What happens when two bartenders get thrown into one of the toughest, most disciplined restaurant environments in New York City — and somehow come out as lifelong friends?

In this episode of Billion Dollar Bartender, George “G-Walk” Nwokocha sits down with his brother-in-the-trenches, Steve Sherman, to reminisce about their early days at Houston’s (now Hillstone) — where perfection wasn’t requested, it was required.

From the mystery of how Steve somehow got hired without an interview to surviving one of the most intense training programs in the business, the two swap hilarious behind-the-bar stories and share what those days taught them about teamwork, temperament, and tenacity.

In this episode of Billion Dollar Bartender, George “G-Walk” Nwokocha ditches the script and pours it straight, no chaser. He’s talking gratuity (a.k.a. your rent money), menu strategy (because some drinks make you rich and others just make you tired), and how choosing the right bar to work at can make or break your career. It’s sharp, it’s funny, and it’s painfully true—because G-Walk’s been there, done that, and stacked the tips to prove it. If you’re serious about turning bartending into a money-making machine, this one’s for you.

Before the first drink is poured, George’s commute is already a circus — subway acrobats, candy sellers, halal carts — all before slipping into the bartender’s uniform of black pants and a tie. Then the real chaos begins: ticket printers firing, martini glasses running out, and corporate suits demanding gift cards like it’s a hostage situation.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why setting up your bar is half the battle.
• How to avoid the dreaded “100 pounds of wasted ice” scenario.
• The difference between stirring and shaking (and why it matters).
• Why tequila is taking over in 2025.
• How bartenders stay sharp, safe, and sane while planning side hustles.

Funny, sharp, and brutally real — this episode shows why bartending is the last frontier AI can’t touch.