode hit home for you as an owner, operator, bartender, or just someone who loves going out and doing it responsibly, hit Subscribe so you never miss future conversations on hospitality, business, and real-life resilience. LINKS: Connect with DELO: https://linktr.ee/iamthedelo Grab DELO’s Free eBook: https://iamthedelo.com/3f-method-book DELO’s Preferred Business Service Partners: https://iamthedelo.com/connect Entrepreneur Community: https://www.builtdifferentcommunity.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/IAmTheDelo Instagram: https://instagram.com/iamthedelo LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/daviddelorenzo1 Restaurant Resources: https://www.runningrestaurants.com/subscribe DISCOUNT CODE: DeLo2025
