Awards Are Just a Byproduct”: How to Build Bars That Win, Teams That Last, and Systems That Work Without You
An interview was conducted with Daniil Goldman, a founder of several bars in Tel Aviv, Georgia, and Eastern Europe. The discussion focused on the operational strategies that contribute to the success and sustainability of bars.
An interview was conducted with Daniil Goldman, a founder of several bars in Tel Aviv, Georgia, and Eastern Europe. The discussion focused on the operational strategies that contribute to the success and sustainability of bars.
Goldman emphasizes that awards are a byproduct of operational and emotional excellence . Successful bars exhibit thoughtful design in elements such as drinks, lighting, music, and customer service, ensuring a consistent and repeatable experience. Dependency on individual personalities is minimized to enhance scalability.
Scalability in People-Dependent Industries
Goldman likens building a bar to product development. Key components include:
Rituals: Document and train energy rituals, such as lighting changes and music adjustments. Staff Rotation Systems: Implement universal POS systems and standardized training to allow for seamless staff integration across locations. Preparation Over Performance: Prioritize pre-opening preparations to ensure smooth service operations.
Goldman prioritizes emotional intelligence during hiring processes and quickly addresses any mis-hires. The focus remains on maintaining a positive team dynamic.
An interview was conducted with Daniil Goldman, a founder of several bars in Tel Aviv, Georgia, and Eastern Europe.
Goldman identifies overly trusting relationships as a recurrent operational challenge. Continuous learning is focused on building and maintaining consistent systems.
Two approaches are employed: starting with a concept and finding a suitable location, or adapting a project to an available space. Both methods have been successfully utilized in past endeavors.
Goldman seeks partners and managers who can maintain consistency, especially during scaling or new project launches.
Goldman introduced the concept of a Jewish cocktail bar, addressing a gap in the hospitality industry. This innovation has been successfully implemented multiple times.
Key principles include ensuring quality, adhering to the project concept, competitive pricing, and maintaining a concise menu with rotating specials.
Goldman's marketing approach includes utilizing social media, engaging with bloggers and journalists, and hosting concept-specific events to foster community building.
Goldman is working on several projects in New York, including unique concept bars such as a Jewish bar named Esther and a jazz bar named Fats . A youth-oriented bar named Cringe recently opened in Tbilisi in October 2025.
Based on reporting by TechBullion.