Stefano Catino: Why Hospitality Matters More Than Cocktails
This week on The Cocktail Academy Podcast, Damian sits down with one of the most respected operators in global hospitality, Stefano Catino.
As the co-founder of the world-renowned Maybe Sammy and leader of The Maybe Group, Stefano has helped build one of the most celebrated hospitality businesses in the world. But as you'll hear in this conversation, his success has far less to do with cocktails than it does with people.
From growing up in his father's restaurant in Italy to building a hospitality empire in Australia, Stefano shares why creating memorable guest experiences, building great teams, and having fun at work are serious business strategies.
We discuss the difference between service and hospitality, why culture should come before cocktail knowledge, the importance of leading from the front, and why the world's best bars are moving back towards simplicity.
If you're a bartender, bar owner, hospitality professional, or anyone interested in creating experiences people never forget, this episode is packed with practical insights.
Hospitality Is What People Pay For
Stefano argues that service and hospitality are not the same thing. Service is completing the task. Hospitality is how you make people feel throughout the experience. It's often the difference between a customer returning and never thinking about you again.
Hire Humans, Not Talent
Technical skills can be taught. Genuine care for people is much harder to develop. Stefano believes operators should hire people they genuinely want to spend time with and then train the skills afterwards.
Fun Is Not an Accident
The atmosphere at Maybe Sammy isn't random. It's deliberately protected, modelled by leadership, and reinforced every day. According to Stefano, taking the job seriously while not taking yourself too seriously is one of the keys to creating memorable hospitality.
Culture Starts at the Top
Whether you're a bar owner, manager, or team leader, culture isn't something you delegate. Stefano believes leaders must consistently demonstrate the behaviours they want to see in their teams.
Simplicity Is Winning Again
After years of increasingly complex cocktails, Stefano sees the industry moving back towards simpler drinks, shorter menus, classic serves, and better guest experiences.
Instagram: @stefanocatino
Maybe Sammy - @maybe_sammy_sydney
Instagram: @welovecocktails
TikTok: @welovecocktailsx
Facebook: @welovecocktailsx
Website: www.thecocktailacademy.com
Email: sayhello@thecocktailacademy.com
If you enjoyed this conversation, please follow The Cocktail Academy Podcast on your favourite podcast platform and leave a rating or review. It helps more hospitality professionals discover the show.
Share this episode with a bartender, manager, or venue owner who believes great hospitality is still the most powerful tool in the business.
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