What Keeps a Bar Owner Awake at 3 AM?

Every shift has a moment that sticks with you—good, bad, or completely insane.Welcome back to another episode of Bartender Bangers with your host, Mark the Shark! This week, we are keeping it local and diving deep into the beautiful, chaotic world of Ocean Beach, Fire Island, New York. Mark sits down with his lifelong brother and hospitality veteran, Justin, the part-owner of one of the dopest new spots on the island: The Last Resort (and its legendary sister joint, The Corner Spot). Justin has spent over two decades on Fire Island, starting from the absolute bottom. In this unfiltered, laugh-out-loud episode, he breaks down what it’s really like to survive the brutal, fast-paced service industry where a 12-week season means high stakes, crazy kitchens, and intense hazing. 🔍 Inside This Episode:The Day 2 Firing: How Justin got kicked out of a local bakery at 14 years old for giving his best friend a 27-cent discount. The "Psychos" in the Kitchen: Why you need thick skin to survive being a dishwasher, busser, and bar back on a seasonal island. The Portal Effect: How the Fire Island ferry changes people's minds the second they step off the boat. The Mug Club & Local Culture: How The Last Resort balances crazy tourist prices while taking care of the locals who keep the island alive. The Winter Desolation: What it’s like being one of only 20 people living in Ocean Beach during the freezing, desolate winter months. Owner Realities: The hardest parts of running a bar—from bad weather apps keeping you awake at night to dealing with literal bathroom disasters. "It’s burgers and fries at the end of the day. You're going to make a mistake. Just keep moving on." If you've ever worked in a restaurant, visited Fire Island, or just love a wild industry story told straight with no chaser, this is the episode for you! Drop a comment below: What's the craziest thing you've ever witnessed a customer do at a beach bar? 👇📌 #BartenderBangers #FireIsland #OceanBeach #ServiceIndustry #BartenderStories #RestaurantLife #TheLastResort #Podcast