Alcohol and compliance policy is Travis’s game. He breaks down complex laws into clear, actionable insights operators can trust to stay compliant and protected.
Behind The Bar
The line at the bar is six deep, the tickets are piling up, and guests are waving credit cards like flags. This is the moment bartenders live for — and dread. Speed is money, but only if you keep quality and compliance intact. Why It Matters On busy nights, bartenders juggle
Industry Trends
Winter dining is about more than just keeping warm — it’s about comfort, ritual, and the little luxuries that carry guests through the coldest stretch of the year. From bubbling casseroles to steaming mugs, winter food has always been tied to nostalgia. But in 2026, comfort is sharing the stage
Behind The Bar
You hand a guest their third beer, and they fumble the glass. Is it just clumsy — or are they over the line? Spotting intoxication isn’t guesswork. It’s a skill every bartender and server needs to protect guests, themselves, and their license. Why It Matters Serving alcohol to an
Behind The Bar
Every craftsperson has their tools, and bartenders are no different. From the humble jigger to the sleek Boston shaker, the right tools not only make your drinks better — they make your job easier, faster, and safer. Why It Matters Knowing your bar tools isn’t just about looking professional. Proper
Industry Trends
The Friday after Thanksgiving is chaos. Parking lots jammed, shoppers hauling bags bigger than themselves, and retail staff running on caffeine and adrenaline. But step a block away from the malls and outlets, and there’s another story unfolding: restaurants, cafés, and bars cashing in on the busiest shopping day
Behind The Bar
Every bartender has that one story: the guest who got loud, rude, or just plain difficult. How you handle those moments says as much about your professionalism as your cocktail skills — and in some cases, it can protect your liquor license. Why It Matters Difficult customers are more than just
Behind The Bar
“Want to make that a double?” — it’s the oldest upsell in the book. Done right, upselling boosts sales and tips. Done wrong, it lands you with an overserved guest, a possible violation, and a very unhappy manager. The art is knowing how to walk that line. Why It Matters
Behind The Bar
A guest slams their empty glass on the bar and demands another. You know they’ve had enough. Do you have to serve them? Absolutely not. In fact, in many states, you’re legally required to say no. Why It Matters Refusing service isn’t about being rude — it’s
Emerging Risks & Research
For decades, antibiotics have been the invisible shield of modern food production. They protect livestock from disease, boost growth, and keep supply chains running smoothly. But that shield is cracking. Increasingly, the bacteria moving through farms, slaughterhouses, and distribution lines are resistant to the very drugs designed to stop them.
Behind The Bar
Ordering booze to your doorstep has exploded since the pandemic — but delivering it isn’t as simple as dropping off a pizza. Every state has its own rules, and if you’re the one delivering, you need to know when it’s legal, what ID to check, and how to
Behind The Bar
You cut someone off. They storm out, angry. An hour later, you hear they crashed their car. Who’s responsible — them, you, or the bar? That’s where liability and “dram shop” laws come in, and every bartender, server, and manager needs to understand the stakes. Why It Matters Serving
Allergen Awareness
By late September, pumpkin spice isn’t just a flavor — it’s a frenzy. Coffee chains roll out their seasonal lattes, bakeries launch limited-edition muffins, and even breweries lean into cinnamon-and-clove ales. For customers, it’s comfort in a cup. For operators, it’s a revenue wave worth riding. But