How does an arcade video game passion project become a national phenomenon? Join us for an in-depth conversation with Paul Kermizian, CEO and co-founder of Barcade, the pioneering company that invented the retro arcade bar concept in 2004. He reveals the accidental success story of a Williamsburg hobby that proved the simple, powerful appeal of pairing classic 80s arcade games with American craft beer, thus creating a social hub for two dedicated communities. Paul breaks down the operational wisdom behind the brand, detailing their unique ownership of over 1,200 vintage games and an in-house tech team dedicated to near-perfect uptime. He also shares insights on strategic growth, including why the company is pausing expansion after opening its largest location to date and exploring franchising as a future model.

Be sure to check out our Patreon to gain access to an extended hour long version of this same episode: https://www.patreon.com/BartenderAtLarge

____________________________________

Join us every Monday as acclaimed bartender, Erick Castro, interviews some of the bar industry's top talents from around the world, including bartenders, distillers & authors. If you love cocktails & spirits then this award-winning podcast is just for you.

SUPPORT US ON PATREON: Get early access to episodes, exclusive bonus episodes, special content and more: https://www.patreon.com/BartenderAtLarge

WATCH OUR VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/bartenderatlarge

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:
Erick Castro: www.instagram.com/HungryBartender
Bartender at Large: www.instagram.com/BartenderAtLarge

FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK:
Erick Castro: https://www.tiktok.com/@hungrybartender?_t=ZT-8uBekAKOGwU&_r=1
Bartender at Large: www.tiktok.com/BartenderAtLarge

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:
Erick Castro: www.twitter.com/HungryBartender
Bartender at Large: www.twitter.com/BartendAtLarge

Join us for a conversation with Kim Grilc, bartender and co-founder of Kobe Japan's acclaimed tiki bar, The Kazan Room. As a three-time national finalist in prestigious competitions like the Tokyo International Bar Show and Diageo World Class, she is one of the only foreign-born women to compete at this level in Japan. We explore her journey of balancing high-level craft with Tiki's vibrant spirit, a style she shares globally as she travels with The Kazan Room for guest events. Kim also dives into her active role in the worldwide Tiki community, where she serves as a speaker, judge, and celebrated bartender at events like Tiki Oasis. Off the bar mat, she brings the same dedication to her parallel career as an ESL teacher, holding a Master's in Education.

____________________________________

Join us every Monday as acclaimed bartender, Erick Castro, interviews some of the bar industry's top talents from around the world, including bartenders, distillers & authors. If you love cocktails & spirits then this award-winning podcast is just for you.

SUPPORT US ON PATREON: Get early access to episodes, exclusive bonus episodes, special content and more: https://www.patreon.com/BartenderAtLarge

WATCH OUR VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/bartenderatlarge

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:
Erick Castro: www.instagram.com/HungryBartender
Bartender at Large: www.instagram.com/BartenderAtLarge

FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK:
Erick Castro: https://www.tiktok.com/@hungrybartender?_t=ZT-8uBekAKOGwU&_r=1
Bartender at Large: www.tiktok.com/BartenderAtLarge

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:
Erick Castro: www.twitter.com/HungryBartender
Bartender at Large: www.twitter.com/BartendAtLarge

Ever wonder what professional whiskey tasters actually smell? Join us for a fascinating conversation with Edwin Cruz, West Coast American Whiskey Ambassador for the historic Beam Distilling Company, as he guides us through his acclaimed sensory class, Know Your Nose. Edwin pulls back the curtain on the science and art of spirits evaluation, teaching us how to move beyond simple tasting notes to truly understand and articulate the complex aromas in a glass of whiskey. He reveals how anyone can train their olfactory senses, unlocking a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship behind every bottle. This episode is more than a whiskey chat; it's a masterclass in sensory awareness that will forever change the way you experience your next pour. Tune in to sharpen your senses, expand your whiskey vocabulary, and learn how to confidently navigate the aromatic world of fine spirits.

Bourbon Serial Number Lookup: https://www.beamdistilling.com/bakers/single-barrel-journey

Camp Runamok Application: https://www.camprunamok.org/campapplications

____________________________________

Join us every Monday as acclaimed bartender, Erick Castro, interviews some of the bar industry's top talents from around the world, including bartenders, distillers & authors. If you love cocktails & spirits then this award-winning podcast is just for you.

SUPPORT US ON PATREON: Get early access to episodes, exclusive bonus episodes, special content and more: https://www.patreon.com/BartenderAtLarge

WATCH OUR VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/bartenderatlarge

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:
Erick Castro: www.instagram.com/HungryBartender
Bartender at Large: www.instagram.com/BartenderAtLarge

FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK:
Erick Castro: https://www.tiktok.com/@hungrybartender?_t=ZT-8uBekAKOGwU&_r=1
Bartender at Large: www.tiktok.com/BartenderAtLarge

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:
Erick Castro: www.twitter.com/HungryBartender
Bartender at Large: www.twitter.com/BartendAtLarge