Bartenders Matter: Ryan Foley on Legacy, Craft, and the Future of the Bar

Why This Episode MattersBartenders are central to hospitality cultureIndustry legacy plays a critical role in preserving bar professionalism Non-alcoholic cocktails require intention, balance, and structureThe future of the bar depends on respecting craft while adapting to changeThe BanterMark Pascal and Francis Schott open the show riffing on old-school hospitality, handwritten reservation books, and whether pencil-and-paper elegance can survive the modern restaurant world.The ConversationRyan Foley shares his perspective on bartending as a profession shaped by history, mentorship, and responsibility. The discussion traces the legacy of his father, Ray Foley, founder of the Bartender Hall of Fame, and examines how Bartender Magazine has long served as an advocate for bartenders and bar culture. Together, they explore how foundational skills intersect with the modern craft cocktail movement—and why non-alcoholic cocktails deserve the same respect as their spirited counterparts.Timestamps00:00 – Talk of analog reservation taking becoming trendy9:50 – Ryan Foley joins /Bartender Magazine and bartender advocacy22:30 – The Bartender Hall of Fame35:36 – How bartending skills and expectations have evolved42:38 – Ryan’s book Non-Alcoholic Drinks for Dummies53:24 – Non-alcoholic cocktails and building drinks with intention1:00:00 – Wrap Up 80s DrinksBioRyan Foley is a hospitality industry publisher whose family owns Bartender Magazine and Bartender.com, continuing a legacy of advocacy for bartenders, bar culture, and the craft behind the bar.InfoWebsite: https://www.bartender.comFor the Fuzzy Navel and Cold Brew Martini recipes, email [email protected]'re bringing our kitchen to the farm!Join us at Dreyer Farms in Cranford, NJ for a Table-to-Farm Dinner.Sunday, September 13 @ 5:30https://www.stageleft.com/event/91326-table-to-farm-dinner/ Subscribe: Restaurant Guys' Regularhttps://restaurantguysregulars.buzzsprout.com/Magyar Bankhttps://www.magbank.com/Stage Left Wine Shophttps://www.stageleftwineshop.com/Our PlacesStage Left Steakhttps://www.stageleft.com/Catherine Lombardi Restauranthttps://www.catherinelombardi.com/Stage Left Wineshophttps://www.stageleftwineshop.com/Reach Out to The [email protected]