Episode Overview

In this episode of Grounded, host Lauren Mitchell sits down with James Bonanno, Founder & CEO of Upstream Hospitality Group, to unpack how a kitchen dream turned into a fast-growing hospitality portfolio across Long Island—and beyond. James shares the “two weeks to open” origin story behind Tap Room, what it really takes to scale from one location to 20+, and how culture, character, and tech have helped Upstream become a Top Workplace of 2025.
James Bonanno is the Founder & CEO of Upstream Hospitality Group, whose brands include Tap Room, Bingo Bowls, and iconic seasonal waterfront venues like Salt Shack—all united by a mission to “go upstream” through originality and pushing boundaries.

5 Key Takeaways

Action beats perfection—especially early on. James explains how Tap Room came together fast: a vacant space, an opportunity, and the decision to jump in before feeling “ready.”
Scaling requires shifting from reactive to professional operations. Moving past “firefighting” meant building systems, getting visibility into numbers, and running the business like an organization—not a one-location hustle.
Know your numbers in near real-time. Upstream leaned into operational tech so food and liquor costs aren’t a month late—they’re visible quickly enough to actually manage.
Culture can scale when values are clear and lived. James highlights values like “saying yes” and quality, with examples like honoring life events and creating a great guest experience even in a parking lot during COVID.
Technology is a leadership advantage when it saves time and sharpens focus. James shares how ClickUp’s AI-powered executive dashboard gives him a quick snapshot of what’s on track, behind, and ahead across the leadership team.

Connect with the Guest(s)

James Bonanno — Founder & CEO, Upstream Hospitality Group
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-bonanno-a5a665103/
- Website: https://upstreamhospitality.com/

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From Barstool to Boss: James Bonanno on Building Upstream Hospitality Group