Post Shift, The Hospitality Podcast

In this episode, I sit down with Chris Cardone of Continuous Beverage and chat his journey through flair, to Diageo World Class and his latest endeavour with his sober journey and educating the industry and more on the movement. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soole https://www.instagram.com/shawnsoole/ Soole Hospitality Concepts https://www.instagram.com/soolehospitalityconcepts/ FOLLOW US ON TWITTER - https://twitter.com/ShawnSoole FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGgDDJZM7HvJiQCaqmXEVNA

In this episode, I lay out the the costs of how much it actually costs to open a restaurant. These are just industry averages and everyone is different, but I wanted to give tangible figures and some antidotes along the way. Hope this gives you some scope if you are looking at opening your own place. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soole https://www.instagram.com/shawnsoole/ Soole Hospitality Concepts https://www.instagram.com/soolehospitalityconcepts/ FOLLOW US ON TWITTER - https://twitter.com/ShawnSoole FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGgDDJZM7HvJiQCaqmXEVNA

In this episode, I sit down with Kate Gerwin of Happy Accidents and of Drink Master fame and we have a chance to delve into small markets, awards, cocktails, travel and the TV show. Hope you enjoy the episode. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soole https://www.instagram.com/shawnsoole/ Soole Hospitality Concepts https://www.instagram.com/soolehospitalityconcepts/ FOLLOW US ON TWITTER - https://twitter.com/ShawnSoole FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGgDDJZM7HvJiQCaqmXEVNA

In this episode, I give you five actionable ways to saving costs in the current restaurant market. They are listed below for reference. Here are five solutions for "Navigating the Costs of Running a Restaurant in 2024" 1. Cut Smart, Not Cheap You gotta trim the fat, but don’t slice into the meat. Food costs are skyrocketing with inflation, but don’t start cutting corners on quality. Instead, rework the menu. Go for dishes that maximize the ingredients you already have. Think of it like a cocktail—sometimes fewer ingredients, done right, deliver a bigger punch. Seasonal menus are key; keep it fresh and local to avoid getting hit by long-haul transportation costs. 2. Labor: Cross-Train or Die Labor is where most restaurants bleed out, so get creative. Cross-train your staff to handle multiple roles. That bartender? Make sure they can jump in as a barback or even help the host. It builds a team with better flexibility, makes scheduling easier, and keeps the labor costs down without burning out your people. Plus, they feel more invested in the overall operations—it’s a win-win. 3. Tech Up, Save Big It's 2024—time to embrace tech. Automation for inventory management and ordering can save you cash on human error and overbuying. POS systems are getting smarter, so leverage them to track what's selling and when to reduce waste. Even energy-saving tech, like LED lighting and smart thermostats, can make a noticeable dent in those overhead costs without sacrificing the guest experience. 4. Negotiate Like a Shark Don’t be afraid to flex on your suppliers. You’re running a business, not a charity. Talk to your vendors and negotiate better terms—long-term partnerships, bulk deals, or even shared cost savings. If they can’t give you what you need, it might be time to look elsewhere. Loyalty is great, but not at the cost of your bottom line. 5. Community = Free Marketing Engage with your community and tap into local collaborations. Host events with local businesses or breweries that bring in a crowd without costing you an arm and a leg on marketing. These partnerships can help draw traffic without the ad spend, and the word-of-mouth marketing is priceless. Keep your brand visible but lean on your community to share the load. These strategies are all about balancing the need to tighten the purse strings without suffocating your restaurant’s vibe. You’ve gotta keep the guest experience solid while playing the game smart behind the scenes. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soole https://www.instagram.com/shawnsoole/ Soole Hospitality Concepts https://www.instagram.com/soolehospitalityconcepts/ FOLLOW US ON TWITTER - https://twitter.com/ShawnSoole FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGgDDJZM7HvJiQCaqmXEVNA

In this episode, I catch up with Dave Mitton, Global Brand Ambassador of J.P Wiser's as we chat about his start in the industry, his move to brand ambassadorship and the state of Canadian Whisky. Absolute gem of a human, that I am glad to call a friend and peer. Listen to the Post Shift Podcast - https://tr.ee/B2PalbS8hG #fyp #PostShiftPodcast #ShawnSoole #BartenderLife #Mixology #CocktailCulture #BehindTheBar #HospitalityIndustry #BarTalk #DrinkCreators #bartendercommunity#shorts, #youtubeshorts, #viral, #trending, #subscribe, #foryou, #foryoupage, #fyp, #explorepage, #discover, #viralvideo, #tiktok, #instagram, #youtube, #reels FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soole https://www.instagram.com/shawnsoole/ Soole Hospitality Concepts https://www.instagram.com/soolehospitalityconcepts/ FOLLOW US ON TWITTER - https://twitter.com/ShawnSoole FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGgDDJZM7HvJiQCaqmXEVNA

In this episode, I recently put out a questionnaire for business owners, operators and managers to see how other markets are doing. The results were shocking and telling on how the industry is currently. The link to my break even calculator is here - https://soolehospitality.com/blog/2021/5/18/ultimate-break-even-calculator FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soole https://www.instagram.com/shawnsoole/ Soole Hospitality Concepts https://www.instagram.com/soolehospitalityconcepts/ FOLLOW US ON TWITTER - https://twitter.com/ShawnSoole FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGgDDJZM7HvJiQCaqmXEVNA

In this episode, I sit down with Reece Sims, a spirits expert and entrepreneur. We dive into the importance of fitness in the hospitality industry, overcoming rejection, and finding success beyond financial goals. Reece also shares her vision for disrupting the spirits industry with innovative tasting methods. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soole https://www.instagram.com/shawnsoole/ Soole Hospitality Concepts https://www.instagram.com/soolehospitalityconcepts/ FOLLOW US ON TWITTER - https://twitter.com/ShawnSoole FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGgDDJZM7HvJiQCaqmXEVNA

Hiring is Guessing, Firing is Knowing. I live by this to stop perfectionism in the hiring process. Here are 5 tips to hiring the right team. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soole https://www.instagram.com/shawnsoole/ Soole Hospitality Concepts https://www.instagram.com/soolehospitalityconcepts/ FOLLOW US ON TWITTER - https://twitter.com/ShawnSoole FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGgDDJZM7HvJiQCaqmXEVNA

In this episode, I catch up with Keegan McGregor, fresh off his global bartending competition win. We dive into his journey through imposter syndrome, the importance of self-confidence, and his desire to uplift his local community. Keegan shares his unique definition of success and future plans. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soole https://www.instagram.com/shawnsoole/ Soole Hospitality Concepts https://www.instagram.com/soolehospitalityconcepts/ FOLLOW US ON TWITTER - https://twitter.com/ShawnSoole FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGgDDJZM7HvJiQCaqmXEVNA

This week I chat about 5 key takeaways from minimizing staff turnover in your venue. Hope this helps some operators out there. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soole https://www.instagram.com/shawnsoole/ Soole Hospitality Concepts https://www.instagram.com/soolehospitalityconcepts/ FOLLOW US ON TWITTER - https://twitter.com/ShawnSoole FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGgDDJZM7HvJiQCaqmXEVNA

In this episode of, Shawn sits down with Evelyn Chick, award-winning bartender and entrepreneur, to discuss financial literacy, the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, and redefining success in the hospitality industry. Evelyn shares her journey, insights on building a sustainable business, and her vision for creating accessible and memorable guest experiences. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soole ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/shawnsoole/⁠⁠ Soole Hospitality Concepts ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/soolehospitalityconcepts/⁠⁠ FOLLOW US ON TWITTER - ⁠⁠https://twitter.com/ShawnSoole⁠⁠ FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE - ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGgDDJZM7HvJiQCaqmXEVNA⁠⁠

In this episode, I dive into the power of language in leadership. I discuss how shifting from "working for" to "working with" your team can transform your business culture, foster collaboration, and drive success. Tune in to learn how this simple change can make a big impact. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soole https://www.instagram.com/shawnsoole/ Soole Hospitality Concepts https://www.instagram.com/soolehospitalityconcepts/ FOLLOW US ON TWITTER - https://twitter.com/ShawnSoole FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGgDDJZM7HvJiQCaqmXEVNA

In this episode, Shawn chats with Kevin Demers, Montreal’s hospitality visionary and the mastermind behind multiple venues, including Coldroom. Kevin shares his entrepreneurial journey, offering insights on scaling a business, multi-unit management, and the importance of personal growth. A must-listen for anyone in the bar industry! FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soole ⁠https://www.instagram.com/shawnsoole/⁠ Soole Hospitality Concepts ⁠https://www.instagram.com/soolehospitalityconcepts/⁠ FOLLOW US ON TWITTER - ⁠https://twitter.com/ShawnSoole⁠ FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGgDDJZM7HvJiQCaqmXEVNA⁠

In this episode of Post-Shift Shot, I share a story about resilience and adversity. It’s a tale of twin boys raised in a harsh environment, with one ending up homeless and the other becoming the head of pediatrics. This story resonates with me because it highlights how our upbringing influences us, but doesn’t have to control our path. Adversity and resilience are powerful forces in life, and how we respond to them shapes our future. Thanks for tuning in, and I’ll see you next week! FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soole https://www.instagram.com/shawnsoole/ Soole Hospitality Concepts https://www.instagram.com/soolehospitalityconcepts/ FOLLOW US ON TWITTER - https://twitter.com/ShawnSoole FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGgDDJZM7HvJiQCaqmXEVNA

In this episode of the Post Shift Podcast, I sit down with Sean Finter to discuss his journey in the hospitality industry. We explore leadership challenges, the evolution of success, and the importance of listening to your team. Sean shares invaluable insights on building a fulfilling career while staying true to your values. Sheets for download Napkinomics Worksheets (blank and example):  https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1h9JsCx_yp8QwFm0F4terQMyVZx689AY-?usp=drive_link Napkinomics Video:   https://youtu.be/vHCdEXGv71w Q12 Questions:   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XXOFGf_MSYut6IYoS3VRCMrElrtYXhg6/view?usp=sharing Q12 Video:   https://youtu.be/H5iPOn7maic Brought to you by ⁠www.soolehospitality.com⁠ FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soole ⁠https://www.instagram.com/shawnsoole/⁠ Soole Hospitality Concepts ⁠https://www.instagram.com/soolehospitalityconcepts/⁠ FOLLOW US ON TWITTER - ⁠https://twitter.com/ShawnSoole

In this episode, I reflect on why I took a break from the podcast and other projects in my life. I dive into my journey in the hospitality industry, sharing personal challenges, the passion that drives me, and how returning to the podcast is helping me reconnect with my purpose. I also talk about my 25-year career, the mental health struggles I've faced, and what I plan to do with the show moving forward. Brought to you by www.soolehospitality.com FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soole https://www.instagram.com/shawnsoole/ Soole Hospitality Concepts https://www.instagram.com/soolehospitalityconcepts/ FOLLOW US ON TWITTER - https://twitter.com/ShawnSoole

This is the episode you've been waiting for! The reflection episode straight after winning the 2023 World Class Canada Bartender of the Year, Jacob Martin opens about the 3 days from that first episode we recorded to the big announcement! Share a dram with the hospitality industry’s top global talents: bartenders, venue owners, distillers and industry aficionados. Shawn Soole has lived, breathed, and imbibed hospitality for decades. Now, he delves into the advice, opinions, and provocative stories that are helping to define the creative, culturally-necessary space of ‘modern hospitality’—covering topics from front-of-house service, to back-end business operations, and every inch between. “Tales of the Cocktail” - Top 10 Best Broadcast or Podcast (2020). New episodes posted every Tuesday and Friday. Brought to you by ⁠www.soolehospitality.com⁠ FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soole ⁠https://www.instagram.com/shawnsoole/⁠ Soole Hospitality Concepts ⁠https://www.instagram.com/soolehospitalityconcepts/⁠ FOLLOW US ON TWITTER - ⁠https://twitter.com/ShawnSoole⁠ FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGgDDJZM7HvJiQCaqmXEVNA

This one is a special proud Canadian moment for me, when we have world class talent come to our country and be blown away with the talent, it means so much to me for them to see what I am grateful to see daily. Check out Lynnette, Tim and Dennis's perspective on the way Canadian's prepare for globals. Share a dram with the hospitality industry’s top global talents: bartenders, venue owners, distillers and industry aficionados. Shawn Soole has lived, breathed, and imbibed hospitality for decades. Now, he delves into the advice, opinions, and provocative stories that are helping to define the creative, culturally-necessary space of ‘modern hospitality’—covering topics from front-of-house service, to back-end business operations, and every inch between. “Tales of the Cocktail” - Top 10 Best Broadcast or Podcast (2020). New episodes posted every Tuesday and Friday. Brought to you by ⁠www.soolehospitality.com⁠ FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soole ⁠https://www.instagram.com/shawnsoole/⁠ Soole Hospitality Concepts ⁠https://www.instagram.com/soolehospitalityconcepts/⁠ FOLLOW US ON TWITTER - ⁠https://twitter.com/ShawnSoole⁠ FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGgDDJZM7HvJiQCaqmXEVNA

If you want even a little insight into preparing for the World Class competition, then this is the one for you! Jeff and Massi breakdown how they prepared for the competition and what lead them to win the Nationals. Share a dram with the hospitality industry’s top global talents: bartenders, venue owners, distillers and industry aficionados. Shawn Soole has lived, breathed, and imbibed hospitality for decades. Now, he delves into the advice, opinions, and provocative stories that are helping to define the creative, culturally-necessary space of ‘modern hospitality’—covering topics from front-of-house service, to back-end business operations, and every inch between. “Tales of the Cocktail” - Top 10 Best Broadcast or Podcast (2020). New episodes posted every Tuesday and Friday. Brought to you by ⁠www.soolehospitality.com⁠ FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soole ⁠https://www.instagram.com/shawnsoole/⁠ Soole Hospitality Concepts ⁠https://www.instagram.com/soolehospitalityconcepts/⁠ FOLLOW US ON TWITTER - ⁠https://twitter.com/ShawnSoole⁠ FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGgDDJZM7HvJiQCaqmXEVNA

We sit down with both World Class World Bartenders of the Year, Kaitlyn Stewart and James Grant and talk about the dichotomy of their experiences with World Class to the International level. Both have amazing insights into changing the guests perception on how you can serve people both directly and virtually. Share a dram with the hospitality industry’s top global talents: bartenders, venue owners, distillers and industry aficionados. Shawn Soole has lived, breathed, and imbibed hospitality for decades. Now, he delves into the advice, opinions, and provocative stories that are helping to define the creative, culturally-necessary space of ‘modern hospitality’—covering topics from front-of-house service, to back-end business operations, and every inch between. “Tales of the Cocktail” - Top 10 Best Broadcast or Podcast (2020). New episodes posted every Tuesday and Friday. Brought to you by ⁠www.soolehospitality.com⁠ FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soole ⁠https://www.instagram.com/shawnsoole/⁠ Soole Hospitality Concepts ⁠https://www.instagram.com/soolehospitalityconcepts/⁠ FOLLOW US ON TWITTER - ⁠https://twitter.com/ShawnSoole⁠ FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGgDDJZM7HvJiQCaqmXEVNA