The Restaurant Guys Bartenders Matter: Ryan Foley on Legacy, Craft, and the Future of the Bar
Why This Episode Matters
- Bartenders are central to hospitality culture
- Industry legacy plays a critical role in preserving bar professionalism
- Non-alcoholic cocktails require intention, balance, and structure
- The future of the bar depends on respecting craft while adapting to change
The Banter
Mark Pascal and Francis Schott open the show riffing on old-school hospitality, handwritten reservation books, and whether pencil-and-paper elegance can survive the modern restaurant world.
The Conversation
Ryan Foley shares his perspective on bartending as a profession shaped by history, mentorship, and responsibility. The discussion traces the legacy of his father, Ray Foley, founder of the Bartender Hall of Fame, and examines how Bartender Magazine has long served as an advocate for bartenders and bar culture. Together, they explore how foundational skills intersect with the modern craft cocktail movement—and why non-alcoholic cocktails deserve the same respect as their spirited counterparts.
Timestamps
00:00 – Talk of analog reservation taking becoming trendy
9:50 – Ryan Foley joins /Bartender Magazine and bartender advocacy
22:30 – The Bartender Hall of Fame
35:36 – How bartending skills and expectations have evolved
42:38 – Ryan’s book Non-Alcoholic Drinks for Dummies
53:24 – Non-alcoholic cocktails and building drinks with intention
1:00:00 – Wrap Up 80s Drinks
Bio
Ryan Foley is a hospitality industry publisher whose family owns Bartender Magazine and Bartender.com, continuing a legacy of advocacy for bartenders, bar culture, and the craft behind the bar.
Info
Website: https://www.bartender.com
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