Stefano Catino didn’t just open bars, he redefined what hospitality looks like in Australia. From Maybe Frank to the award-winning Maybe Sammy, his vision has put Sydney on the global cocktail map.

In this conversation, we explore how an Italian kid who grew up in his father’s restaurant went on to shape one of the most admired bar groups in the world. Stefano shares stories of mentorship, risk-taking, resilience, and the surprising philosophies that keep his venues buzzing with life.

Hear about the Rat Pack origins of the word “Maybe,” the behind-the-scenes challenges of building an empire, and why clean cocktails and strong values outlast every trend. Whether you’re in hospitality, entrepreneurship, or just love a great drink, Stefano’s story will inspire you to think bigger.

Expect to Learn:

• Why “Maybe” became the brand philosophy behind Stefano’s bars
• How a failed pizzeria turned into an award-winning cocktail destination
• The surprising truth about talent, freedom, and leadership in hospitality
• What Americans don’t know about Australia’s cocktail and coffee culture
• The pandemic pivot that saved his business and shaped its future
• Why the best bartenders are returning to simple, classic cocktails

Suggested Links

• Maybe Group Website
• Maybe Sammy Cocktail Festival

On Instagram:

• @stefanocatino
• @maybe_sammy_sydney
• @maybefranksydney
• @deanandnancyon22
• @elprimosanchezsydney
• @maybe_cocktail_festival

Service starts now.

Follow the show:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

I talk mostly to people in and around the service industry space. I'm looking to hear from the people I wish I could have talked to when I was coming up in restaurants. Said another way: I am trying to make sense of this wild, beautiful mess of a life, and help others that are feeling similarly confused and/or lost. You can find more of my work at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠my blog⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and all my social links are at the bottom of that page.

Classic Episodes You May Like:

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-#23:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jeffrey Morgenthaler⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

-#31:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ET: Entrepreneur (and creator of Surfer on Acid)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

-#38:⁠⁠⁠Aaron Goldfarb Hunting for Ancient Booze⁠⁠⁠

-#39:⁠⁠Edward Slingerland's Masterful work on Intoxication⁠⁠

As always, I’m just here taking notes, trying to figure out what it all means.

Cheers