In this episode of Restauranttopia, Dave and Brian explore the growing non-alcoholic beverage movement and why it's a must for modern restaurants. They break down the cultural shifts, customer expectations, and real profitability behind offering thoughtful non-alcoholic options. Learn practical ways to adapt your menu, train your staff, and create a welcoming experience for all guests—drinkers and non-drinkers alike.

• Gen Z drinks 20% less than millennials.
• Health, wellness, and cognitive performance are driving alcohol reduction.
• Events like Dry January, Lent, and Sober October are more mainstream than ever.

• Upselling non-alcoholic options can dramatically increase check averages.
• Ready-to-drink non-alcoholic beers and specialty beverages are rapidly growing markets.
• Properly curated non-alcoholic menus meet real customer needs without cannibalizing alcohol sales.
• Train Your Staff for Inclusivity
• Avoid shaming or awkward moments when guests order non-alcoholic drinks.
• Present non-alcoholic options confidently alongside alcoholic beverages.
• Create an experience where all guests feel welcome and cared for.

• Be strategic in how you name and market non-alcoholic options (avoid terms like 'mocktails' that can carry a stigma).
• Highlight non-alcoholic beverages as 'cognitive enhancers' or unique house specialties.
• Promote non-alcoholic selections during prime times like January, October, and Lent.

• Non-alcoholic beverages often offer higher margins due to lower product costs.
• Execution and presentation are key—offer well-crafted, thoughtful drinks rather than sugary afterthoughts.

• Use creative branding—think cognitive enhancers or wellness drinks rather than 'mocktails.'
• Add a non-alcoholic section to your menu or have rotating non-alcoholic specials.
• Stock premium non-alcoholic beers and spirits to meet rising customer expectations.
• Train staff to suggest non-alcoholic drinks naturally, not as an afterthought.
• Recognize that offering strong non-alcoholic options is good hospitality—and good business.

Summary

In this episode, Brian shares five key lessons from Las Vegas that every restaurant operator should hear. From faster drink service to private room optimization and upsell strategy, these practical insights are designed to boost revenue while enhancing the guest experience.

Learn how to modernize your operations, empower your staff, and grow profitability—starting tonight.

• Use your reservation system to curate guest experiences, not just book tables.
• Ask the purpose of the visit—anniversary, business dinner, birthday—to personalize the service.
• Leverage confirmations via text or phone as additional engagement touchpoints.

• Speed matters: get the first drink in hand quickly, ideally before guests are seated.
• The faster the first drink, the more likely a second drink will be ordered—which increases revenue.
• Train staff to lead with beverage suggestions and make cocktail menus stand out.

• Teach servers to read the table and suggest appropriate apps, drinks, and entrees.
• Pre-sell appetizers for the table instead of waiting for guests to decide.
• Create incentives (e.g., spiffs) for staff to move high-margin items like premium wines or cocktails.

• Treat your private room like a key revenue generator, not a hidden option.
• Use it for business dinners, group celebrations, and high-spend guests—even if not requested.
• Simplify the booking process and avoid unnecessary friction like deposit hurdles or rigid policies.

• Offer celebration packages: wine, flowers, dessert upgrades, or to-go items.
• Introduce pre-orderable take-home meals, cookies, or lunch for the next day.
• Use the reservation system to upsell enhancements before the guest even arrives.

1. A thoughtful reservation experience can set the tone for a higher check average.
2. Lead with a separate cocktail menu to shift attention and increase sales.
3. Servers should be trained to place the order for the table when appropriate—it enhances the guest experience and simplifies decision-making.
4. Use private dining space more often—don’t let it sit idle.
5. Think like Amazon: reduce friction in ordering and upselling. People want to be sold.

In this thought-provoking episode, the team explores how pain and suffering can cultivate stronger leadership skills. Drawing inspiration from Stoic philosophy, Buddhist parables, and personal experiences, they discuss the concept of the "two arrows"—how pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional—and how leaders can apply this mindset to stay composed and guide their teams effectively.

They dive into how emotional control and mindfulness can transform not just your professional leadership, but also your personal relationships. If you're looking to develop a more resilient, thoughtful, and impactful leadership style, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Two Arrows: Pain vs. Suffering
   • The First Arrow: Pain is inevitable. It’s the initial sting from an unexpected situation.
   • The Second Arrow: Suffering is how we respond to that pain—and it's optional.
   • Leaders who can control their reaction to adversity create a calm, steady presence that inspires confidence in their teams.
2. How Pain Translates to Leadership Growth
   • Painful experiences build emotional resilience and perspective, which are critical for effective leadership.
   • Leaders who embrace discomfort are better equipped to handle high-stress situations and guide their teams through uncertainty.
3. Mindfulness as a Leadership Tool
   • Practicing mindful pauses between stimulus and response allows leaders to process situations logically rather than emotionally.
   • Asking yourself “Why am I reacting this way?” or “How will this response impact the situation?” can reshape the outcome positively.
4. The Importance of Emotional Control in Leadership
   • Leaders who let emotions dictate their behavior create confusion and panic among their teams.
   • Being the “eye of the hurricane” means projecting calm and confidence, even in chaotic situations.
5. Applying These Principles in the Workplace
   • When employees call off or unexpected issues arise, strong leaders don’t panic—they assess, adapt, and lead calmly.
   • Role modeling composure and critical thinking inspires the team to follow suit.

🔥Pro Tips:

✅ Pause and Reflect: Before reacting, pause for a moment to assess the situation. This simple act creates space for a measured, thoughtful response.
✅ Ask “Why” and “How” Before Responding:

• Why am I reacting this way?
• How will this response affect my team or situation?
  ✅ Be the Eye of the Hurricane: Maintain composure in difficult situations—your calm demeanor will influence your team’s mindset.
  ✅ Model Confident Behavior: Your actions set the tone. Confidence and steadiness encourage others to stay focused and productive.
  ✅ Accept Pain, Avoid Suffering: Recognize that pain is unavoidable, but suffering is optional and within your control.