The Secret Behind Maybe Sammy's Success | Stefano Catino

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.

In This EpisodeStefano's journey from a small town in Italy to Sydney's cocktail sceneThe origins of Maybe Frank, Maybe Sammy, and The Maybe GroupWhy hospitality is more valuable than serviceThe hiring philosophy behind world-class teamsCreating a culture people want to be part ofWhy "fun" is a serious business strategyLeading by example as an owner and operatorThe atmosphere and energy behind Maybe SammyCocktail trends, tequila, and the return to simplicityWhy hospitality remains the ultimate competitive advantage

Key TakeawaysHospitality 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