Stefano Catino has helped put Australian bar culture on the world stage. As co-founder of The Maybe Group, the hospitality entrepreneur behind celebrated Sydney venues including Maybe Sammy, Maybe Frank and El Primo Sanchez, Stefano has built a global reputation not just for exceptional cocktails, but for creating experiences people remember.

In this episode of Straight To The Source, Stefano joins Lucy Allon to unpack the thinking behind that success. From being recently recognised as one of the most influential people shaping the global bar industry, and Maybe Sammy’s bottled Australian Jasmine Negroni earning recognition from Qantas, to building strong teams, leading from the floor and balancing creativity with commercial reality, Stefano shares an insightful and refreshingly candid perspective on what makes hospitality businesses work.

He also explores how increasingly knowledgeable, health-conscious consumers are changing the way we drink and dine, why Sydney may have too many venues competing for the same customers, and why the future of hospitality may lie not in bigger budgets or more complicated concepts, but in authentic stories, great people, and experiences created with genuine heart.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

Global recognition and redefining success: What being named No. 23 in the Drinks International Bar World 100 means to Stefano, and why success today goes well beyond awards.

Why hospitality must make commercial sense: The importance of balancing creativity and accolades with profitability, happy customers and a sustainable business.

The “gift of people”: How growing up in Vernazza shaped Stefano’s instinct for bringing people together and his belief that genuine hospitality starts with loving people.

Service versus hospitality: Why guests may forget what they ate or drank, but they remember how you made them feel, and why the fundamentals still need to come first.

Taking Maybe Sammy beyond the bar: How the group translates its hospitality philosophy into its bottled cocktail range, including the award winning Australian Jasmine Negroni served by Qantas.

Building culture as you grow: Why Stefano believes leaders need to stay present, lead by example and remain connected to the people delivering the experience every day.

Hiring and leading great teams: Why personality, work ethic and being a team player can matter more than an impressive CV, and why good leaders give people the tools to perform while continuing to learn from them.

Why Australian venues struggle with longevity: Stefano’s candid take on changing customer expectations, the constant demand for something new and why he’d like to see more venues become true institutions.

Why people are drinking less but better: How greater knowledge, access to information and a focus on health are creating more informed and discerning customers.

Does Australia have too many venues? Stefano on market saturation, the rise of great neighbourhood dining and the increasing competition for customers.

Why the next great venue needs a story: From Bar Leone in Hong Kong to Caretaker’s Cottage in Melbourne, why Stefano believes authentic, personal concepts are standing out over complexity and expensive fit outs.

What success means today: Why, beyond venues and global recognition, family, empathy and ultimately being remembered as a good person matter most to Stefano.

Follow Stefano Catino & The Maybe Group
Stefano Catino: @stefano_catino
The Maybe Group: @themaybegroup
Maybe Sammy: @maybe_sammy_sydney
El Primo Sanchez: @elprimosanchez
Maybe Frank: @maybefranksydney
Dean & Nancy on 22: @deanandnancyon22

Resources & Mentions
Maybe Sammy: https://www.maybesammy.com
The Maybe Group: https://www.maybegroup.com
The World’s 50 Best Bars: https://www.worlds50bestbars.com
Drinks International Bar World 100: https://drinksint.com
Qantas: https://www.qantas.com
Table For: https://www.tablefor.com.au 

About Stefano Catino

Stefano Catino is the co-founder of The Maybe Group, the hospitality group behind acclaimed Sydney venues including Maybe Sammy, Maybe Frank and El Primo Sanchez.

Recognised as No. 23 in the Drinks International Bar World 100, Stefano has become an influential voice in the international bar industry. His approach centres on genuine hospitality, strong team culture, memorable guest experiences and creating venues with a clear story and identity.

This episode is proudly presented by Seaway Logistics, local experts in global trade.
Learn More & Connect with Seaway Logistics
Website: https://www.seaway.com.au/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/seawaygroup 

About Straight To The Source

Straight To The Source brings you closer to the chefs, producers, growers and makers across the entire food chain, the people shaping where food is headed and why it matters. Hosted by food experts Tawnya Bahr and Lucy Allon.

Follow, rate and review Straight To The Source to help more people discover the stories shaping Australia’s food and hospitality industry.

You can find us:
 • Straight To The Source Food Podcast: https://lnk.to/jBCTBE
 • Straight To The Source Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/straight_to_the_source/
 • Straight To The Source Website: http://straighttothesource.com.au

Tawnya Bahr
 • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tawnyabahr/
 • Instagram: @tawnyabahr
• Email: tbahr@straighttothesource.com.au

Lucy Allon
 • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucyallon/
 • Instagram: @lucy_allon 
• Email: lucy@straighttothesource.com.au

Keywords: Stefano Catino, Maybe Sammy, The Maybe Group, Maybe Frank, El Primo Sanchez, Sydney bars, Australian hospitality, Australian bar industry, cocktail bars Sydney, hospitality leadership, hospitality culture, guest experience, bar trends 2026, cocktail trends, Drinks International Bar World 100, World's 50 Best Bars, Australian cocktails, Jasmine Negroni, hospitality business, hospitality podcast Australia, Straight To The Source, Seaway Logistics, freight, transport, logistics

Stefano Catino has helped put Australian bar culture on the world stage. As co-founder of The Maybe Group, the hospitality entrepreneur behind celebrated Sydney venues including Maybe Sammy, Maybe Frank and El Primo Sanchez, Stefano has built a global reputation not just for exceptional cocktails, but for creating experiences people remember.
In this episode of Straight To The Source, Stefano joins Lucy Allon to unpack the thinking behind that success. From being recently recognised as one of the most influential people shaping the global bar industry, and Maybe Sammy&rsquo;s bottled Australian Jasmine Negroni earning recognition from Qantas, to building strong teams, leading from the floor and balancing creativity with commercial reality, Stefano shares an insightful and refreshingly candid perspective on what makes hospitality businesses work.
He also explores how increasingly knowledgeable, health-conscious consumers are changing the way we drink and dine, why Sydney may have too many venues competing for the same customers, and why the future of hospitality may lie not in bigger budgets or more complicated concepts, but in authentic stories, great people, and experiences created with genuine heart.
What You&rsquo;ll Hear in This Episode
Global recognition and redefining success: What being named No. 23 in the Drinks International Bar World 100 means to Stefano, and why success today goes well beyond awards.
Why hospitality must make commercial sense: The importance of balancing creativity and accolades with profitability, happy customers and a sustainable business.
The &ldquo;gift of people&rdquo;: How growing up in Vernazza shaped Stefano&rsquo;s instinct for bringing people together and his belief that genuine hospitality starts with loving people.
Service versus hospitality: Why guests may forget what they ate or drank, but they remember how you made them feel, and why the fundamentals still need to come first.
Taking Maybe Sammy beyond the bar: How the group translates its hospitality philosophy into its bottled cocktail range, including the award winning Australian Jasmine Negroni served by Qantas.
Building culture as you grow: Why Stefano believes leaders need to stay present, lead by example and remain connected to the people delivering the experience every day.
Hiring and leading great teams: Why personality, work ethic and being a team player can matter more than an impressive CV, and why good leaders give people the tools to perform while continuing to learn from them.
Why Australian venues struggle with longevity: Stefano&rsquo;s candid take on changing customer expectations, the constant demand for something new and why he&rsquo;d like to see more venues become true institutions.
Why people are drinking less but better: How greater knowledge, access to information and a focus on health are creating more informed and discerning customers.
Does Australia have too many venues? Stefano on market saturation, the rise of great neighbourhood dining and the increasing competition for customers.
Why the next great venue needs a story: From Bar Leone in Hong Kong to Caretaker&rsquo;s Cottage in Melbourne, why Stefano believes authentic, personal concepts are standing out over complexity and expensive fit outs.
What success means today: Why, beyond venues and global recognition, family, empathy and ultimately being remembered as a good person matter most to Stefano.
Follow Stefano Catino &amp; The Maybe Group
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Stefano Catino: @stefano_catino</li>
<li aria-level="1">The Maybe Group: @themaybegroup</li>
<li aria-level="1">Maybe Sammy: @maybe_sammy_sydney</li>
<li aria-level="1">El Primo Sanchez: @elprimosanchez</li>
<li aria-level="1">Maybe Frank: @maybefranksydney</li>
<li aria-level="1">Dean &amp; Nancy on 22: @deanandnancyon22</li>
</ul>
Resources &amp; Mentions
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Maybe Sammy:<a href="https://www.maybesammy.com"> https://www.maybesammy.com</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">The Maybe Group: <a href="https://www.maybegroup.com">https://www.maybegroup.com</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">The World&rsquo;s 50 Best Bars:<a href="https://www.worlds50bestbars.com"> https://www.worlds50bestbars.com</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Drinks International Bar World 100:<a href="https://drinksint.com"> https://drinksint.com</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Qantas:<a href="https://www.qantas.com"> https://www.qantas.com</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Table For: <a href="https://www.tablefor.com.au">https://www.tablefor.com.au</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
About Stefano Catino
Stefano Catino is the co-founder of The Maybe Group, the hospitality group behind acclaimed Sydney venues including Maybe Sammy, Maybe Frank and El Primo Sanchez.
Recognised as No. 23 in the Drinks International Bar World 100, Stefano has become an influential voice in the international bar industry. His approach centres on genuine hospitality, strong team culture, memorable guest experiences and creating venues with a clear story and identity.
This episode is proudly presented by Seaway Logistics, local experts in global trade.
<ul>
<li>Learn More &amp; Connect with Seaway Logistics</li>
<li>Website: <a href="https://www.seaway.com.au/">https://www.seaway.com.au/</a></li>
<li>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/seawaygroup">https://www.linkedin.com/company/seawaygroup</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
About Straight To The Source
Straight To The Source brings you closer to the chefs, producers, growers and makers across the entire food chain, the people shaping where food is headed and why it matters. Hosted by food experts Tawnya Bahr and Lucy Allon.
Follow, rate and review Straight To The Source to help more people discover the stories shaping Australia&rsquo;s food and hospitality industry.
You can find us: &bull; Straight To The Source Food Podcast:<a href="https://lnk.to/jBCTBE"> https://lnk.to/jBCTBE </a> &bull; Straight To The Source Instagram:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/straight_to_the_source/"> https://www.instagram.com/straight_to_the_source/ </a> &bull; Straight To The Source Website:<a href="http://straighttothesource.com.au"> http://straighttothesource.com.au</a>
Tawnya Bahr &bull; LinkedIn:<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tawnyabahr/"> https://www.linkedin.com/in/tawnyabahr/ </a> &bull; Instagram: @tawnyabahr &bull; Email: tbahr@straighttothesource.com.au
Lucy Allon &bull; LinkedIn:<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucyallon/"> https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucyallon/ </a> &bull; Instagram: @lucy_allon &bull; Email: lucy@straighttothesource.com.au
Keywords: Stefano Catino, Maybe Sammy, The Maybe Group, Maybe Frank, El Primo Sanchez, Sydney bars, Australian hospitality, Australian bar industry, cocktail bars Sydney, hospitality leadership, hospitality culture, guest experience, bar trends 2026, cocktail trends, Drinks International Bar World 100, World's 50 Best Bars, Australian cocktails, Jasmine Negroni, hospitality business, hospitality podcast Australia, Straight To The Source, Seaway Logistics, freight, transport, logistics

Welcome to the Straight To The Source podcast, where leadership meets the future of food.

Hosted by two of Australia’s most respected food industry voices, Tawnya Bahr and Lucy Allon, the Straight To The Source podcast connects you directly with the changemakers shaping how we grow, source, and experience food.

With decades of experience spanning the kitchen, dining room, and boardroom, as chef, restaurateur, consultants, and educators, Tawnya and Lucy bring an insider’s lens to the challenges and innovations driving the industry forward.

From producers pioneering regenerative practices to hospitality leaders reimagining what sustainability means on the plate, each episode explores the strategies, stories, and leadership mindsets transforming the global food landscape and ensuring a thriving, sustainable food future for generations to come.

Get ready for bold ideas, honest conversations, and the kind of insights that move industries forward.

Follow, comment, and hit that bell for more Straight To The Source episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube.

To stay up to date, follow Straight To The Source on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Welcome to the Straight To The Source podcast, where leadership meets the future of food.
Hosted by two of Australia&rsquo;s most respected food industry voices, Tawnya Bahr and Lucy Allon, the Straight To The Source podcast connects you directly with the changemakers shaping how we grow, source, and experience food.
With decades of experience spanning the kitchen, dining room, and boardroom, as chef, restaurateur, consultants, and educators, Tawnya and Lucy bring an insider&rsquo;s lens to the challenges and innovations driving the industry forward.
From producers pioneering regenerative practices to hospitality leaders reimagining what sustainability means on the plate, each episode explores the strategies, stories, and leadership mindsets transforming the global food landscape and ensuring a thriving, sustainable food future for generations to come.
Get ready for bold ideas, honest conversations, and the kind of insights that move industries forward.
Follow, comment, and hit that bell for more Straight To The Source episodes on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/straight-to-the-source/id1610058270">Apple Podcasts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1FwFeGJI0wp15O9KiDn28c?si=20a9b788479446c7">Spotify</a> or <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@straighttothesource7730">YouTube</a>.
To stay up to date, follow Straight To The Source on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/straight.to.the.source/?hl=en">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/straighttothesourcefoodtours">Facebook </a>and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/straight-to-the-source/">LinkedIn</a>.