In this episode of Mom’s Dinner Table Talk, JP sits down with Remi DeMatteo, the operator behind Hayride Scandal and Pelican to Mars, and one of the most seasoned voices in Louisiana’s bar and nightlife scene. Remi’s career spans decades—bartending at 18 in New Orleans, running bars in major hotels, opening iconic venues like Ampersand, Club 360, Republic, Hostel, and Eifel, and eventually bringing his talent to Baton Rouge to build two of the city’s most beloved bar concepts.Remi breaks down what hospitality used to be, what it is now, and how the industry has shifted in the age of social media, dating apps, and a generation that drinks less but feels more isolated than ever. He shares raw insight on leadership, mentorship, operator development, building culture, communicating with young staff, and the responsibility seasoned leaders have to guide the next generation.We also dive into the future of cocktails, whiskey culture, and bar programs—why garnish culture is out of control, why pretentious drinking is dying, and why simplicity, fun, and accessibility always win. Remi brings honesty, humor, and decades of hard-earned wisdom to a conversation loaded with stories, strategy, and perspective.If you love hospitality, scaling teams, cocktail culture, bar operations, or just great storytelling, pull up a chair. This episode is a masterclass from someone who’s lived every era of nightlife—from the pre-smartphone days to the modern craft movement.