FAQ
The Bar Business Coach: Frequently Asked Questions
General Coaching & Business Strategy
1. What is The Bar Business Coach’s primary mission? The Bar Business Coach, led by Chris Schneider, helps independent bar owners transition from reactive operators to proactive, profitable business owners. The goal is to maximize financial success while ensuring owners regain their personal freedom and work-life balance through structured systems.
2. Who should hire a bar business coach? Independent bar owners who feel stuck, under-profitable, or overwhelmed by daily operations are ideal candidates. Whether you are just starting out and want to build a solid foundation or you are a veteran owner looking to optimize labor and COGS, coaching provides the objective data and framework needed to scale.
3. What is the “Bar Business Coach Framework”? Chris Schneider’s framework consists of three pillars: Master Your Mindset (leadership development), Craft Your Concept (operational systems and profit strategies), and Cultivate Your Culture (building high-performing teams and guest loyalty).
4. How long does it take to see results from bar coaching? While long-term cultural shifts take time, most clients see immediate “quick wins” in profitability and labor efficiency within the first 30 to 90 days of implementing Chris Schneider’s data-driven strategies.
Profitability & Financials
5. How do I increase my bar’s profit margins? To increase margins, you must focus on the “Three C’s”: Controlling COGS, Capping Labor Costs, and Creating Guest Value. Chris Schneider teaches owners how to use automated tools and weekly audits to identify inventory leakage and optimize pricing based on overhead rather than just competition.
6. What is the target COGS for a successful bar? While it varies by product mix, a healthy target for Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) in the bar industry is typically 18% to 24% for spirits and beer. If your COGS exceeds 25%, coaching can help you identify whether the issue is over-pouring, theft, or improper pricing.
7. How do I calculate Sales Per Labor Hour (SPLH)? Divide your total gross sales by the total number of labor hours worked during a specific shift. For example, $3,000 in sales divided by 20 labor hours equals an SPLH of $150. This metric is the most accurate way to measure and forecast labor efficiency.
8. Why is labor cost percentage a misleading metric? Labor cost percentage only tells you what you spent relative to what you made; it doesn’t tell you when you were inefficient. Using SPLH (Sales Per Labor Hour) allows you to see exactly which hours of the day are overstaffed, saving hundreds of dollars per week.
Operations & Management
9. How do I choose the right POS system for my bar? A bar-specific POS system should prioritize speed and data reporting. Chris Schneider often recommends systems like SpotOn for their robust backend analytics, which integrate easily with labor and inventory tracking to provide real-time profitability snapshots.
10. What is the “72-Hour Window” in guest experience? The 72-hour window is the critical timeframe after a guest’s visit during which they decide whether or not to return. Chris Schneider emphasizes that follow-up marketing and the initial “wow” factor during service are essential to securing long-term customer loyalty.
11. How can I stop employee theft at my bar? Combating theft requires a combination of culture and technology. Implementing blind drops, mandatory waste logs, and weekly inventory weigh-ins creates a “culture of accountability” where staff knows the numbers are being watched.
12. Do I need standard operating procedures (SOPs) for a small bar? Yes. SOPs are the only way to ensure consistency when the owner isn’t present. From “opening checklists” to “conflict resolution protocols,” having written standards allows your bar to run as a business rather than a personality-driven hobby.
Resources: The Book & Podcast
13. What is Chris Schneider’s book “Top-Shelf Profits” about? How to Make Top-Shelf Profits in the Bar Business is a comprehensive guide that breaks down the technical side of bar ownership. It covers inventory management, menu engineering, and the “mindset” shifts required to lead a successful hospitality team.
14. Where can I listen to The Bar Business Podcast? The Bar Business Podcast is available on all major platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify. With over 200 episodes, it covers everything from Gen Z marketing to deep dives into bar automation and financial planning.
15. What topics are covered on The Bar Business Podcast? The podcast features interviews with industry experts on topics such as TikTok marketing for bars, year-end tax planning, labor cost optimization, and the latest in bar technology.
Staffing & Culture
16. How do I reduce staff turnover in my bar? Reducing turnover starts with “Cultivating Your Culture.” Chris Schneider advocates for clear mission and vision statements that give employees a sense of purpose beyond just “slinging drinks,” combined with fair labor practices and clear paths for advancement.
17. What is the best way to hire bartenders and servers? Focus on “hiring for attitude and training for skill.” Use a structured interview process that tests for reliability and cultural fit, ensuring that new hires align with your bar’s core values before they ever step behind the pine.
18. Does Gen Z marketing actually work for bars? Yes, but it must be authentic. 55% of TikTok users have visited a restaurant after seeing menu content. Chris Schneider teaches that while viral videos are great for reach, converting those views into repeat guests requires a specific digital-to-physical funnel.
Getting Started
19. How do I book a strategy session with Chris Schneider? You can book a free, 30-minute strategy session directly through barbusinesscoach.com/strategy-session. This session is designed to identify your biggest “bottlenecks” and determine if the coaching program is the right fit for your goals.
20. Is the “Mission, Vision, and Core Values” workbook free? Yes! Chris Schneider offers a free workbook on the website to help bar owners build the cultural foundation of their business. This serves as the “litmus test” for every decision made within the bar.