BarNinja Podcast - The Ultimate Bartending & Mixology Podcast
BarNinja
23 episodes
2 weeks ago
Send us a text Guests don’t compare you to last year’s prices; they compare you to their best recent experience. We dig into why the gap between “good” and “great” hospitality has widened, and how small, repeatable moves—clean bathrooms, warm greetings, and a clear point of view—turn rising costs into loyalty instead of churn. From the moment someone parks to the last goodbye, we treat service like hosting a dinner party, not running a transaction. We share a practical owner’s checkpoint you...
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Send us a text Guests don’t compare you to last year’s prices; they compare you to their best recent experience. We dig into why the gap between “good” and “great” hospitality has widened, and how small, repeatable moves—clean bathrooms, warm greetings, and a clear point of view—turn rising costs into loyalty instead of churn. From the moment someone parks to the last goodbye, we treat service like hosting a dinner party, not running a transaction. We share a practical owner’s checkpoint you...
Send us a text Guests don’t compare you to last year’s prices; they compare you to their best recent experience. We dig into why the gap between “good” and “great” hospitality has widened, and how small, repeatable moves—clean bathrooms, warm greetings, and a clear point of view—turn rising costs into loyalty instead of churn. From the moment someone parks to the last goodbye, we treat service like hosting a dinner party, not running a transaction. We share a practical owner’s checkpoint you...
Send us a text Chef Bobby pulls back the curtain on restaurant ownership, revealing a leadership philosophy centered on genuine care for his staff. His innovative approach guarantees front of house $27/hour regardless of how slow business gets—a practice that's transformed his Arlington restaurant's culture while virtually eliminating callouts. Behind every seemingly simple dining experience lies a complex ecosystem of challenges: HVAC systems failing during summer heat with repair com...
Send us a text Dive into the vibrant world of bartending as we explore the intricate balance between craft cocktails and genuine connections! At the end of the episode, we explore the biggest problem in bartending for 2025. We'll discuss the changing landscape of the bar industry, sharing personal anecdotes and insights gained from years of experience. Discover why being a great bartender transcends simply mixing drinks—it's about fostering relationships, understanding customer needs, and, ul...
Send us a textEver wondered how the evolution of tipping culture has affected both servers and patrons alike? This episode promises an in-depth exploration of modern tipping practices, from the challenges posed by electronic payment systems to the blurred lines between genuine gratuity and hidden labor costs. Join hosts Bill Thornton, Kayla Lowe, and Mike Garrison as they share personal anecdotes and address the ethical complexities surrounding tips. Plus, get a sneak peek at our upcoming int...
Send us a textEver wondered how couples manage to mix love and business successfully? This week on the Barn Ninja Podcast, we promise to unravel the secrets behind blending romance and entrepreneurship. With our special guest, Jacqueline Westfall, co-owner of Drifters, we explore the humorous and candid moments of their journey from early dating jitters to harmonious business partners. Jacqueline shares how clear communication, shared goals, and complementary skills are vital in buildin...
Send us a textEver caught off-guard by the potency of a deceptively large wine glass? Join us as we navigate these comical predicaments and more with the wit and wisdom of the Bar Ninja crew. We’re raising a glass (and an eyebrow) to the comedic struggles that come with everyday decisions, celebrating the arrival of a new shaker that's flipped our cocktail game on its head, and dishing out details on the influential bartending mavens slated to grace our future episodes. And if you’ve ever won...
Send us a textEver slept in a truck while your house is earning you Airbnb cash? Ryan has, and let me tell you, it's just one of the wild slices of life we're unpacking as we chat about the deeper side of hospitality with our special guest. This episode isn't just about pouring drinks; it's about pouring your soul into every connection—those five-minute friendships that bloom across the bar and the kind of service that turns a one-off visit into a "welcome back!" Join us, Bill, Kayla and Mike...
Send us a textEver wondered how serving in the military and law enforcement might influence one's approach to restaurant ownership? The answer lies in the inspiring journey of Ryan Walters a former police officer turned successful business owner. Ryan, the owner of Drifter's restaurant, reflects on how his previous background honed his leadership skills for the hospitality industry. His unique story takes us from his beginnings as an aspiring bartender to running his own thriving business.Enl...
Send us a textHave you ever stepped into a bar that felt like stepping into another era? That's the charm of dive bars! We're all aboard the nostalgia train in this episode of the Bar Ninja Podcast with your favorites - Kayla Louge and Mike Garrison. On our journey, we're joined by Leslie, a dive bar expert who shares her unforgettable experiences from Dinos and Santas, two dive bars in Nashville. Find out why we believe that the best dive bars are those where folks don't take themselves...
Send us a textReady to embark on a whimsical journey into the divisive world of brunch? Buckle up for a hilarious and insightful debate that will leave you either craving pancakes or swearing off Eggs Benedict forever. We're your hosts Bill, Kayla, and Mike, and in this episode, we're joined by special guest Leslie, who's not exactly a fan of the mid-morning meal. Will our passionate defense of mimosa-infused Sundays manage to change Leslie's mind, or will she remain a brunch antagonist? One ...
Send us a textWe are Back! New site is up! New products are out! New podcasts have been recorded! Check out barninja.com and subscribe to your favorite podcast player as well as our email newsletter.
Send us a textThis is a quick fun episode about Bill and the bacon stretcher. In other news, there are exciting things coming soon with BarNinja! Stay tuned in the next several weeks!
Send us a textWe are back to it with Season 2 of the BarNinja Podcast! In this episode you learn about how bartending changes your life, instills confidence, while helping to bring out the best version of your personality. It also teaches you leadership and emotional intelligence through creating connections and dealing with personalities. Send this podcast to any of your friends or family that are thinking of getting into bartending. It is a must listen for anything thinking of getting ...
Send us a textThis episode ties in with our last episode, but in this episode we discuss when our facilitation of fun went way wrong i.e. bar flair mishaps, almost burning down the bar, sabering champagne etc. It is a light hearted funny episode from our past adventures. We do bring our earlier episodes into these situations to show how you can keep your calm, and the bars spirits high even when things go way wrong. By transferring calm and funny energy into these situations you can keep the ...
Send us a textThis is a quick but super important episode. If you know any bartenders please send this episode to them. This is the difference from average bartenders and rockstars that have super loyal regulars and bars you can't get a seat at. Hope you enjoy. Please share our podcast with any bartenders you know!
Send us a textThis is probably the most important bar consulting podcast we will do. It is the reason some bars offer bad service and don't make money. It's also why some bartenders don't achieve their maximum revenue potential (for themselves and for the owner.) We also discuss big challenges as a bartender and why Blind Bill learned to become a good photographer.
Send us a textIn this episode we answer some listener questions with the Who, What, When, Why & How of the BarNinja Podcast. We also solve a mysterious Tequila disappearance. If you have any feedback for us, or what us to cover a topic, or answer a question email podcast@barninja.com
Send us a textIn this episode we take it back to the beginning! We talk about designing and prototyping our first product the BottleNinja, and how that product was the catalyst for founding BarNinja. We also discuss Yo Yo's and fidget spinners, but you will just have to listen in to find out how those work into the picture.
Send us a textIn this episode we dive further into to how energy can turn into great long term relationships. This episode is applicable to anymore and everyone and has some great lessons on how to build a regular base of business for your establishment.
Send us a textThis episode goes beyond the positive mental state you need as a great bartender and what to do with that energy. Great energy is the basic building block of creating an atmosphere where people want to stay and have fun. Good energy is good service. This holds whether its a professional bar or a home cocktail party. Mixology skills are hard skills which are easily trainable, but the soft skills that we are diving into in our first few episodes, are the difference between a ...
BarNinja Podcast - The Ultimate Bartending & Mixology Podcast
Send us a text Guests don’t compare you to last year’s prices; they compare you to their best recent experience. We dig into why the gap between “good” and “great” hospitality has widened, and how small, repeatable moves—clean bathrooms, warm greetings, and a clear point of view—turn rising costs into loyalty instead of churn. From the moment someone parks to the last goodbye, we treat service like hosting a dinner party, not running a transaction. We share a practical owner’s checkpoint you...
