Bernice Burgos, a seasoned veteran of New York City nightlife, is well-versed in making money behind the bar. In a recent appearance on “The Joe Budden Podcast,” the entrepreneur and reality TV star dropped a bombshell: she was earning an astounding $30,000 per night, even on her slower shifts, during her bartending days.
“If you were in the nightlife in New York City, you know what happened on Power Ball Sundays,” Burgos explained. “I don’t know what’s going on now in nightlife, but every year it got better and better for me.” Burgos doubled down on her claims, stating that on special occasions like her birthday, her earnings would skyrocket up to a staggering $70,000 per night.
“I only bartended for three years. I only said that I was going to be here for three years, start my clothing line, and then leave—buy my house and do what I had to do,” she revealed. So how was Burgos able to rake in such astronomical sums? The key, she says, was being “smart” and “building relationships” with her high-rolling clientele.
“I make sure to give you the bottles for $250 when they cost $350,” Burgos said. So I’m gonna hustle,” Burgos explained. “You don’t have to tip me now. You can tip me later, as if you were throwing money away. I was smart.”
Fellow podcast guest Akademiks was intrigued by Burgos’ unconventional approach to bartending and quickly calculated that her claimed earnings would amount to a staggering $6 million annually. “I don’t do too much. I used to be covered with a whole bodysuit on,” Burgos added, hinting that her success was not solely dependent on physical appearance.
Burgos’ bold claims may be met with skepticism, but her track record clearly demonstrates her success. After her brief but lucrative bartending stint, Burgos went on to found her successful sleepwear line, Bold & Beautiful, and has since become a prominent figure in the reality TV landscape, starring in BET+’s “The Impact: New York” alongside her daughter, Ashley.
Bartending Mogul Or Tall Tale?
Burgos’ revelations have sparked a lively debate among her peers and fans, with some questioning the veracity of her claims. However, the savvy businesswoman is standing her ground, insisting that her earnings were very real. “Everyone is amazed and taken aback by the amount of money she has earned.” In a follow-up video, Burgos addressed the skepticism, saying, “If you know, you know.”
While the exact details of Burgos’ bartending earnings remain a point of contention, her story serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for entrepreneurial success in the cutthroat world of nightlife. By leveraging her business acumen, interpersonal skills, and a keen understanding of her clientele, Burgos was able to turn her bartending gig into a springboard for her broader entrepreneurial ventures.
A Master Class In Nightlife Entrepreneurship
Burgos’ tale is a masterclass in nightlife entrepreneurship, offering valuable insights for aspiring “startenders” and hospitality professionals. Her ability to strategically price her services, build meaningful relationships with customers, and parlay her earnings into broader business opportunities is a testament to her savvy and resourcefulness.
As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, Burgos’ story serves as a powerful inspiration for those looking to maximize their earning potential and leverage their skills into long-term success. Whether you’re a seasoned bartender or an aspiring entrepreneur, Burgos’ journey serves as a reminder that, with the right mindset and strategy, earning potential in the fast-paced world of nightlife is limitless.
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