Finding experienced hospitality staff is tough. Finding reliable hospitality staff? Even tougher. So what do you do when your best candidate has zero industry experience? You stop focusing on resumes—and start asking the right questions. The truth is, most of the traits that make someone a killer bartender, server, or door host aren’t taught. They’re natural instincts: communication, hustle, grace under pressure, and knowing how to read people. Here are interview questions designed for first-timers—questions that don’t just screen for experience, but spot potential.

In 2025, DJs are more than just background music—they’re part of your brand, your vibe, and often the reason people come back. But not all DJs are created equal, and with rates all over the map, it’s tough to know what’s fair, what’s hype, and what actually delivers. Here’s how to book the right DJ for your venue—and what you should expect to pay in today’s Canadian market.

Your first venue’s a success. The staff is solid, the money’s decent, and people keep asking when you're bringing something new to town. But before you sign a lease and start sketching out a new concept on a napkin, ask yourself this: Are you expanding your business—or just multiplying your problems? Opening a second location—especially a completely new concept—is one of the most exciting moves in hospitality. But it’s also one of the riskiest. Here’s what you really need to think about before launching a second bar, nightclub, or restaurant under a different brand.

In nightlife and hospitality, negative reviews are inevitable. Every venue gets them—it’s what you do next that counts. Handled the wrong way, a bad review can snowball. Handled the smart way, it shows future guests that your venue is professional and serious about service. Here’s how to handle them—without hurting your brand.

Opening a new venue—whether it’s a bar, lounge, nightclub, or restaurant—is no small feat. In Canada, there’s more to it than finding a good location and having a killer concept. You’re juggling multiple permits, safety standards, design decisions, and staffing—all while trying to stay on budget and schedule. This checklist breaks it down into manageable steps to keep you on track from concept to grand opening.

Most owners obsess over getting more people in the door. But here’s the truth: more traffic doesn’t guarantee more profit — especially if your service can’t keep up. That’s where throughput comes in. Throughput is how quickly and efficiently your team turns guest interest into cash in the till. Small bars and clubs can out-earn bigger venues by mastering it — even with fewer customers. 💡 Here’s the math: Serve just 20 more drinks per hour at $10 each, and you’ve added $200 an hour — without a single extra guest. Over a 5-hour rush, that’s an extra $1,000 in sales. Here are 5 levers you can pull tonight to increase throughput and grow sales without touching your headcount.

When was the last time you truly listened to your venue’s sound system from your customers’ perspective? You could have the best drink menu in town, the hottest DJs, or a stunning light show—but if your sound is muddy, unbalanced, or ear-piercingly loud, that’s all guests will remember. Great audio isn't just a nice-to-have. It's a core part of your brand experience and, ultimately, your bottom line.

In today’s hyper-competitive nightlife and hospitality market, guest expectations have changed. According to Oracle Hospitality, over 70% of guests are more likely to return to venues that offer personalized experiences. This isn’t just about remembering a name—it’s about using data intelligently to create real, meaningful loyalty. The good news? If you’re using tools like SevenRooms, OpenTable, or a modern hospitality CRM, you already have the data you need to scale that personal touch—without adding complexity to your night.