The Hospitality Club: Welcome

Welcome to The Hospitality Club Blog – A Home for All of Us

By Justin Morales - Hospitality Shogun

My name is Justin Morales, and if you know me, you know I’ve lived and breathed this industry for decades. From washing dishes to pouring cocktails, managing restaurants to creating my own spirits brand, I’ve walked almost every step in the world of hospitality. Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of learning from mentors, competing (and winning) in cocktail competitions, and most importantly—working shoulder to shoulder with the people who make this industry what it is: our family.

Hospitality is not just a job, it’s a calling. And whether you’re a chef, a line cook, a dishwasher, a busser, a server, a bartender, a manager, a supplier, an influencer, or a guest, this blog is a place for you.

Photo by Bread and Beast Photography/ Lisa Nichols

What This Blog Is About

The Hospitality Club is more than just another industry blog, it’s a conversation hub. A place where we can:

• Share stories from behind the bar, the kitchen, or the floor.

• Talk about the highs, the lows, and the laughs that keep us going.

• Spotlight the people, brands, and venues pushing our industry forward.

• Educate and inspire the next generation of hospitality pros.

Think of this as pulling up a barstool after a long shift, where the stories are real, the advice is practical, and the spirit of community never runs dry.

Why I’m Writing

I started this blog because I believe that our industry, our people, deserve to be celebrated. Too often, the dishwasher in the back, the barback keeping things moving, or the server hustling 10 tables at once doesn’t get their shine. Here, everyone does.

I also want to connect friends of the industry with those in it. Spirit suppliers, restaurateurs, influencers, and guests are just as much a part of our ecosystem as the folks behind the scenes. We rise together when we learn from each other.

You can expect future posts that range from industry insights, training tools, and cocktail recipes, to personal stories, interviews, and even a few rants about what we can do better.

What’s Next

This is just the start. I invite you to join the conversation, share your own stories, and let’s grow this community together.

So, welcome to The Hospitality Club. Pull up a chair, grab a bevy of ANY kind, and make yourself at home, you’re among family here.

👉 Your Turn: Drop a comment below and tell me, what’s your role in hospitality, or how has the industry touched your life?