The Bar Business Podcast: Bar & Pub Owner Profits, Marketing & Operations – Details, episodes & analysis

Why is your bar still stuck… even though you’re working nonstop?

Here’s the truth most owners avoid:

It’s not your staff.
It’s not your marketing.
It’s you.

In this episode, franchise turnaround expert Mike DeJong breaks down the pattern he sees over and over again:

Owners are becoming the bottleneck in their own business.

You’ll hear why most bar owners stay trapped in operator mode, constantly busy but never actually moving forward, and how their own habits, decisions, and mindset are the real thing holding everything back.

This isn’t a “tips and tricks” episode.

It’s a reality check.

If you’re tired of being stuck in the day-to-day, constantly putting out fires, and wondering why your bar isn’t growing…this one’s going to hit.

If you want to go deeper with Mike:

You can download his book Grow Smart for free or connect with him directly.

👉 mikedejong.com
👉 mike@mikedejong.com

He also offers a free strategy session where he’ll walk you through what’s actually holding you back and give you a plan to fix it.

🔴  Start Here🔴
 
📌 If this is something you’re dealing with in your bar, don’t figure it out alone.

Join Bar Business Nation — the free Facebook group for bar owners talking through staff, slow nights, profit leaks, and better ways to run the business.

📢 Join the group here:
→ https://www.facebook.com/groups/barbusinessnation

🔴Additional resources🔴
Grab the books “How to Make Top-Shelf Profits in the Bar Business!” and “Menus that Sell” here:
→ https://barbusinesscoach.com/book/ 

What worked before…
doesn’t work anymore.

Same bar. Same drinks.
But something’s off.

The crowd is different.
And they’re not drinking the way they used to.

Most bar owners think it’s a traffic problem.

It’s not.

You’re running a bar built for the past while Gen Z is playing by new rules.

In this episode, we break down how each generation actually drinks, spends, and chooses where to go and why Gen Z is shifting everything from what people order to when they show up.

If your bar feels inconsistent and you don’t know why…this will change how you see your business.

🔴  Start Here🔴
 
📌 If this is something you’re dealing with in your bar, don’t figure it out alone.

Join Bar Business Nation — the free Facebook group for bar owners talking through staff, slow nights, profit leaks, and better ways to run the business.

📢 Join the group here:
→ https://www.facebook.com/groups/barbusinessnation

🔴Additional resources🔴
Grab the books “How to Make Top-Shelf Profits in the Bar Business!” and “Menus that Sell” here:
→ https://barbusinesscoach.com/book/ 

What if the slowest hours in your bar could become some of the most profitable?

If your afternoons feel quiet and the seats sit empty until happy hour, you’re not dealing with a traffic problem, you’re dealing with unused revenue.

There’s a growing crowd of remote workers looking for a place to settle in, and your bar may already be the perfect fit.

In this episode, we break down the Work-from-Bar Pivot and show you how to turn slow afternoon hours into daytime sales and early happy hour momentum.

If you’ve been writing off the middle of the day, this episode might make you see your bar completely differently.

🔴  Start Here🔴
 
📌 If this is something you’re dealing with in your bar, don’t figure it out alone.

Join Bar Business Nation — the free Facebook group for bar owners talking through staff, slow nights, profit leaks, and better ways to run the business.

📢 Join the group here:
→ https://www.facebook.com/groups/barbusinessnation

🔴Additional resources🔴
Grab the books “How to Make Top-Shelf Profits in the Bar Business!” and “Menus that Sell” here:
→ https://barbusinesscoach.com/book/ 

 Need a quick boost in your weekend revenue? 

Many bar owners struggle to create promotions that are both profitable and quick to implement, leaving money on the table every weekend. 

In today's episode: 

• Learn instant-implementation promotional strategies 
• Discover how to structure pricing for maximum profit 
• Master the art of creating urgency in weekend specials 

Listen now to transform your next weekend's revenue with these ready-to-launch promotions. 

🔴  Start Here🔴
 
📌 If this is something you’re dealing with in your bar, don’t figure it out alone.

Join Bar Business Nation — the free Facebook group for bar owners talking through staff, slow nights, profit leaks, and better ways to run the business.

📢 Join the group here:
→ https://www.facebook.com/groups/barbusinessnation

🔴Additional resources🔴
Grab the books “How to Make Top-Shelf Profits in the Bar Business!” and “Menus that Sell” here:
→ https://barbusinesscoach.com/book/ 

Ever wondered why some bars proudly wear their one-star Yelp reviews like a badge of honor?

In the cat-and-mouse game of underage drinking, fake IDs are getting more sophisticated—and bars are on the front lines. But cracking down without scaring off real customers or running afoul of the law? That’s the real trick.

In today's episode:

• Learn why scanning IDs is only one piece of the puzzle in spotting fakes.
• Hear how rewarding staff for catching phonies creates a culture of compliance.
• Find out how Cliff's company, Stinger Compliance, uses incognito testers to help bars cover their legal bases and boost training—without disrupting service.

Hit play now to hear how bars are turning fake ID fails into five-star operational wins—with a little help from secret shoppers and a lot of legal smarts.

Learn more about Cliff and Stinger:
Stinger Compliance Website
Stinger on LinkedIn
Cliff's LinkedIn

🔴  Start Here🔴
 
📌 If this is something you’re dealing with in your bar, don’t figure it out alone.

Join Bar Business Nation — the free Facebook group for bar owners talking through staff, slow nights, profit leaks, and better ways to run the business.

📢 Join the group here:
→ https://www.facebook.com/groups/barbusinessnation

🔴Additional resources🔴
Grab the books “How to Make Top-Shelf Profits in the Bar Business!” and “Menus that Sell” here:
→ https://barbusinesscoach.com/book/ 

Are your bartenders leaving money on the table every time they serve a drink?

Many bar owners struggle with getting their staff to consistently upsell, resulting in thousands of dollars in lost revenue potential each month. 

In today's episode:

• Learn proven psychological techniques to overcome upselling resistance 
• Discover how to create effective incentive programs that actually work 
• Master the art of training staff to upsell naturally and confidently 

Listen now to transform your team's approach to upselling and boost your bottom line immediately. 

🔴  Start Here🔴
 
📌 If this is something you’re dealing with in your bar, don’t figure it out alone.

Join Bar Business Nation — the free Facebook group for bar owners talking through staff, slow nights, profit leaks, and better ways to run the business.

📢 Join the group here:
→ https://www.facebook.com/groups/barbusinessnation

🔴Additional resources🔴
Grab the books “How to Make Top-Shelf Profits in the Bar Business!” and “Menus that Sell” here:
→ https://barbusinesscoach.com/book/ 

Why are bar insurance premiums skyrocketing—and is there anything you can do to protect your business?

If you’re a bar, restaurant, or nightclub owner, you’ve likely seen your insurance rates spike in the last few years. With more lawsuits, stricter laws, and fewer insurers willing to play ball, coverage has become more expensive—and more confusing. This episode gets into the weeds with an expert who knows exactly what’s going on behind the curtain.

In today's episode:

• Learn the four critical types of insurance your bar needs to carry—and why skipping any one of them is a risk you can’t afford.
• Understand why assault & battery and liquor liability are the real troublemakers in your premium hikes.
• Get the scoop on why hospitality-specific insurers can often save you money—and stress—compared to big national providers.

Listen now to get the hard truths (and some smart tips) on how to manage rising insurance costs before renewal season hits.

Get in touch with Lars:
KEL Insurance 
Lars on LinkedIN

🔴  Start Here🔴
 
📌 If this is something you’re dealing with in your bar, don’t figure it out alone.

Join Bar Business Nation — the free Facebook group for bar owners talking through staff, slow nights, profit leaks, and better ways to run the business.

📢 Join the group here:
→ https://www.facebook.com/groups/barbusinessnation

🔴Additional resources🔴
Grab the books “How to Make Top-Shelf Profits in the Bar Business!” and “Menus that Sell” here:
→ https://barbusinesscoach.com/book/ 

Is your bar losing customers because you're not prepared for the cashless payment revolution?

As cash transactions decline and customers increasingly expect digital payment options, bar owners must adapt their operations or risk frustrating guests and losing business while dealing with increased reconciliation complexity.

In today’s episode:

• Learn proven strategies to smoothly transition your bar operations for the digital payment era
• Discover how to optimize your POS system for faster service and better reporting
• Master efficient financial tracking methods for multiple payment streams

Tune in now to future-proof your bar's payment systems and streamline your operations for the modern customer.

🔴  Start Here🔴
 
📌 If this is something you’re dealing with in your bar, don’t figure it out alone.

Join Bar Business Nation — the free Facebook group for bar owners talking through staff, slow nights, profit leaks, and better ways to run the business.

📢 Join the group here:
→ https://www.facebook.com/groups/barbusinessnation

🔴Additional resources🔴
Grab the books “How to Make Top-Shelf Profits in the Bar Business!” and “Menus that Sell” here:
→ https://barbusinesscoach.com/book/ 

Is your bar's profitability taking a nosedive during slow seasons while your expenses remain the same?

Many bar owners struggle with maintaining profits during predictable seasonal downturns, leading to cash flow problems and stress. Smart preparation and strategic adjustments can help you maintain healthy margins even during slower periods.

In today’s episode: • Learn proven strategies to reduce costs without sacrificing quality • Discover creative promotion ideas that drive traffic during slow periods • Master the art of staff scheduling to maintain service while controlling labor costs

Listen now to transform your slow season from a financial burden into a period of opportunity.

🔴  Start Here🔴
 
📌 If this is something you’re dealing with in your bar, don’t figure it out alone.

Join Bar Business Nation — the free Facebook group for bar owners talking through staff, slow nights, profit leaks, and better ways to run the business.

📢 Join the group here:
→ https://www.facebook.com/groups/barbusinessnation

🔴Additional resources🔴
Grab the books “How to Make Top-Shelf Profits in the Bar Business!” and “Menus that Sell” here:
→ https://barbusinesscoach.com/book/ 

What's the real cost of waiting until your bar equipment breaks down during a busy Friday night?

Every bar owner knows the panic of unexpected equipment failures that can derail service and drain profits, but with proper preventative maintenance, you can avoid these costly disruptions.

In today’s episode:

• Learn essential daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance schedules for critical bar equipment
• Discover cost-effective ways to extend the life of your expensive bar assets
• Master the art of training staff to identify early warning signs of equipment issues

Listen now to protect your investment and ensure smooth operations during your busiest nights.

🔴  Start Here🔴
 
📌 If this is something you’re dealing with in your bar, don’t figure it out alone.

Join Bar Business Nation — the free Facebook group for bar owners talking through staff, slow nights, profit leaks, and better ways to run the business.

📢 Join the group here:
→ https://www.facebook.com/groups/barbusinessnation

🔴Additional resources🔴
Grab the books “How to Make Top-Shelf Profits in the Bar Business!” and “Menus that Sell” here:
→ https://barbusinesscoach.com/book/