Inside Bartender Magazine: Ryan Foley on Legacy, Print Media, and Industry Storytelling

In this episode, Shawn Soole sits down with Ryan Foley — publisher of BARTENDER Magazine, author, and advocate for the craft. Together, they dig into how media shapes the narrative of hospitality, the evolving coverage of the trade, and what it takes to document the bar world with clarity and purpose.

What You’ll Learn

• Ryan’s path from bartender coverage to leading a major industry publication

• How BARTENDER Magazine influences trade trends, education and professional standards

• His role in amplifying non-alcoholic cocktail education and bar best practices

• The intersection of content, culture, and bar commentary

• Live Q&A focusing on journalism, trade events, and how media supports hospitality growth

Timestamp Highlights (Approximate)

• 00:02:30 – Ryan’s background and the genesis of BARTENDER Magazine

• 00:14:00 – The role of trade media in shaping bar culture and education

• 00:28:00 – Expanding into non-alcoholic content and serving professionals

• 00:42:00 – Live Q&A: media, mentoring emerging talent, and covering hospitality in real time

• 00:58:00+ – What’s next: editorial direction, industry events, and evolving narrative

🎯 Who It’s For

Bar managers, hospitality leaders, beverage directors, writers, and anyone interested in how media and storytelling influence the trajectory of the industry.

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