4 Winning Strategies from a Hospitality Leader with 24 Locations

“When you go into bartaco…you feel transplanted. You feel like it’s an escape. When you walk in, that beach vibe, the way we decorate, the way the music is played, the vibe in the restaurant, the way it feels, it’s meant to get you to kind of unplug,” says Valletta. 

bartaco offers an immersive dining experience that transports guests to a beachside retreat, no matter the location. Inspired by the relaxed coastal cultures of Brazil, Uruguay, and Southern California, bartaco combines rustic décor, upbeat music, and a welcoming ambiance to create a one-of-a-kind escape. 

The beauty of bartaco lies in its versatility. Whether it’s a solo meal, a casual family dinner, or a lively celebration with friends, each visit feels like stepping into a new chapter of the same story. It’s this seamless adaptability—while staying true to its core beach vibe—that keeps guests returning to enjoy the unique balance of relaxation and excitement. 

“We look at employee sentiment first, then guest sentiment, then sales, and then labor last. So to us, if the employees are having a great experience, they’re going to take care of our guests,” Valletta shares. 

Bartaco’s people-first approach prioritizes employee well-being as the cornerstone of exceptional service. Daily sentiment tracking allows team members to provide feedback, enabling managers to address concerns and create a supportive work environment. 

The company also ensures equal pay for all hourly roles, distributes tips evenly, and invests in employee development through leadership training and coaching. This commitment to its people fosters a culture of collaboration and excellence, where employees are empowered to deliver memorable guest experiences. 

“The principle is know yourself to lead yourself. So really understand how you are as a leader, how you come off, how you’re impactful,” Valletta emphasizes. 

At Bartaco, leadership goes beyond managing tasks—it’s about inspiring and connecting with people. By fostering self-awareness, the company encourages leaders to reflect on their strengths and areas for growth. This introspective approach helps leaders adapt to diverse teams and create meaningful connections. 

Bartaco supports its leaders through robust coaching programs tailored to different career stages. These programs emphasize soft skills, such as communication and emotional intelligence, which are critical for managing today’s multi-generational workforce. This focus on leadership development ensures that Bartaco’s managers are equipped to inspire and guide their teams effectively. 

Bartaco embraced technology during the pandemic to enhance the guest experience and streamline operations. Their On Demand Dining model uses QR codes to give guests greater control over their dining experience, from ordering to payment. 

“We wanted to put that opportunity back in the guest’s hands,” Valletta explains. By removing traditional servers and introducing service leads—a hybrid role focused on guest engagement—Bartaco created a more efficient and enjoyable experience. 

This innovative approach not only reduces pain points for guests, like waiting for a server or the check, but also empowers employees to focus on hospitality. The results speak for themselves: guest satisfaction scores have soared, and the dining model has become a cornerstone of Bartaco’s success.