
Creating Immersive Bar Experiences: Storytelling to Increase Profits with Tanner Weston
07/17/24 • 46 min
Have you ever wondered how a background in theater can revolutionize the craft of bartending? Join us as we sit down with Tanner Weston to uncover the secrets behind creating unforgettable bar experiences. Tanner's unique journey from the world of acting to the vibrant bar scene of Hollywood reveals how storytelling and performance can transform a simple drink into a captivating adventure.
Imagine stepping into a bar that feels like an escapade to another world, where every detail is meticulously designed to immerse you in a sensory narrative. Tanner shares his insights on the art of crafting such immersive environments, whether it’s a hidden speakeasy or a fully themed venue. From understanding the importance of ambiance to producing personalized engagements, Tanner explains how these elements justify the premium prices of handcrafted cocktails and leave guests yearning for more.
But it’s not just about the atmosphere; it’s about connections. Tune in as Tanner delves into the rich histories and cultural contexts behind beloved cocktails, enhancing our appreciation for each sip. Learn how he handles awkward situations with grace, engages guests in meaningful conversations, and builds genuine relationships through authentic storytelling. Packed with historical anecdotes and professional tips, this episode is a treasure trove for anyone passionate about the bar industry and the stories that make it so enchanting.
Contact Tanner:
LinkedIn
Learn More:
Email Chris
Schedule a Strategy Session
Bar Business Nation Facebook GroupThe Bar Business Podcast WebsiteChris' Book 'How to Make Top-Shelf Profits in the Bar Business'
Thank you to our show sponsors, SpotOn and Starfish. SpotOn's modern, cloud-based POS system allows bars to increase team productivity and provides the reporting you need to make smart financial decisions. Starfish works with your bookkeeping software using AI to help you make data-driven decisions and maximize your profits while giving you benchmarking data to understand how you compare to the industry at large.
**We are a SpotOn affiliate and earn commissions from the link above.
A podcast for bar, pub, tavern, nightclub, and restaurant owners, managers, and hospitality professionals, covering essential topics like bar inventory, marketing strategies, restaurant financials, and hospitality profits to help increase b...
Have you ever wondered how a background in theater can revolutionize the craft of bartending? Join us as we sit down with Tanner Weston to uncover the secrets behind creating unforgettable bar experiences. Tanner's unique journey from the world of acting to the vibrant bar scene of Hollywood reveals how storytelling and performance can transform a simple drink into a captivating adventure.
Imagine stepping into a bar that feels like an escapade to another world, where every detail is meticulously designed to immerse you in a sensory narrative. Tanner shares his insights on the art of crafting such immersive environments, whether it’s a hidden speakeasy or a fully themed venue. From understanding the importance of ambiance to producing personalized engagements, Tanner explains how these elements justify the premium prices of handcrafted cocktails and leave guests yearning for more.
But it’s not just about the atmosphere; it’s about connections. Tune in as Tanner delves into the rich histories and cultural contexts behind beloved cocktails, enhancing our appreciation for each sip. Learn how he handles awkward situations with grace, engages guests in meaningful conversations, and builds genuine relationships through authentic storytelling. Packed with historical anecdotes and professional tips, this episode is a treasure trove for anyone passionate about the bar industry and the stories that make it so enchanting.
Contact Tanner:
LinkedIn
Learn More:
Email Chris
Schedule a Strategy Session
Bar Business Nation Facebook GroupThe Bar Business Podcast WebsiteChris' Book 'How to Make Top-Shelf Profits in the Bar Business'
Thank you to our show sponsors, SpotOn and Starfish. SpotOn's modern, cloud-based POS system allows bars to increase team productivity and provides the reporting you need to make smart financial decisions. Starfish works with your bookkeeping software using AI to help you make data-driven decisions and maximize your profits while giving you benchmarking data to understand how you compare to the industry at large.
**We are a SpotOn affiliate and earn commissions from the link above.
A podcast for bar, pub, tavern, nightclub, and restaurant owners, managers, and hospitality professionals, covering essential topics like bar inventory, marketing strategies, restaurant financials, and hospitality profits to help increase b...
Previous Episode

Maximizing Bar Profitability with Craft Cocktails & Tools with Chris Tunstall
What if the secret to mastering mixology was simply a matter of accessible education and the right tools? Join us this week on the Bar Business Podcast as we sit down with Chris Tunstall from A Bar Above, who shares his transformative journey from a bartender to a prominent figure in the mixology world. Chris opens up about his struggles with the early days of secretive and ego-driven bartending circles and how his move to San Francisco became a turning point. Learn how he embraced a philosophy of open knowledge-sharing, drawing on parallels between culinary and mixology trends to help democratize the craft cocktail movement.
Chris discusses his groundbreaking mixology course that launched in 2014, which examines every variable in cocktail construction. From understanding acids and sugars to innovating with uncommon ingredients, this course has made top-tier cocktail-making techniques accessible to all.
We also dive into bar profitability and efficiency strategies, revealing how to test high-quality cocktails, track essential data points, and optimize preparation processes. Chris shares his insights on turning data into profit and enhancing customer satisfaction, making this episode a goldmine for bar owners and aspiring mixologists.
Finally, we highlight the importance of durable bar tools and educating bar managers on the business side of the industry. Chris emphasizes the need for reliable tools and robust training to reduce frustration and improve service quality. He also underscores the value of community among bar owners, advocating for shared knowledge and mutual support to help everyone grow together. If you’re looking to elevate your bar business, this episode is packed with invaluable insights and practical tips that promise to inspire and empower. Don’t forget to subscribe and join our community for future episodes!
Get In Touch With Chris Tunstall:
A Bar Above Website
Chris's LinkedIn
Learn More:
Email Chris
Schedule a Strategy Session
Bar Business Nation Facebook GroupThe Bar Business Podcast WebsiteChris' Book 'How to Make Top-Shelf Profits in the Bar Business'
Thank you to our show sponsors, SpotOn and Starfish. SpotOn's modern, cloud-based POS system allows bars to increase team productivity and provides the reporting you need to make smart financial decisions. Starfish works with your bookkeeping software using AI to help you make data-driven decisions and maximize your profits while giving you benchmarking data to understand how you compare to the industry at large.
**We are a SpotOn affiliate and earn commissions from the link above.
A podcast for bar, pub, tavern, nightclub, and restaurant owners, managers, and hospitality professionals, covering essential topics like bar inventory, marketing strategies, restaurant financials, and hospitality profits to help increase b...
Next Episode

Sustainable Profitability Strategies for Bar Owners: Emily LaRuffa on Empowering Teams & Boosting Financials
What if you could revolutionize your bar's profitability while creating a supportive, empowered team? This week on the Bar Business Podcast, we welcome Emily LaRuffa, owner of Oracle Hospitality Consulting, who shares her deep-seated knowledge from years in New York City's high-octane hospitality scene.
Imagine slashing costs and optimizing your menu with sustainability in mind. We dive into the nuts and bolts of managing a tiki bar's cocktail offerings, highlighting the importance of ingredient cross-utilization, like using every part of a pineapple. Emily breaks down how daily P-MIX reports can realign your menu with guest preferences and real-time sales, ensuring that your pricing strategies hit the mark. This blend of strategic costing and smart pricing not only boosts efficiency but also enhances guest satisfaction, making this segment a goldmine for bar owners and managers aiming for financial prowess.
Leadership isn't just about giving orders—it's about empowering your team with knowledge and support. Emily and I explore the transformative impact of financial transparency and operational backing on management and employees alike. From the significance of training management in financial literacy to the necessity of advanced scheduling techniques to prevent burnout, we cover it all. This episode is a comprehensive guide to creating a motivated, high-performing team, where clear communication, thoughtful scheduling, and innovative technology ensure a healthy work-life balance. Join us and learn how to turn your bar into a thriving, efficient, and supportive workplace.
Get ahold of Emily:
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
Learn More:
Email Chris
Schedule a Strategy Session
Bar Business Nation Facebook GroupThe Bar Business Podcast WebsiteChris' Book 'How to Make Top-Shelf Profits in the Bar Business'
Thank you to our show sponsors, SpotOn and Starfish. SpotOn's modern, cloud-based POS system allows bars to increase team productivity and provides the reporting you need to make smart financial decisions. Starfish works with your bookkeeping software using AI to help you make data-driven decisions and maximize your profits while giving you benchmarking data to understand how you compare to the industry at large.
**We are a SpotOn affiliate and earn commissions from the link above.
A podcast for bar, pub, tavern, nightclub, and restaurant owners, managers, and hospitality professionals, covering essential topics like bar inventory, marketing strategies, restaurant financials, and hospitality profits to help increase b...
The Bar Business Podcast: Smart Hospitality & Marketing Secrets For Bar & Pub Owners - Creating Immersive Bar Experiences: Storytelling to Increase Profits with Tanner Weston
Transcript
You're listening to the Bar Business Podcast where every week , your host , chris Schneider , brings you information , strategies and news on the bar industry , giving you the competitive edge you need to start working on your bar rather than in your bar .
Chris SchneiderHello and welcome to this week's edition of the Bar Business Podcast , your u
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