Two Broke Bartenders to Upstream Hospitality Group

Two Broke Bartenders Turn Big Bet Into Thriving Hospitality Group

What happens when two broke bartenders take a big risk, bet on themselves and turn a handshake deal into a booming restaurant brand? That's the story of James Bonanno, founder and CEO of Upstream Hospitality Group, the company behind Tap Room, Bango Bowls and a growing portfolio of waterfront restaurants.

On the latest episode of the Founderology podcast, we sat down at the newest Tap Room location in Ronkonkoma, New York, to discuss the journey — the wins, the challenges and the lessons every founder needs to hear.

The moment that changed everything

James and his co-founder, Dave, didn't have deep pockets when they started. What they had was a vision, a relentless work ethic and a willingness to bet on themselves. After walking away from a handshake deal with nothing in the bank, they spent a week scrambling to raise six figures — and Tap Room was born. What really proved their concept? Location number two.

James said. "When we opened our second location — 30 minutes from our hometown, with no local connections — the floodgates opened. That's when we knew we had something bigger than just a neighborhood bar."

A bold decision to propel growth

"We didn't have an ego about it," James said. "We knew we had a great concept, but we also knew there was a lot we didn't know. So we brought in a growth strategist who had helped other brands scale nationally. That decision set us up for everything we've accomplished today."

Scaling from four to nine locations in 12 months

Growing at this pace isn't for the faint of heart. James shared how he made the crucial mindset shift from running a restaurant to running a company — and how that changed everything.

The secret? Delegation with intention. He didn't just work harder — he worked smarter, freeing himself to focus on growth.

Growth requires capital, and in a world where funding isn't easy to come by, James found a way to make it happen. How? You'll have to listen to the episode to find out.

The Upstream mentality: Why mindset is everything

The name Upstream Hospitality isn't just a brand — it's a belief. James explains how thinking differently, making bold moves and staying intentional helped him push past challenges that stopped others.

One of the most powerful moments? When James shares a simple but effective mindset shift that could change the way you lead your business. It's a must-hear.