Episode #159 - Art Mendoza of Barrel Aged Hospitality

From his early days at Chuck E. Cheese to launching a consulting firm with his son Tyler, Art Mendoza has built a career defined by innovation, hospitality, and a deep understanding of customer experience. He joins us in the studio to discuss new ventures with Barreled Aged Hospitality—including the playful, whiskey-forward “Toasted” brand and a forthcoming café bar at the Lyric Opera House—while reflecting on his storied career. We discuss his early lessons in leadership and systems-thinking at Marriott’s Great America, the strategic evolution of Chili’s and Brinker International, his approach to crafting concepts that balance simplicity with profitability, and so much more.