TO GUEST SHIFT OR NOT TO GUEST SHIFT

A&Q with Krystian Hordejuk, Beverage Director of Tashas Group

Bartender guest shifts, also known as guest bartending or bartender takeovers, are a popular trend in the bar industry where bars host guest bartenders who take over the bar for the night. This is typically done to bring a fresh perspective, showcase new cocktails or spirits, and attract a new audience to the bar.

During a bartender guest shift, the guest bartender will take over the bar and create a unique menu of cocktails that highlight their personal style and expertise. This can include classic cocktails with a modern twist, innovative new drinks, or specialty cocktails that feature rare or unusual spirits. The guest bartender may also bring tools and equipment to the bar, such as a unique shaker or strainer, to further personalise the experience. Guest bartender shifts can be a great way for bars to generate buzz and attract new customers, as they provide an opportunity to showcase the skills and expertise of a talented bartender. They can also be a way for bartenders to network and build their brand in the industry.

In addition to creating a unique menu of cocktails, guest bartenders may participate in events and promotions to help promote the bar and their personal brand. This can include social media promotions, live-streaming events, or collaborations with other industry professionals.

Overall, bartender guest shifts are a popular trend in the bar industry that offers a fun and exciting way for bars to showcase new talent and attract a diverse and engaged audience.

Galaxy Bar has hosted a few exciting guest shifts, the most recent being with Opium Bar Bangkok. Krystian Hordejuk, Beverage Director at Tashas Group, answers the question, to guest shift or not to guest shift.

What is your role as Beverage Director of Tashas Group?

My role encompasses the beverage development for each of Tashas Group’s concepts while assisting in operational roll-out according to our annual calendar. I am accountable for planning and curating innovative beverage programs for all locations in the UAE and beyond according to the vision of each of the brands.

Can you describe the trend of guest shifts?

The number of guest shifts is definitely on the rise, and, to be honest, it makes me a bit anxious. I feel it is important to focus on the objectives behind these takeovers. At Galaxy Bar, we have done them in order to bring attention to the region from other bars as well as from globally recognised industry leaders, and it has worked well. There is a wonderful collaboration that happens.

However, I do believe that we all need to be cautious to ensure that these events bring value to our guests. If you have one bartender doing multiple shifts across the city in a relatively short period of time, it can take away from the uniqueness of the opportunity, and we risk oversaturating their experience.

What are the benefits and disadvantages of guest shifts?

Benefits:

> Social networking opportunities within diverse industries members

> Team mentorship through encouraging panel discussion and group seminars hosted by the guest bartenders sharing knowledge on various techniques and efficient bar operation skills

> Bar positioning within the local / international bar scene

Disadvantages:

> Significant budget allocation

> Extra pressure on operations

> Revenue loss

What value did you see in hosting guest shifts at one of the bars you manage?

First and foremost, HOSTING any guest bartender travelling from overseas to perform at your bar should be considered an act of HOSPITALITY instead of a pure one-off marketing activation with no context.

Looking back at all the events hosted over the past years, the true value of hosting “takeovers” is about offering a unique opportunity to your audience, having a chance to connect with the “guest bartender” and experience something completely new and avant-garde that is not necessarily available on a regular basis.

Can you describe this process for us?

As far as finding the right bartenders to work with is that there has to be synergy and alignment in terms of values, theme, timing and budget allocation. The bartenders, who have to travel, and Galaxy Bar, who is investing in the guest shift, should see the value in the interaction and event. Being creative around the concept and context of hosting the guest shift is essential, and most importantly, it is about complementing each other.

Where do you see the bar takeover trend going?

I believe the bar takeover trend is here to stay. My hope is that it will elevate the region as a whole and that one day Dubai will host an internationally acclaimed Bar Show with multiple activations and seminars targeting both the industry as well as the general public audience.

Any more guest shifts to look forward to in the future for Tashas Group? We have curated an amazing 2023 lineup of events encom- passing all brands within the Tashas Group, focusing on hosting Asian and European bars in the first quarter of 2023. Last year, we travelled to Barcelona, Maldives, Bangkok and Milano for extraordinary guest shifts, and we hope to visit many more unique bars in the upcoming year. Stay tuned for more updates in the coming weeks!