Walk In Social Club

We recorded this one at the Treehouse Hotel, what is giving “San Jose’s Narnia,” the kind of place that transforms you into a different space. Nick’s story starts by getting thrown straight onto a pizza station at the Jungle, what was an iconic kids play space around the Bay Area. From there, it’s a path that isn’t linear — moving from sandwiches to candy shops and back again — but each step adds a new layer of growth and understanding, especially on the business side. We talk about what it means to go from making something to managing it, and how stepping away can sometimes be the thing that helps you see it clearly. There’s a real honesty here around doubt, fear of failure, and knowing when it’s time to move on. Eventually, that path leads him behind the bar, landing roles through personality and work ethic, and continuing to build toward where he is now at Valley Goat. 👉 If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share it with a friend. ➕ Follow us on Instagram @WALK.IN.CLUB and join the conversation!📨 Questions? DM us on Instagram!Want to support? Merch and Donations available on our website! This project is independently run and made with love for the industry, and your support helps cover production costs and keep the conversations going. The Walk.In Club is hosted by Nick White and Hannah Claire LeAll Walk.In Media and terrible jokes produced by Sean SteppMusic written by Ethan Luck

Walk-In Club is back, and this episode we're sitting down with Chef Nelson German — the mind behind Alamar, Sobre Mesa, and Meski — to talk about a journey that started at five years old bagging groceries for a Super Nintendo, sparked by watching his mom and grandmother cook, and grew into one of the most recognized culinary careers in the Bay Area. We get into how he thinks about responsibility to his team, why he always comes with a plan A, B, C, and D, his path through culinary school, and the road that eventually led him to Top Chef. Oh, and we've got exciting news — his new book is coming out, and you can PRE-ORDER it now! 👉 If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share it with a friend. ➕ Follow us on Instagram @WALK.IN.CLUB and join the conversation!📨 Questions? DM us on Instagram!Want to support? Merch and Donations available on our website! This project is independently run and made with love for the industry, and your support helps cover production costs and keep the conversations going. The Walk.In Club is hosted by Nick White and Hannah Claire LeAll Walk.In Media and terrible jokes produced by Sean SteppMusic written by Ethan Luck

Walk-In Club is back, and this episode marks a milestone — our first interview with a new friend we didn’t know before hitting record. We’re sitting down with Sequoia del Hoyo, owner of Tarocco, to talk about her journey starting as a host at the Black Angus after dropping off résumés door-to-door for school credit, to finding herself in the kitchen playing the stabby game with Chef, to that lightbulb moment working on the floor, realizing that she could one day could too, own a restaurant herself. We get into the grind of learning every role in the building, outside the building, and what it takes to bet on yourself. (Fun fact: she also worked a hot dog stand outside Home Depot.) If you’ve ever wanted to own your own place and build it from the ground up, this one’s for you. 👉 If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share it with a friend. ➕ Follow us on Instagram @WALK.IN.CLUB and join the conversation!📨 Questions? DM us on Instagram!Want to support? Merch and Donations available on our website! This project is independently run and made with love for the industry, and your support helps cover production costs and keep the conversations going. The Walk.In Club is hosted by Nick White and Hannah Claire LeAll Walk.In Media and terrible jokes produced by Sean SteppMusic written by Ethan Luck

Walk.In Club is back, and this episode we’re sitting down with Rachelle Merlot, co-founder of Dealers Choice Hospitality, talking her path from trying to break into hospitality to building the experience that shaped her career. We get into what it really looks like to start with little experience, the tough calls around where and who you work for when growth is the goal, and why speaking up for yourself is part of leveling up. We talk foundational bar skills — free pouring, counting, speed rack, building systems — and why opening teams can fast-track your development. If you’ve ever been hungry to learn, move up, and turn bar work into a real career, this one’s for you. 👉 If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share it with a friend. ➕ Follow us on Instagram @WALK.IN.CLUB and join the conversation!📨 Questions? DM us on Instagram!Want to support? Merch and Donations available on our website! This project is independently run and made with love for the industry, and your support helps cover production costs and keep the conversations going. The Walk.In Club is hosted by Nick White and Hannah Claire LeAll Walk.In Media and terrible jokes produced by Sean SteppMusic written by Ethan Luck

Walk.In Club is back, and we’re kicking off the new season with Oakland native William Tsui, owner of Viridian in downtown Oakland, talking his path from bartending school to bar owner. We get into mentors who actually push you forward, why spreadsheets matter even if you don’t like them, and the real meaning of the 5-10 Rule (hint: it’s not just the area code). If you’ve ever wondered what’s next after bartending—or what a good pour cost should be—this one’s for you. 👉 If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share it with a friend. ➕ Follow us on Instagram @WALK.IN.CLUB and join the conversation!📨 Questions? DM us on Instagram!Want to support? Merch and Donations available on our website! This project is independently run and made with love for the industry, and your support helps cover production costs and keep the conversations going. The Walk.In Club is hosted by Nick White and Hannah Claire LeAll Walk.In Media and terrible jokes produced by Sean SteppMusic written by Ethan Luck

As sad as we are, El Patio prepares to close its doors on July 3rd, we encourage you to show some love—stop by for one last visit, grab some food, drinks, a hat, and soak in the magic that is El Patio and listen in to this episode that shares the story of a place that has meant so much to the community, and will forever be a staple in the books. To Hamei and the entire crew: thank you for the countless memories, for building a space that felt like home, and for creating a true third place rooted in joy, celebration, and connection. #TheWalkInClub #ElPatio #CheersToElPatio #CommunitySpotlight #SupportLocal 👉 If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share it with a friend. ➕ Follow us on Instagram @WALK.IN.CLUB and join the conversation!📨 Questions? DM us on Instagram!Want to support? Merch and Donations available on our website! This project is independently run and made with love for the industry, and your support helps cover production costs and keep the conversations going. The Walk.In Club is hosted by Nick White and Hannah Claire LeAll Walk.In Media and terrible jokes produced by Sean SteppMusic written by Ethan Luck

Larry’s story is one of grit, curiosity, and deep care for the people around him. Raised in Chicago helping care for his Polish grandmother, he started working young and found pride in every role, no matter how small. His path led him from delivering prescriptions to executive chef at high end hotels, from his first catering gig in the Bay Area to building a waterfall at one of SF's legendary bars. He reflects on his transition into bartending through his culinary lens, making syrups and juices that helped bars thrive. Larry talks about designing kitchens and Walk-ins to opening his own restaurant from scratch, and why his first bar shift at Outsidelands was the shift that gave him 2 career paths in an industry he loves, and for that he feels gratitude.  👉 If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share it with a friend. ➕ Follow us on Instagram @WALK.IN.CLUB and join the conversation!📨 Questions? DM us on Instagram!Want to support? Merch and Donations available on our website! This project is independently run and made with love for the industry, and your support helps cover production costs and keep the conversations going. The Walk.In Club is hosted by Nick White and Hannah Claire LeAll Walk.In Media and terrible jokes produced by Sean SteppMusic written by Ethan Luck

From Fluffernutters to the Hotsy Totsy Club: Jessica Maria on creating her own path to opening up one of the Bay Area’s most beloved neighborhood bars, and everything in between.In this episode of The Walk-In Club Podcast, we sit down with Jessica Maria, whose journey started at 13 year. We trace her roots back to Massachusetts working at Uncle Tony’s, where teenage shifts were full of flirting, fluffernutters were important, and the spark of discovering community in and what that really means. From cocktail waitressing in hotel bars to a surprise stint behind the scenes at Bill Graham Presents, Jessica learned every rung of the ladder through hustle and heart—including deadlifting kegs, tracking inventory for every show, and translating cocktail specs into Thai during her time running a bar in Thailand.Her story winds through reinvention after reinvention—management roles taken by instinct, improv gigs, a move across the world, and the important rebuild of Hotsy Totsy. Through it all, Jessica reminds us that hospitality isn’t just about service—it’s about play, pressure, perseverance, and choosing love for the industry again and again.We get into:Fluffernutters - a MUST try experienceThe early years of bar magic at Blake’s on TelegraphFaxing a resume to a mystery ad that led to Bill Graham PresentsRunning a bar in Thailand (and living through a tsunami)Rebuilding Hotsy Totsy with the help of communityHer take on where the industry is headed, and how we can helpJessica’s story is a reminder that there’s no one way to show up in hospitality—but showing up with intention, curiosity, and care will always be the way forward.Follow @hotsytotsyclub to keep up with news, updates, a fun times! 👉 If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share it with a friend. ➕ Follow us on Instagram @WALK.IN.CLUB and join the conversation!📨 Questions? DM us on Instagram!Want to support? Merch and Donations available on our website! This project is independently run and made with love for the industry, and your support helps cover production costs and keep the conversations going. The Walk.In Club is hosted by Nick White and Hannah Claire LeAll Walk.In Media and terrible jokes produced by Sean SteppMusic written by Ethan Luck

From Urban Farming to SOP Queen: Alissa Johnson on Adapting, Surviving, and Reimagining a BusinessIn this episode of The Walk-In Club Podcast, we sit down with Alissa Johnson whose path through food, farming, academia, and bar leadership is anything but ordinary. Alissa is the heart behind Oakland’s iconic Legionnaire Saloon, Beeryland and The Oakland Whiskey Library—but her journey started with a $5/hour counter service job and a dream of becoming a chef.We dive into Alissa’s early roots in urban farming and food systems, her love of side-by-side coffee tastings, and the pivotal moment she realized the classroom wasn’t where she could make the biggest impact. From speech therapy grad school to building her own distillation rigs during a WWOOFing experience in Napa, Alissa’s story is one of reinvention, resilience, and serious resourcefulness.After juicing citrus behind the scenes at the Starline Social Club, Alissa stepped behind the bar and never looked back. We hear how she helped lead through the chaos of the pandemic, a shifting bar identity, and the realities of tip fatigue in a changed industry.We get into:🌱 Learning distillation by actually building her own rig🏫 The burnout of working in under-resourced academic systems🍋 Juicing for Starline Social Club as a gateway to bartending🏛️ BTS of operations behind the bar🛠️ Becoming the "SOP Queen" and how structure helps fill in the gaps💬 Why it's cool to care—and how community, systems, and adaptability are key to surviving the long gameAlissa’s story is a reminder that hospitality is about more than drinks—it’s about connection, curiosity, and the courage to change course when the path ahead calls for it.🔗 Follow @legionnairekaraokesaloon, @beeryland_oakland, and @oaklandwhiskeylibrary to keep up with Alissa’s work and pour into the East Bay’s most intentional spaces. 👉 If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share it with a friend. ➕ Follow us on Instagram @WALK.IN.CLUB and join the conversation!📨 Questions? DM us on Instagram!Want to support? Merch and Donations available on our website! This project is independently run and made with love for the industry, and your support helps cover production costs and keep the conversations going. The Walk.In Club is hosted by Nick White and Hannah Claire LeAll Walk.In Media and terrible jokes produced by Sean SteppMusic written by Ethan Luck

From Cynar to putting ACME Bar on the Whiskey map—Jennifer Seidman on Owning Your Voice and Reimagining Bar Culture in the BayIn this episode of The Walk-In Club Podcast, we sit down with Jennifer Seidman—visionary owner of Acme Bar and Little Bird Bar—who’s helped shape the landscape of Bay Area bar scene for over two decades. Jennifer’s story begins with a paper route in Palo Alto, winds through the chaos of flyering for nightclubs in San Francisco, and lands in North Beach bars where she learned to bartend by saying yes and figuring it out later.Jennifer reflects on the days when women weren’t allowed behind the bar—when the only entry point was cocktail waitressing. That didn’t stop her. She earned her stripes, held her own, and eventually opened Acme Bar in 2002 in what used to be a smoky, carpeted dive called Mike and Mary’s. We hear how a single $20 pour of Hudson Baby Bourbon put Acme on the whiskey map, landing her in Bourbon Review and Whiskey Advocate.We get into: 🥃 Her early days bartending in North Beach and working her way into the craft🔥 Opening Acme in 2002 and witnessing the rise of “red bars” like Ruby, Radio, and Acme🧼 Turning a carpeted, smoke-filled dive into a respected whiskey destination🌟 How a $20 pour turned into a top level whiskey program and national whiskey recognition🕊️ Reimagining Radio Bar as Little Bird—a softer, more intentional space grounded in community💬 Her take on longevity, leadership, and why reinvention is part of survivalJennifer’s voice is sharp, grounded, and unapologetically honest. She shares what it takes to stick around—not just to survive, but to evolve. Her story is a testament to what’s possible when you lead with integrity, learn from the hustle, and aren’t afraid to change the room you walk into.🔗 Follow @acmebarandco and @littlebirdbar to tap into decades of Bay hospitality, poured with purpose. 👉 If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share it with a friend. ➕ Follow us on Instagram @WALK.IN.CLUB and join the conversation!📨 Questions? DM us on Instagram!Want to support? Merch and Donations available on our website! This project is independently run and made with love for the industry, and your support helps cover production costs and keep the conversations going. The Walk.In Club is hosted by Nick White and Hannah Claire LeAll Walk.In Media and terrible jokes produced by Sean SteppMusic written by Ethan Luck

From the goal to be a barback to now accomplished Bar Owner—Gabriel Holland on Learning Through Experience and Leading With A Humble HeartIn this episode of The Walk-In Club Podcast, we sit down with Gabriel Holland, a gentle force in Oakland’s hospitality scene and the proud owner of Theory Bar. Gabe’s journey is one of quiet persistence—learning by watching, doing, and asking questions. From his first days busing at the Claremont Hotel to becoming a barback at Pican, he never rushed the process. Instead, he kept showing up, stayed curious, and let every role teach him something new.As a food runner at Pican, Gabe began to understand one of the most important lessons in hospitality—how to bridge the gap between front of house and back of house. Learning patience and communication in the middle of that line helped shape the way he leads today. He shares how having supportive management during those early years gave him the kind of confidence that makes delegation feel respectful, not performative.We explore:🍽️ Starting at the iconic Claremont Hotel and a short pivot into retail before finding his way back into restaurants🍸 Learning the craft of bartending on his own time—from shadowing to inventory to not grabbing pint glasses from the top🤝 Bridging FOH and BOH and why early support from leadership helped shape the way he leads today💥 Navigating the uncertainty of Covid and finding solid footing again🏠 Opening Theory Bar with intention—not for status, but to build something rooted in care and communityGabe shares the kind of wisdom that comes from showing up day after day, without the need to prove anything. His story is a reminder that success doesn’t always shout—it often can move quietly, guided by heart, humility, and a deep commitment to the craft.🔗 Follow @thebar_theoryoakland and @g_keepitbogey to support the space and experience the care behind every pour. 👉 If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share it with a friend. ➕ Follow us on Instagram @WALK.IN.CLUB and join the conversation!📨 Questions? DM us on Instagram!Want to support? Merch and Donations available on our website! This project is independently run and made with love for the industry, and your support helps cover production costs and keep the conversations going. The Walk.In Club is hosted by Nick White and Hannah Claire LeAll Walk.In Media and terrible jokes produced by Sean SteppMusic written by Ethan Luck

From Starbucks to Bar Consulting—How Casey Carr Built a Career on Systems, Creativity, and a Little ChaosOn this episode of The Walk-In Club Podcast, we sit down with Casey Carr, who went from slinging coffee to becoming a respected bar consultant, opening over nine bars and helping shape the next generation of hospitality professionals. We explore:🍺 How he started at Starbucks to his transition to BJ’s, formerly PJ's - learning to love systems in corporate restaurant culture🔥 The "trial by fire" approach to learning and why being charismatically stupid is a secret weapon🏗️ What it takes to build a successful bar program—from menu pricing to staff education🏠 Why the concept of a third home is crucial to the future of hospitalityCasey breaks down the real work behind bar consulting (spoiler: it’s not as glamorous as it sounds) and shares what every bar owner should know before bringing in a consultant. Whether you’re a bartender, a bar owner, or just someone who loves a great cocktail, this episode is packed with insights, humor, and hard-earned wisdom.🔗 Follow @caseyisthatguy for more industry insights, consulting expertise, and a belly full of laughs. 👉 If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share it with a friend. ➕ Follow us on Instagram @WALK.IN.CLUB and join the conversation!📨 Questions? DM us on Instagram!Want to support? Merch and Donations available on our website! This project is independently run and made with love for the industry, and your support helps cover production costs and keep the conversations going. The Walk.In Club is hosted by Nick White and Hannah Claire LeAll Walk.In Media and terrible jokes produced by Sean SteppMusic written by Ethan Luck

From Starbucks to Speed Rack—How Kat Parsons Became a Force Behind the BarOn this episode of The Walk-In Club Podcast, we sit down with Kat Parsons, whose path from making frappuccinos as a teen to becoming a respected bartender in Oakland is a testament to passion, persistence, and putting in the reps.We explore:🍸 How she faked it till she made it—and learned everything she could along the way🏆 Why Speed Rack was a game-changer for her career, from skills to friendships🍹 The story behind her Babyface Assassin cocktail, inspired by Steph Curry💡 How she kept regulars engaged during the pandemic when bars shut down🤝 The importance of a dream team behind the bar and checking in on each other Kat’s story is about hustle, learning, and community—whether you’re a bartender, an industry vet, or someone who just loves a good drink, you’ll want to hear this one.🔗 Follow @killerkittenkaratechoppin for more cocktail inspiration and industry insights.Checkout everything Speed-Rack HERE! 👉 If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share it with a friend. ➕ Follow us on Instagram @WALK.IN.CLUB and join the conversation!📨 Questions? DM us on Instagram!Want to support? Merch and Donations available on our website! This project is independently run and made with love for the industry, and your support helps cover production costs and keep the conversations going. The Walk.In Club is hosted by Nick White and Hannah Claire LeAll Walk.In Media and terrible jokes produced by Sean SteppMusic written by Ethan Luck

From the Marines to the Bar—Jason Lujick’s Unexpected Path to Oakland HospitalityOn this episode of The Walk-In Club Podcast, we sit down with Jason Lujick, a former Marine turned bar owner, whose path to running three of Oakland’s well-known spots—the Legionnaire Saloon, Oakland Whiskey Library and Beeryland—was anything but conventional. From babysitting reservists in the military to working rowdy college bars in Georgia, Jason’s story is one of hustle, adaptation, and resilience in an ever-changing industry.We explore:🥃 How a former Marine made their debut in the hospitality industry🍻 His journey from bar security to general manager—and eventually, bar owner💰 The financial struggles of running a bar and the creative ways he kept them afloat🔄 How he adapted and pivoted his businesses to survive the pandemic’s impact Jason’s journey is a testament to the grind, the unpredictability of the bar world, and the importance of building a community within it. Whether you’re in the industry, a whiskey lover, or just appreciate a good comeback story, this one’s for you.🔗 Follow @legionnairekaraokesaloon, @oaklandwhiskeylibrary on Instagram for updates on events, whiskey selections, and more. 👉 If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share it with a friend. ➕ Follow us on Instagram @WALK.IN.CLUB and join the conversation!📨 Questions? DM us on Instagram!Want to support? Merch and Donations available on our website! This project is independently run and made with love for the industry, and your support helps cover production costs and keep the conversations going. The Walk.In Club is hosted by Nick White and Hannah Claire LeAll Walk.In Media and terrible jokes produced by Sean SteppMusic written by Ethan Luck

Episode 3: The Traveling Bartender – Dan Miranda’s Journey from Oakland to BangkokIn this episode of The Walk-In Social Club Podcast, we sit down with Dan Miranda—a bartender whose career has taken him across the world, from the dive bars of Oakland to international cocktail destinations. Known for his adventurous spirit and dedication to pushing himself to new limits, Dan has crafted a life that blends travel, hospitality, and the occasional Taco Bell binge.We explore:🍹 Bartending through the world – from Alameda to Bangkok, and the destinations still ahead🌎 How travel has shaped his approach behind the bar and what he’s learned from different bar cultures🔥 The mindset of constant challenge – why Dan thrives on pushing himself beyond comfort zones🌮 The legendary diet of Five Burrito Supremes, three times a week – and how he’s still standingWhether you're in the industry, love a good adventure, or just want to hear the story of a man who refuses to stay still, this episode is a must-listen. 👉 If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share it with a friend. ➕ Follow us on Instagram @WALK.IN.CLUB and join the conversation!📨 Questions? DM us on Instagram!Want to support? Merch and Donations available on our website! This project is independently run and made with love for the industry, and your support helps cover production costs and keep the conversations going. The Walk.In Club is hosted by Nick White and Hannah Claire LeAll Walk.In Media and terrible jokes produced by Sean SteppMusic written by Ethan Luck

Episode 2: The Unexpected Wine King – Hamei Hamedi’s Journey from San Jose to Mezcal MasteryIn this episode of The Walk-In Social Club Podcast, we sit down with Hamei Hamedi, the owner of El Patio, a neighborhood bar and restaurant in Berkeley, California known for its expansive selection of over 300 mezcals. But what makes Hamei’s story truly compelling is his unexpected journey in the world of wine and how his upbringing in San Jose shaped his path in the Bay Area hospitality industry as a small business owner.We explore:🍷 How this "Unexpected Wine King" became a mezcal expert 🔥 The evolution of El Patio and its impact on the local community💡 Lessons on adapting, growing, and staying passionate in hospitality 🍜 why he was the guy that stayed up and made the BrothWhether you're in the industry, a mezcal lover, or just love a good underdog story, this episode is a must-listen.🔗 Follow El Patio on Instagram @elpatio510 @elbusbus 👉 If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share it with a friend. ➕ Follow us on Instagram @WALK.IN.CLUB and join the conversation!📨 Questions? DM us on Instagram!Want to support? Merch and Donations available on our website! This project is independently run and made with love for the industry, and your support helps cover production costs and keep the conversations going. The Walk.In Club is hosted by Nick White and Hannah Claire LeAll Walk.In Media and terrible jokes produced by Sean SteppMusic written by Ethan Luck