RiskReversal Pod

Jeff Bell & Richard Betts at Please Don't Tell | Standing Table

July 21, 2026·26 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Today we’re in the East Village, having cocktails at Please Don’t Tell - one of the most iconic cocktail bars in New York City. PDT is currently run by award-winning bartender Jeff Bell. Jeff started as a bar back in 2010, and now he owns the place. How about that? He joins us alongside Richard Betts. There are fewer than 300 Master Sommeliers in the entire world, and Richard was one of them. He’s also built some of the most distinctive brands in the industry, including Sombra Mezcal, Astral Tequila, and most recently Tequila Komos. We discuss the business of restaurants and hospitality, building a luxury tequila band, and trends in how alcohol is being consumed. Timecodes 00:00 Why Premium Brands Are Winning 00:50 Standing Table Opening 01:30 Inside PDT: New York's Iconic Speakeasy 02:47 Meet Jeff Bell & Richard Betts 03:35 How PDT Became a Global Cocktail Destination 05:29 Becoming a Master Sommelier 08:03 The Business of Restaurants & Hospitality 10:59 Building a Luxury Tequila Brand 14:04 Are Younger People Drinking Less? 16:03 The Secret to Building Authentic Brands 19:27 Social Media, Hospitality & Customer Experience 24:16 Advice for Future Entrepreneurs 25:38 Closing Thoughts — FOLLOW US Instagram: riskreversalmedia Twitter: https://x.com/riskreversal LinkedIn: riskreversalmedia #investing #stocks #stockmarket #ApexFintechSolutions Standing Table is made possible through our continued partnership with Apex Fintech Solutions. Apex Fintech Solutions provides the tools and services that enable hundreds of clients to launch, scale, and support digital investing for tens of millions of end investors. The company provides essential infrastructure and a comprehensive ecosystem of cloud-based products to enable and streamline trading, wealth management, cost basis, tax reporting, and, through its subsidiary Apex Clearing™, custody and clearing. For more information, visit the Apex Fintech Solutions website: https://apexfintechsolutions.com/ LinkedIn: apex-fintech SUBSCRIBE: RiskReversal Pod for more from Guy and Dan: https://apple.co/3RzvgpD RiskReversal Media channel for more episodes and content: @riskreversalmedia The financial opinions expressed in Risk Reversal content are for information purposes only. The opinions expressed by the hosts and participants are not an attempt to influence specific trading behavior, investments, or strategies. Past performance does not necessarily predict future outcomes. No specific results or profits are assured when relying on Risk Reversal. Before making any investment or trade, evaluate its suitability for your circumstances and consider consulting your own financial or investment advisor. The financial products discussed in Risk Reversal carry a high level of risk and may not be appropriate for many investors. If you have uncertainties, it's advisable to seek professional advice. Remember that trading involves a risk to your capital, so only invest money that you can afford to lose. Derivatives are not suitable for all investors and involve the risk of losing more than the amount originally deposited and any profit you might have made. This communication is not a recommendation or offer to buy, sell or retain any specific investment or service.​​

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