Bartender at Large Awards Season w Naren Young | Bartender at Large ep 459
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Aug 11, 2025 Naren Young, an award-winning bartender and creative director known for his work at Dante and Sweet Liberty, shares his insights on the vibrant Miami nightlife. He delves into the concept behind the new Zebra Club, merging gourmet dining with cocktails. The discussion critiques the industry's obsession with awards over authentic hospitality, advocating for meaningful guest experiences. Naren also draws parallels between sports literature and leadership, emphasizing teamwork and empathetic management as keys to success in bartending.
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Awards Aren't The Ultimate Goal
- Awards can validate work but shouldn't be the primary measure of success for a bar.
- Build a financially healthy business and strong brand first, then awards will follow.
Stop Hiring For Awards As A KPI
- Avoid making awards your KPI when hiring consultants or setting goals.
- Focus on service, training, and fundamentals instead of starting with 'get us into the top 50'.
Return Feeling Beats Fancy Facade
- Great bars prioritize atmosphere and guest feeling over formality or flash.
- Your next-visit impulse is a stronger indicator of success than extravagant presentation.
