Skip to main content
Bar Hacks

Bar Hacks

By Doug Radkey & David Klemt

You’ve heard of life hacks? How about #BarHacks? Co-hosted by Doug Radkey and David Klemt, Bar Hacks is a reflection of both high-level journalism & consulting experience within this industry. This informative and conversational podcast is the perfect listen for any aspiring or seasoned bar, pub, lounge, or even restaurant owner, operator, and manager who is looking for that competitive edge in industry driven trends, development, and operations. Have a listen and let us know what you think!
Available on
Apple Podcasts Logo
Google Podcasts Logo
Overcast Logo
Pocket Casts Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

Episode 46 with David Allison

Bar HacksAug 17, 2021

00:00
39:55
Episode 111 with Michael Tipps
Mar 15, 202429:43
Episode 110 with James Grant
Feb 27, 202446:40
Episode 109 with Colin Asare-Appiah
Jan 09, 202446:34
Episode 108 with Finian Sedgwick

Episode 108 with Finian Sedgwick

Finian Sedgwick, the COO of BAXUS, calls into the Bar Hacks podcast to talk about this exciting new platform. He also shares the details of another platform within the BAXUS family: BoozApp.

BAXUS is a natural progression of Finian's career path in hospitality and luxury spirits and wines. While he started his journey with Jameson, he followed a path that led him to the luxury segments of wine, sparkling wine, and spirits. In particular, Champagne and the house of GH Mumm.

Now, he and the BAXUS team are helping people to find and trade wine and spirits via blockchain technology. They even have a vault that requires fingerprint scans to access, with more vaults coming online over time. Shaking up many traditional auction houses, BAXUS is focused on transparency, technology, security, and community. Importantly, Finian and the team want to make it easier for people to find bottles that matter to them, get their hands on them with confidence, and actually drink them.

Then there's BoozApp. Ever wonder if you're getting a good price on a bottle? Well, the BoozApp team and the engaged community can help you find the answer to that question. Overall, the platform can save users money, helping prevent them from overpaying for a bottle.

Cheers!

Notes

BAXUS website: https://www.baxus.co/

BAXUS Instagram: https://instagram.com/baxus.co/

BAXUS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/baxus.co/

BAXUS X: https://twitter.com/BAXUSco

BoozApp website: https://www.booz.app/

BoozApp Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/booz_app/

Bar Hacks Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barhacks

KRG Hospitality website: https://krghospitality.com/

Nov 07, 202350:47
Episode 107 with Anne Becerra
Oct 24, 202342:56
Episode 106 with Matthias Ingelmann

Episode 106 with Matthias Ingelmann

Oct 17, 202329:45
Episode 105 with Hannah Sharman-Cox and Siobhan Payne for London Cocktail Week

Episode 105 with Hannah Sharman-Cox and Siobhan Payne for London Cocktail Week

Just ahead of an incredibly busy but rewarding and exciting trade and consumer gathering of thousands of people, London Cocktail Week co-founders Hannah Sharman-Cox and Siobhan Payne drop by the Bar Hacks podcast.

Unlike most of our guests, Hannah and Siobhan aren't bartenders or bar operators. However, they're every bit as passionate about hospitality and the bar world as the people who have dedicated their professional lives to serving others. On this episode, this dynamic duo discuss the ins and outs of London Cocktail Week, including several innovative initiatives and activations. For example, lucky trade applicants will have the opportunity to spend time with the Connaught Bar team to see how they prepare for service.

Hannah and Siobhan also share the details of what should prove to be an global industry game changer: the Pinnacle Guide. Think the Michelin Guide for bars, though the recognition system will approach awarding venues across the world differently. Oh, and there's also the pair's brand consultancy, because they're not busy enough. Cheers!


Links:

London Cocktail Week: https://londoncocktailweek.com/

London Cocktail Week Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Londoncocktailweekofficial

The Pinnacle Guide Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepinnacleguide/

HANDS London Consultancy: https://hands-london.com/

HANDS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HANDS_London

Hannah Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hsharmancox/

Siobhan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/londonsiobhan/

Bar Hacks podcast: https://www.instagram.com/barhacks/

Oct 10, 202355:27
Episode 104 with Simone Caporale
Oct 03, 202330:23
Episode 103 with Ryan Chetiyawardana, aka Mr Lyan, Part 2
Sep 19, 202355:24
Episode 102 with Jordan Bushell
Sep 12, 202350:45
Episode 101 with Ryan Chetiyawardana a.k.a. Mr. Lyan
Aug 15, 202301:04:08
Episode 100 with Tako Chang
Aug 01, 202342:07
Episode 99 with Michele Mariotti
Jul 18, 202352:21
Episode 98 with Brooks Quinn
Jul 11, 202337:44
Episode 97 with Dragos Axinte

Episode 97 with Dragos Axinte

Dragos Axinte, the founder of Novo Fogo Organic Cachaça, returns to the Bar Hacks podcast. Axinte and Novo Fogo have been very busy since episode 60, his first appearance on the pod.

On this episode, Axinte shares the details and stories behind three important Novo Fogo initiatives and partnerships: Tree-keeper, with Seattle Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei, the Un-endangered Forest, and the brand's new Chief Alegria Officers (ChAOs), Sophie Hawley-Weld and Tucker Halpern, also known as SOFI TUKKER.

The two also discuss Axinte's approach to partnerships—a philosophy that will serve operators and entrepreneurs very well—as well as distiller's "discovering" amburana wood finishing. And, of course, Axinte shares product news and insights. If you're headed to Tales of the Cocktail this year, you're in for some incredible news. This conversation spans several topics and Axinte always imparts wisdom when he speaks in approachable and helpful ways.

To connect with Novo Fogo, please follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. While you're connecting with Novo Fogo on Instagram, be sure to follow Dragos Axinte, Stefan Frei and the Seattle Sounders, and SOFI TUKKER as well. Connect with the Bar Hacks podcast on Instagram and Twitter, and with host David Klemt on Instagram. Cheers!

Jun 22, 202301:10:15
Episode 96 with Lynnette Marrero

Episode 96 with Lynnette Marrero

You know about RTDs, but what about RTEs? Lynnette Marrero returns to the Bar Hacks podcast, dialing in from a very cool hybrid restaurant-work concept in Cincinnati to talk about Delola, the recently launched premium ready-to-enjoy cocktail brand.

The House of Delola was founded by Jennifer Lopez with the mission of launching premium, sophisticated RTE cocktails. The core lineup consists of three spritzes crafted in collaboration with bartending, mixology, and hospitality icon Lynnette Marrero. A truly collaborative effort, Lynnette created bold yet refreshing spritzes that resonate with JLo's party personality, Lola.

Delola L'Orange Spritz is unique in the RTD space as it's crafted with amaro. Lynnette's Delola "baby," Bella Berry Spritz, is made with vodka. And Paloma Rosa Spritz uses premium tequila as its base. Not just another celebrity spirits brand, Delola is as hardworking as JLo and Lynnette. Consider the labor issues facing operators and then consider what three RTEs can do to save time while generating revenue and elevating the guest experience.

To learn more about Delola, visit the website and connect on Instagram. To keep up with Lynnette Marrero, visit her website and be sure to give her a follow. She always has something (or several somethings) going on and you don't to miss out. For example, as Lynnette mentions on this episode, there's also her collaboration on a non-alcohol brand, Aplós.

Connect with the Bar Hacks podcast on Instagram and Twitter, and with host David Klemt on Instagram. Cheers!

Jun 13, 202342:41
Episode 95 with Bob Peters
May 16, 202333:03
Episode 94 with Austen Asadorian and Brian Harper

Episode 94 with Austen Asadorian and Brian Harper

Austen Asadorian, senior vice president of sales at SevenRooms, and Brian Harper, partner and senior vice president of sales and marketing at Competitive Social Ventures, drop by the Bar Hacks podcast. Hospitality industry heavyweight SevenRooms entered into a partnership with growing hospitality group CSV at the end of 2022.

During this conversation the trio discuss what motivates SevenRooms to pursue partnerships with people, groups, and brands; why the reservation, waitlist, and guest retention platform is valuable for all operations, from single-unit independents to regional, national, and global restaurant and hotel groups; and why the company's marketing tools should appear to operators; and much more.

On the CSV side of this conversation, Brian Harper discusses what attracted the group to SevenRooms; the three brands—Fairway Social, Roaring Social, and Pickle and Social—underneath the CSV umbrella; plans for growth and expansion; and more.

To learn more about SevenRooms, check out the platform's website and connect on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Check out Competitive Social Venues on their website, and connect with them on LinkedIn and Facebook. Connect with the Bar Hacks podcast on Instagram and Twitter, and with host David Klemt on Instagram. Cheers!


Mar 21, 202323:03
Episode 93 with Adrián Michalčík

Episode 93 with Adrián Michalčík

In September 2022, Adrián Michalčík earned the title of Diageo World Class Global Bartender of the Year. Colloquially, this achievement is known as the Best Bartender in the World. That's a bold and weighty mantle but as you'll learn during this conversation, Adrián is humble and focused on his team and guests.

Adrián is the director of mixology at the award-winning Pier 42 inside the Amerikalinjen hotel in Oslo, Norway. The bar has been recognized by the World's 50 Best and has won Best Bar of Norway twice. In addition to taking home the title of 2022 Diageo World Class Global Bartender of the Year, Adrián has won several bartending competitions throughout the years.

He popped by the Bar Hacks podcast to chat with host David Klemt about his bartender journey. Adrián has worked in several types of bars and each helped him develop the skills that allowed him to elevate his skills behind the bar. Mentors, his endless quest for knowledge, his passion for hosting others, and his focus on empathy have informed his approach to team building, delivering top-level hospitality, and tapping into his creativity to develop Pier 42's cocktail menus.

Adrián shares the three pillars he believes great bars are built upon, what he looks for in bar team members, transforming people from guests to friends, the importance of storytelling, and much more.

To connect with Adrián and learn more, follow him on Instagram and visit his website. To check out Pier 42, click here. Connect with the Bar Hacks podcast on Instagram and Twitter, and with host David @david.ex.machina. Cheers!

Mar 07, 202341:31
Episode 92 with Anand Virmani

Episode 92 with Anand Virmani

We had the honor of sitting down with Anand Virmani, CEO of NAO Spirits and master distiller for Hapusa Gin, the world's first Dry Himalayan Gin. NAO also produces Greater Than, the distillery's first spirit and a traditional London Dry Gin.

Anand shares his path through the beverage alcohol world and running a coffee, wine, and cocktail bar of his own. He also explains how he learned about distillation, who his mentor is, and how he approaches educating bar teams on both Greater Than and Hapusa. These are two incredible spirits that embody a real sense of culture: Greater Than is India's first craft gin, and NAO introduced the world the first-ever Himalayan Dry Gin with Hapusa, a gin designed to be "garnished with time."

To learn more, please check out the NAO Spirits website, and be sure to hit Instagram to follow Greater Than Gin and Hapusa Gin. Connect with the Bar Hacks podcast on Instagram and Twitter, and with host David @david.ex.machina. Cheers!

Feb 28, 202335:28
Episode 91 with Charles Joly

Episode 91 with Charles Joly

Industry icon, bar educator, entrepreneur, and bartender Charles Joly drops by the Bar Hacks podcast to chat with host David Klemt. The two discuss Charles' start and his journey from the trenches to opening Chicago's Drawing Room, and also his role at the city's legendary Aviary. Charles also talks about Crafthouse Cocktails, the premium ready-to-serve brand, and his barware label Crafthouse by Fortessa. Interestingly, his love of bar history and vintage barware design not only informs his own designs, it manifests in Telltail Vintage, his Instagram shop. Not one to sit still for long, Charles is also involved in craft ice startup Abstract Ice.

The conversation also touches on spirits categories that appear to be dominating or otherwise seeing a big lift; advice for aspiring career bartenders; and advice for operators who want to succeed in today's restaurant and bar world.

Connect with Charles via his website www.CharlesJoly.com and on Instagram. Connect with the Bar Hacks podcast on Instagram and Twitter, and with host David @david.ex.machina. Cheers!

Feb 21, 202345:23
Episode 90 with Mark Sansom
Jan 24, 202317:24
Episode 89 with Doug Radkey

Episode 89 with Doug Radkey

Doug Radkey, co-founder and president of KRG Hospitality, stops by the Bar Hacks. Not only is Doug the co-founder and president of KRG, he's also the author of the book Bar Hacks and its followup Hacking the New Normal, and the creator of the Bar Hacks podcast.

During his visit, Doug and David talk about their expectations for 2023, what KRG is working on in the new year so far, the importance of technology in hospitality, and dynamic pricing versus dynamic menus. Doug also shares his thoughts on what operators can work on starting today to position themselves for success in 2023 and beyond.

Follow Doug and KRG on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Learn more about KRG Hospitality here, and connect with the Bar Hacks podcast on Instagram and Twitter, and with David @david.ex.machina. Cheers!

Jan 10, 202346:05
Episode 88 with Ronnen Goren & John Wilson

Episode 88 with Ronnen Goren & John Wilson

Bar Hacks podcast host David Klemt speaks with Ronnen Goren, co-founder and director, and John Wilson, design director, from Studio Ongarato. This international design firm with offices in Melbourne, Hong Kong, Dubai, and Toronto specializes in concept branding, placemaking, and wayfinding. There are several valuable takeaways from this conversation. One standout takeaway comes from Goren, who asks, "What's the souvenir?" of a particular concept. Another comes from Wilson, who says, "Everything is an opportunity to create an impression." Oh, and did you know that Australia is currently embroiled in a gelato war?

As the experiential becomes increasingly crucial to the hospitality industry, operators need to look at their concepts through the lens of creativity and opportunity. In doing that, operators can see where they can impress their guests, leave them with a "souvenir" or two from their experience, and keep them coming back to discover more.

Learn more about Studio Ongarato via their website and Instagram. To check out the bistro Goren and Wilson mention during this episode, click here for the Loulou Bistro Instagram. Connect with the Bar Hacks podcast on Instagram and Twitter, and with David @david.ex.machina. Cheers!

Dec 30, 202236:48
Episode 87 with Marbet Lewis

Episode 87 with Marbet Lewis

Attorney Marbet Lewis, a founding partner and team manager of the alcohol industry group of Spiritus Law, calls into the Bar Hacks podcast to speak with co-host David Klemt. Since 2004, Marbet has focused on serving the alcohol and hospitality industries. So, she had a front row seat to the rise and eventual proliferation of the experiential hospitality or "eatertainment" trend.

Marbet and David talk about how she got her start in law, challenges inherent to opening an eatertainment venue, and which sports and activities are proving most popular with guests. For example, Topgolf, Puttshack, and Puttery are performing quite well in Southern Florida. That makes sense when one considers the popularity of golf in general throughout Florida.

When you're through with this episode, listen to episode 78 with Nico Romano and episode 86 with Rob Lewis, both attorneys at Spiritus Law.

To learn more, visit Spiritus Law and connect with the firm on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Connect with the Bar Hacks podcast on Instagram and Twitter, and with David @david.ex.machina. Cheers!

Dec 13, 202227:13
Episode 86 with Rob Lewis

Episode 86 with Rob Lewis

After everything our industry has been through the past few years and the current struggles operators and hospitality professionals continue to face today, it's wise to look for different business models. One model operators should consider (particularly new, independent, and small chain operators) is the food hall.

Bar Hacks co-host David Klemt sits down with Rob Lewis, founder of Spiritus Law, to discuss the opportunities that food halls can provide. Because Spiritus Law focuses on the hospitality industry, Rob Lewis and his fellow attorneys (and team of paralegals, clerks, and administrators) are well acquainted with the challenges and benefits of each type of restaurant, bar, and entertainment venue. And when we set aside preconceived notions—like food halls being the same as outdated mall food courts or school cafeterias—we can really see how entering the industry in different ways can help drive down costs while leveraging traffic to boost revenue and longevity.

To learn more, visit the Spiritus Law website. Connect with Spiritus on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. And connect with the Bar Hacks podcast on Instagram and Twitter, and with David @david.ex.machina. Cheers!

Nov 29, 202224:40
Episode 85 with Richard Patrick

Episode 85 with Richard Patrick

We sat down with Richard Patrick, the co-founder of Mississippi's oldest legal distillery. There are two facts you may find surprising about Mississippi. One, the state didn't repeal prohibition fully until 1966. And two, Mississippi didn't get their first legal distillery until 2010. That's the year Richard Patrick and Austin Evans opened the doors of Cathead Distillery and introduced people to their first spirit: the flagship Cathead Vodka.

On this episode we dive into Mississippians' reactions to finally having a legal distillery in the state, how Cathead approaches growth and philanthropy, and some of the spirits the distillery produces. One of those spirits is 2022 Old Soul Bourbon Single Barrel, characterized by cherry, vanilla and maple syrup on the nose; vanilla, hazelnut, and leather on the palate; and a finish of dark chocolate and toffee. You'll also learn more about Cathead Vodka, Cathead Honeysuckle Vodka, Bristow Gin, and more.

Be sure to check out the Cathead Distillery website and connect with the brand on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Click here to learn more about the restaurant Richard mentions on this episode, The Manship in Jackson, Mississippi. And connect with the Bar Hacks podcast on Instagram and Twitter, and with David @david.ex.machina. Cheers!

Nov 15, 202240:48
Episode 84 with Roberta Mariani
Nov 01, 202232:08
Episode 83: National Bourbon Heritage Month Roundup
Sep 20, 202236:34
Episode 82 with Mark Sansom

Episode 82 with Mark Sansom

Ahead of the big ceremony on October 4, Mark Sansom stops by the Bar Hacks podcast to speak with co-host David Klemt about the World's 50 Best Bars. As the content director for the World's 50 Best Bars, Sansom is uniquely qualified to speak about several aspects of arguably the most influential ranking of bars in the world. Sansom speaks about the impressive voting process, moving the World's 50 Best Bars ceremony to a new host city for the first time ever, the Michter's Art of Hospitality award, the Blend Scholarship, and much more.

Numbers 100 to 51 of the World's 50 Best Bars will be announced on September 27, which people can watch free on Instagram Live. On October 4, the World's 50 Best Bars presents bars 50 to number one. Before these two big announcements, make sure to check out the World's 50 Best Discovery bar and restaurant tool.

To learn more, vist the World's 50 Best Bars website and connect on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook. Also, follow Mark Sansom on Instagram and Twitter. Connect with the Bar Hacks podcast on Instagram and Twitter, and with David @david.ex.machina. Cheers!

Aug 30, 202239:44
Episode 81 with Paul Mathew
Aug 16, 202246:26
Episode 80 with Chef Kayla Robison

Episode 80 with Chef Kayla Robison

It's the 100th episode of Bar Hacks! We thrilled to bring you our 80th regular episode, which joins 20 bonus episodes. Obviously, we had to bring you an awesome guest to celebrate this milestone and thank all of you for helping make this possible.

We sit down and have a great chat with Chef Kayla Robison, the executive chef at Arnold's Bar and Grill in Cincinnati, Ohio. Arnold's is the city's longest-running restaurant with over 160 years of operation under its belt. In addition, Chef Kayla is a Chopped champion and Guy's Grocery Games champ.

Chef Kayla shares her journey through the culinary world, talks about culinary school, shares tips for nurturing a positive work culture, mentoring members of the back-of-house team, reveals the secrets to making the perfect burger, identifies the culinary trends she's excited about and which ones she wishes would disappear, and so much more. You absolutely do not want to miss this episode!

Connect with Chef Kayla Robison on Instagram via her amazing handle @commandernbeef and check out the Arnold's Bar and Grill website. Connect with the Bar Hacks podcast on Instagram and Twitter, and with David @david.ex.machina. Cheers!

Aug 09, 202251:02
Episode 79 with Chris Parker

Episode 79 with Chris Parker

Bar Hacks co-host David Klemt chats with Chris Parker about Barfly by Mercer, an independent bar tool manufacturer passionate about providing bar professionals with high quality, long-lasting products priced fairly. Parker is the national sales manager at Barfly which means he travels, visits trade shows and bars, and gets feedback directly from bartenders. Like chefs, bartenders, as we know, aren't shy about sharing their true opinions on how a tool feels and performs.

On this episode, Chis goes over the impressive Barfly portfolio in depth; reveals the brand's best-selling tools and finishes; shares his thoughts on what tools operators need per bar station as well as what to budget; what sets Barfly apart from other manufacturers; and more.

To learn more and connect with Barfly by Mercer, check them out on their website, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. Connect with the Bar Hacks podcast on Instagram and Twitter, and with David @david.ex.machina. Cheers!

Aug 02, 202237:23
Episode 78 with Nico Romano

Episode 78 with Nico Romano

Bar Hacks co-host David Klemt sits down with Nico Romano, a partner at Spiritus Law, to discuss inflation and recession, negotiating with landlords, contract clauses, and more. Nico the firm’s real estate practice, focusing on the laws governing business and transactional matters, including real estate, financial services, infrastructure and development, hospitality, and public/private partnerships. He also handles alcohol beverage matters.

Importantly, Nico has also worked in the hospitality space, invested in this business, and been a landlord in the past. In fact, one of the leases he negotiated was for a restaurant owned by his family. In other words, Nico is one of us and Spiritus is the firm to go for if an owner or operator has legal questions or needs an attorney.

Connect with Nico on LinkedIn and learn more by visiting Spiritus Law. To connect with Spiritus, follow the firm on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Connect with the Bar Hacks podcast on Instagram and Twitter, and with David @david.ex.machina. Cheers!

Jul 26, 202226:07
Episode 77 with Guy Lawrence

Episode 77 with Guy Lawrence

Bar Hacks co-host David Klemt sits down with Guy Lawrence, CEO of Brockmans Gin. Guy brings over three decades of drinks industry experience to the table, so he was the obvious choice when Brockmans co-founder Neil Everitt was ready to step back from being CEO. This year, Lawrence and the small but dedicated and talented team he leads achieved one million bottles sold worldwide over the span of twelve months. That feat is all the more stunning given the past two-plus years, the fact that Brockmans consists of just ten people, and the brand is truly independent.

During this conversation, Guy and David discuss what sets Brockmans apart from other gins, the important role operators and bartenders play in Brockmans growth, the best ways to enjoy this super-premium gin, analyzing need states, and more.

To learn more, visit Brockmans.com. To connect with Brockmans, follow the brand on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. Connect with the Bar Hacks podcast on Instagram and Twitter, and with David @david.ex.machina. Cheers!

Jul 19, 202232:21
Episode 76 with Jim Taylor

Episode 76 with Jim Taylor

Jim Taylor, the founder and CEO of BenchmarkSixty, speaks with Bar Hacks co-host David Klemt to talk about the employee experience. As we're all well aware, the hospitality industry is facing a severe labor shortage. Moreover, we're also in the midst of the Great Resignation, inflation, the threat of a recession... In other words, how people view work is changing. Operators must change their leadership styles to fit with the times or perish.

Taylor addresses the need for operators to review their team's workload, innovative ways to improve the employee experience, and more! Click here to learn more about BenchmarkSixty, and click here to connect with BenchmarkSixty on Instagram. To connect with the Bar Hacks podcast, visit @barhacks, and connect with David at @david.ex.machina. Cheers!

Jun 28, 202224:42
Episode 75 with Andres Faustinelli

Episode 75 with Andres Faustinelli

Bar Hacks host David Klemt sits down with Master Blender Andres Faustinelli to learn about new, bold, and innovative Canadian craft whisky brand BEARFACE. Faustinelli shares his journey into distillation and blending, delving into what drew him to Canadian whisky production. Along the way, the BEARFACE master blender shares the details of Triple Oak, One Eleven, and Wilderness Series 01 expressions.

Throughout this conversation you'll learn why the BEARFACE Whisky approach is about experimentation and innovation, terroir and bold flavor profiles, removing snobbery from the whisky world, and crafting whisky with transparency as a core value. Faustinelli also blends with bartenders and cuisine in mind, to great effect. This is a newer and exciting brand you and your guests definitely need to try!

Visit BEARFACE to learn more, and make sure to connect with the brand on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. To connect with the Bar Hacks podcast, visit @barhacks, and connect with David at @david.ex.machina. Cheers!

May 31, 202244:09
Episode 74 with David Vitale, Part 2

Episode 74 with David Vitale, Part 2

David Vitale, founder of Starward Whisky, returns from Australia and returns to the Bar Hacks podcast! The Australian whisky producer took home an incredible amount of medals from the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. David tells host David Klemt what it was like to see the final award tally, how the Starward team reacted, and dove into the mission and vision of Starward Whisky.

The two also discuss the award-winning expressions that are either already available in the US or on their way to American shores. David shares the details of the Fortis, Octave Barrels, Unexpeated, and Dolce expressions. And for the single-barrel lovers out there, David also dives into the magic behind single barrel bottlings Nos. 684, 3278, and 4539. It's exciting to learn about the expressions joining Two-Fold, Nova, Solera, and Ginger Beer Cask #6.

Learn more about Starward Whisky on their website, and be sure to sign up for the newsletter. Follow Starward on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. To connect with the Bar Hacks podcast, visit @barhacks, and connect with David at @david.ex.machina. Cheers!

May 03, 202239:37
Episode 73 with The Tipple Tourist

Episode 73 with The Tipple Tourist

Susie O. is back! She has a new brand, The Tipple Tourist, and Susie also pops by for an open discussion about an array of topics. Host David Klemt and Susie O. discuss what she's seeing in bars, restaurants and hotels during her recent travels. The two also talk about the importance of reservations for guests and operators, along with operators owning their business profiles on platforms such as Yelp and Google. Other topics in this far-reaching conversation include an interesting trend Susie O. has noticed among bars in Dallas, Texas; seating and other elements that influence restaurant and bar psychology; things for operators to consider during their soft openings, and more!

Make sure to follow Susie O.'s new Instagram page, The Tipple Tourist, and check out her website, too. To connect with the Bar Hacks podcast, visit @barhacks, and connect with David at @david.ex.machina. Cheers!

Apr 26, 202242:31
Episode 72 with Kellie Thorn & Lola Thomas
Apr 19, 202221:27
Episode 71 with Donal O'Gallachoir

Episode 71 with Donal O'Gallachoir

Glendalough Distillery co-founder, national brand ambassador, and bottlewasher Donal O'Gallachoir stops by the Bar Hacks podcast to explain what makes the distillery's whiskey and gin "remarkably different." Irish whiskey's history and heritage spans centuries and was once a global export enjoyed by royalty. Donal shares a few of the circumstances that led to roughly 2,000 registered distilleries (and nearly as many illicit producers) disappearing.

When Glendalough was founded in 2011, it became the fourth of fifth registered distillery in Ireland. Ever since they opened their doors, Glendalough has been on a mission to honor Irish distilling heritage and return Irish whiskey and gin to the top of their respective spirits categories.

Donal also shares the details of Glendalough's newest release, available just in time for St. Patrick's Day: batch number one of 7 Years Mizunara Finish. To learn more, visit the Glendalough Distillery website, and follow on Instagram and Facebook. Connect with Donal on LinkedIn and Instagram, and with Bar Hacks and host David Klemt on Instagram. Sláinte!

Mar 15, 202239:03
Episode 70: Bar Hacks Bonus Roundup: Leadership & Operations
Mar 08, 202245:46
Episode 69: Revisiting Episode 27 with Armon Noori
Mar 01, 202218:28
Episode 68 with Jordan Bem and Hanna Bem

Episode 68 with Jordan Bem and Hanna Bem

David Klemt sits down with Jordan and Hanna Bem, the sibling co-founders of Moliving. This unique brand is seeking to democratize the ultra-luxury hotel space through technology, mobility, and a truly unique approach. And in doing so, Moliving is also changing the hospitality real estate space. In this episode you'll hear from the founders as they explain the inspiration that ultimately led to the creation of Moliving, what the brand brings to the table in partnerships, the impact of their sustainable construction and transportation practices, how they deliver an ultra-luxury hotel and resort experience, and much more.

To learn more, visit the Moliving website and connect with the brand on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Connect with Bar Hacks and host David Klemt on Instagram. Cheers!

Feb 22, 202227:23
Episode 67 with David Allison, Pt. 2
Feb 15, 202201:11:37
Episode 66 w/ Camila Soriano & Chris Wirth

Episode 66 w/ Camila Soriano & Chris Wirth

Dynamic entrepreneurial duo Camila Soriano and Chris Wirth, founders of Volley Tequila Seltzer, drop by the Bar Hacks podcast to share the brand's story and innovations. As you'll hear in this informative episode, Volley isn't just any tequila seltzer—this brand crafts the world's first clean tequila seltzer. Volley is made with 100-percent blue agave tequila, sparkling water, and organic juice—that's it. And along with giving back to the planet, Soriano and Wirth are attempting to change the beverage alcohol industry through more transparent labeling. In this episode you'll find that being more transparent on a label is more challenging than you'd think. Soriano and Wirth give insights into the Volley brand, natural and artificial flavors, nutrition information and labels, new packaging, and more.

Follow Volley on Instagram and learn more at DrinkVolley.com. Connect with Bar Hacks and host David Klemt on Instagram. Cheers!

Feb 08, 202228:59
Episode 65 with Eileen Wayner

Episode 65 with Eileen Wayner

Eileen Wayner, CEO of the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, returns to the Bar Hacks podcast! Eileen shares details of the 20th anniversary of Tales of the Cocktail—taking place this year in New Orleans from July 25 through July 29—including: the Cocktail Apprentice Program (a.k.a. the Red Coats), the return of the Spirited Awards, the Dame Hall of Fame, TOTC's new host hotel, why people who haven't attended a Tales should plan to come this year, and more. We hope to see you in New Orleans in July for the 20th anniversary of Tales, y'all!

Learn more on the Tales of the Cocktail website and follow Tales on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to stay up to date on dates and developments. Connect with Bar Hacks and host David Klemt on Instagram. Cheers!

Feb 01, 202227:56
Episode 64 with Neil Grosscup

Episode 64 with Neil Grosscup

Neil Grosscup, CEO and Master Blender of Tanteo Tequila, stops by the Bar Hacks podcast to tell the story of the only tequila distillery owned by its co-op of agave farmers. Neil shares the Tanteo mission, the six rules he asks team members to adhere to, and the importance the brand places on economic, social, and environmental sustainability.

For example, the second annual National Spicy Margarita Day takes place Wednesday, January 26. Not only does this holiday honor Tanteo founder Jonathan Rojewski, the day is also a way for the brand to give back. Around 150 venues are participating in 2022 and $1 from every Tanteo cocktail will go to initiatives like waterway cleanup. In addition, Tanteo will donate $1 for every social media post tagged #NationalSpicyMargDay.

To learn more, visit Tanteo Tequila's website. Connect with the brand on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, and connect with Bar Hacks and host David Klemt on Instagram. Cheers!

Jan 25, 202234:51
Episode 63 with David Vitale

Episode 63 with David Vitale

David Vitale, founder of Starward Whisky, pops by the Bar Hacks podcast to chat with co-host David Klemt. He shares his journey into whisky distillation and how craft beer brewing plays a significant role. The two also discuss Australian whisky, making inroads throughout North America, and why Starward expressions work so well with food and food programs. In this episode you'll also find out which Starward whisky David Vitale calls the "Swiss Army knife of whiskies," which makes the perfect Manhattan, Starward Solera, and more.

You can connect with David Vitale on Instagram. Be sure to swing by the Starward website and follow on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Connect with Bar Hacks and host David Klemt on Instagram. Cheers!

Jan 18, 202259:59
Bar Hacks Bonus Roundup: Goals
Jan 11, 202239:57