Carl and Riley explore the world of restaurant and bar antics, discussing the old-age scam of complaining for freebies and the complexities of tip pooling. They also explore a story about an audacious attempt to demand free meals and reflect on their own experiences with similar situations. The episode also delves into the controversial practice of…

Carl and Riley dive into intriguing stories from the service industry, discussing the challenges faced by bartenders and servers. From dealing with problematic customers to navigating racial bias and personal values, they explore two intense narratives: a bartender's discomfort serving a known Nazi and a woman confronting racial stereotyping during…

Join Carl and Riley as they welcome Anton, the owner of Lone Wolf Kingston, a vintage-style cocktail bar in Hudson Valley. Dive into tales of mixology mishaps, shifting cocktail trends, and unique customer experiences, including the saga of the “worst Negroni ever.” The trio discusses ethical dilemmas in cocktail crafting, the evolving drinking cul…

Carl and Riley, seasoned bartenders, delve into the unpredictable world of the service industry. They share tales of demanding customers and amusing situations, rating stories from mundane to extraordinary. The episode discusses customer etiquette and highlights how establishments handle outside food policies and the irksome habit of customers tell…

Carl and Riley, with their combined 16 years of hospitality experience, dive into amusing and challenging tales from the service industry in this episode. They discuss bartending mishaps, including crafting unconventional drinks and customer inquiries about cocktail alcohol content. The duo shares insights on the importance of precise bartending te…

Riley and Carl delve into challenging issues in the hospitality industry, highlighting women bartenders' experiences with sexism and unwelcome touching. They discuss the importance of having supportive colleagues and the growing trend of cashless restaurants, driven by safety and efficiency concerns. Carl shares insights from years in the industry,…

Join Carl and Riley as they delve into the intriguing world of bartending, exploring wild customer interactions, bartenders' reputations, and the challenges of managing awkward workplace situations. This episode tackles misconceptions about dating bartenders, including stereotypes of flirtation and infidelity. Additionally, they address unique mana…

Carl and Riley return after a break to share amusing and perplexing tales from the service industry. They discuss an overworked restaurant employee frustrated by performance punishment and dive into a bewildering story involving a cook using coworkers to cover up an affair. Amid the laughter and insights, they explore themes of work-life balance an…

Carl and Riley share intriguing stories from the service industry, exploring wild customer encounters and unexpected moments. They discuss a dramatic life-saving event involving CPR and the Heimlich maneuver at a restaurant, emphasizing the importance of first aid training. Another heartwarming tale involves a bar owner aiding a stranger with food …

Riley shares a witty way to handle an unruly sports fan, while guest Ian Anderson recounts a memorable moment involving a PBR-fueled confrontation. The trio discusses the art of de-escalation, navigating the hospitality industry, and maintaining respect amidst challenging interactions. Whether you're in the service industry or just a fan of engagin…

Hosts Carl and Riley, joined by guest Camden, dive into the bartending world with humorous and wild tales from behind the bar. The episode features stories of unusual drink orders, over-served wedding parties, and a server struggling with a twist-off wine bottle. They discuss dealing with demanding customers, handling fakes, and the surprising anti…

Bartenders Carl and Riley share tales behind the bar, tackling humorous mixology mishaps and unexpected encounters. Riley attempts to recreate a cocktail, leading to a candid discussion about bartending trials and teamwork. They explore a Reddit story of a bartender sharing her number with a regular, delving into the nuances of barroom flirting and…

Carl and Riley dive into the unpredictable world of the hospitality industry, sharing wild stories and real-life bar dilemmas. They discuss bar etiquette, the role of barbacks, and the challenges of maintaining harmony among staff amidst chaotic shifts. The duo evaluates a scenario involving inter-staff dynamics and debates its impact on job effici…

Carl shares the roller-coaster journey of running a wine shop, three months in. He discusses initial goals, unexpected challenges like low shop awareness and slow foot traffic, and the surprises of wine versus cocktail sales. Discover his strategic changes, from increasing social media engagement to launching specials and promoting loyalty programs…

Carl and Riley explore the hospitality industry, sharing bizarre tales and rants from behind the bar. They discuss the challenges bartenders face when dealing with regular patrons who exploit the system, especially those arguing over unpaid drinks. The duo also highlights an alarming story of a family using fake IDs, leading to an unexpected revela…

Welcome to The Carl Busch Diaries podcast! Today, instead of a regular "Do You Want to Start a Tab?" you are listening to Carl's other podcast. Today, I'm excited to take you on a personal journey as a wine shop owner. In this episode, I’ll be sharing seven vital lessons I’ve learned in just three months. From mastering time management and learning…

Embark on my personal journey as a wine shop owner, where I've learned seven crucial lessons in just three months. I'll share my experiences with time management, the power of saying no, the value of embracing mistakes, and the joy of fully immersing myself in the business. I also underscore the profound significance of listening to feedback, which…

Carl and Riley delve into the unpredictability of the service industry with engaging tales from behind the bar. Carl shares a rant from a bartender about the baffling trend of Gen Z patrons attempting to use photo IDs. Riley recounts a disturbing encounter involving a 16-year-old employee and an inappropriate customer. Tune in to hear their discuss…

Carl and Riley dive into bartending horror stories, tackling encounters with entitled customers and the repercussions on staff. Riley shares a Reddit tale about a toxic manager from a Tex-Mex joint, while Carl recounts a bartender’s unfair firing for refusing service to rowdy patrons. They discuss the impact of management on job satisfaction and th…

Carl reveals his latest venture into owning a wine shop, EJ's Wine Shop in Dubuque. He discusses the unexpected journey from cocktail enthusiast to wine shop owner, detailing the shop's unique offerings, including organic and imported wines, and the recent addition of a full liquor license. Carl shares his excitement about the new business, the ext…

Carl and Riley talk with Jon Mateer, a seasoned bartender and top-10 finalist in the USBG Presents World Class Sponsored by Diageo bartender competition. Jon shares his experience preparing for the competition, including crafting creative cocktails, navigating speed rounds, and pairing drinks with food. He offers insights and tips for future compet…

Carl and Riley recount their adventure at a brewery pool party and a dive bar visit before diving into a special discussion with returning guest Billy, a competitor in the US World Class Bartender competition by Diageo. Billy shares his journey from creative drink submissions to intense live rounds in Denver, dropping tips on menu design and compet…

Carl and Riley, seasoned bartenders, delve into hilarious and cringeworthy stories from the service industry. They share a Reddit post about a manager facing a rare customer complaint over a simple mistake and another about pretentious bar patrons. Discussions include the mental shortcut of Hanlon's razor and customers' inappropriate use of the ter…

Carl and Riley delve into another wild week in the bartending world, featuring sting operations, underage drinking traps, and the curious fate of Crown Royal bags. Carl shares his close encounters with overzealous IDs, while Riley questions the value and fascination behind those iconic liquor bags. This candid discussion scrutinizes new vs. veteran…

Carl and Riley explore the quirks of the service industry in this episode of "Do You Want to Start a Tab?" They share a touching story from Reddit about a bartender finding joy in a retired customer's simple joke. Later, a voicemail seemingly mirrors the plot of the movie Cocktail, prompting a humorous discussion. Tune in for anecdotes, reflections…

Carl and Riley dive into the wild world of hospitality with stories of entitled guests and dubious employers. First, they recount a clash over a reserved chair on a cruise ship, where a "Karen" meets her match. Next, they discuss the risks and pitfalls of a questionable bartending job offer in California, examining if $25 cash per hour without tips…

Carl and Riley dive into the highs and lows of the hospitality industry with relatable tales from bartenders and servers. From a new bartender misunderstanding the term "86" to the challenges of dating while working unconventional hours, they share laughs and insights on navigating life behind the bar. Listen as they explore the nuances of industry…

This episode kicks off with their experience mixing cocktails and leads to a story from Reddit about a bigoted encounter at a gay bar. They discuss the intricacies of tipping etiquette, reflecting on a controversial situation in which a couple was banned for consistently failing to tip. Through humor and real-world insights, Carl and Riley aim to e…

Carl and Riley delve into the absurdity of service industry pricing as they recount a frustrating night out. Discover their humorous take on a shocking $44 tab for two Knob Creek Old Fashioneds and how a young bartender's inexperience led to a conversation on regional drink pricing. They also discuss navigating bar orders, overpriced cocktails, and…

Carl and Riley discuss two stories from the hospitality industry. They explore a tale of a customer who calls the police on himself after being denied a drink at a bar, resulting in a DUI. They also delve into the importance of communicating with bartenders and servers when a drink or dish doesn't meet expectations. We emphasize the need for respec…

Carl and Riley discuss two stories highlighting the importance of good management in the service industry. In the first story, a bartender refuses to tip out a new employee who saved the day during a busy shift. The hosts agree that the bartender is wrong and commend the manager for making the right decision. In the second story, a manager tries to…

In this episode, they discuss a bartender's revenge on a customer who complained about the amount of alcohol in their drink. They rate the story and share their experiences with customers who nitpick about glassware and pour sizes. Tune in for hilarious anecdotes and insights into the service industry. Don't forget to tip your bartenders and drink …

Carl and Riley discuss two stories from the service industry. The first story involves a bartender dealing with inattentive coworkers and a customer who takes revenge by vomiting at the bar. The second story features a server who recounts a chaotic experience with a large party that resulted in a challenging check-splitting process. The hosts rate …

Carl discusses the importance of keeping your body healthy as a bartender. He shares advice from fellow bartender Eric Castro about using both hands to prevent strain and improve technique. Carl emphasizes the need for bartenders to prioritize their physical well-being to have a long and successful career. By practicing using both hands, bartenders…

Join Carl as he prepares for the Martini Shakeoff, a fundraising event in Dubuque, Iowa. He shares his creative process for crafting four unique cocktails based on the Kentucky Derby theme. Carl incorporates innovative techniques and flavors to impress the judges, from deconstructed espresso martinis to elevated mint juleps. Discover how he weaves …

Today, Carl and Riley discuss a situation where a customer's joke was misunderstood by a bartender, leading to a heated exchange. They also explore a confession from a restaurant worker who purposefully fueled animosity in the workplace by organizing a dessert sales contest. Tune in for entertaining anecdotes and insights into the hospitality indus…

Billy Fredlund, a bartender from Indiana, joins Carl and Riley. They discuss a Reddit post about someone who refuses to wait in crowded bars for drinks. The hosts debate whether the person is an asshole or if their friends are the real problem. They also share their experiences and offer advice on finding better friends and alternative bar options.…

In this episode, they discuss a bartender's tale dealing with an unruly customer who refused to leave. The situation takes a surprising turn when a regular saves the day. Tune in to hear the details and find out if the customer got what he deserved. Plus, they rate the story on a scale of one to five. Don't miss this entertaining and relatable epis…

Carl discusses the time-consuming process of milk-washing cocktails on a large scale and seeks a more efficient method. After receiving suggestions from viewers, he plans to try using a brew bag and nut milk bag to streamline the process. In the following video, he will demonstrate the new method with a one-gallon cocktail. Carl aims to optimize pr…

In this wild episode, Nacole recounts a chaotic night at a bar she managed. With owners and investors partying and overserving guests, the situation quickly spiraled out of control. A patron fell and cracked his head open, blood was everywhere, and chaos ensued. Despite the mayhem, Nacole did her best to keep things under control. The story highlig…

In this episode, Carl and Riley are joined by Jon, a bartender in Dubuque, Iowa, at Brazen Open Kitchen. They discuss Jon's experiences with a regular customer named Greg, who has a fascinating story. Greg would often help out at the bar and bring empty bottles and glassware, but he never drank anything himself. Jon bonded with Greg and even cared …

In this episode, host Carl Busch interviews Johnny Stevenson, co-owner of a content creation company. They discuss Johnny's background in the music industry, his work with Blaum Brothers, and his involvement in developing SoundSafe.ai. Johnny explains how SoundSafe.ai uses AI technology to watermark music files, track their usage, and ensure proper…

In this episode, Carl announces a shift in his channel's focus to theory-based cocktail content and the science of mixology, along with a rebranding to "Carl Busch." He addresses his wife Riley's reduced appearance due to scheduling, assures the strength of their marriage, and invites feedback on these changes, teasing an upcoming video about doubl…

Maggie Young joins us on the podcast today. She bartends and does massage therapy at the Hotel Julien. In today's episode, the Carl, Riley, and Maggie delve into the hospitality world, recounting a Reddit tale about an outlandish attempt to get ejected from a music festival and exploring the unique challenges of bar and festival dynamics. They also…

Maggie Young joins us on the podcast today. She bartends and does massage therapy at the Hotel Julien. Story One - A group of friends have an interesting night out trying to be there for a friend who is upset. Blood and a broken windshield come into play. Story Two - Maggie shares a story about a guest at a wedding who wanted beer and even went beh…

We are excited for two reasons!! Reason one, it's our 50th show. Reason two, Steve the Bartender is our special guest. Steve is an author, owner of a distillery, and YouTube bartender with over 700,000 subscribers. He gives us two great stories after Carl fumbles the first story. Steve the Bartender Book - https://amzn.to/3NXQwE8 Steve the Bartende…

In this episode of Alchemix Bar Diaries, Carl discusses his thoughts on cocktail-making techniques and the use of egg whites in cocktails. He questions the traditional method of double shaking and explores his own approach of shaking with ice for 20 seconds. Carl believes that the ice can help emulsify the egg white and create a velvety mouthfeel i…

Story One - A group of people come into a bar, stand in the way of the servers and a smartass decides to try to buy their way out but doesn't have his wallet. Story Two - A random drunk person comes in a bar to use the bathroom, decides to try to steal some bottles of booze. Drop Your Story on Our Sub Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/r/doyouwanttost…

Story One - A guest gets cut off, leaves the bar. The bartender gets off work and goes to a different bar for a couple. Orders an Uber and it's the guest they cut off was driving. Story Two - Group is sitting at the bar, eating outside food. Bartender lets them know a couple times they can't wat outside food. He turns off the TV and the guest goes …

Story One - A bar takes screen shots of security footage of people being assholes and hangs them on the wall. Someone isn't happy about that. Story Two - A server at a country club gets a life changing tip. Drop Your Story on Our Sub Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/r/doyouwanttostartatab Give Us a Call and Leave a Story - (563) 277-0072 Support the…