Dine & Grind: From Hollywood to Beverage Founder: Inside Aisha Tyler's Premium Margarita Brand

At Snibbs, we celebrate the hustle that keeps hospitality professionals moving. That's why when Aisha Tyler sat down with Daniel Shemtob on Dine & Grind, it was the perfect recipe for inspiration. This episode isn't just about cocktails—it is about grit, curiosity, and the relentless drive to make something truly great. Let's pour over the highlights and why this story hits home for us at Snibbs.

Starting from the Ground Up (Literally)

It turns out, Aisha Tyler didn't start on a red carpet—she started washing dishes at 15, then hustled her way through the entire restaurant ladder: buser, server, bartender. That foundation shaped how she views service, hard work, and the satisfying feeling of getting things done. "Being a dishwasher is a great job because you're just making the place clean constantly," she shares. "That felt great."

The Leap from Hospitality to Entrepreneurship

After years in entertainment and standup, Aisha Tyler found herself falling in love with cocktail culture during solo road gigs. The spark? The way bartenders curate moments of joy, the creativity of the craft, and the deep desire to give guests something that makes them smile. She realized, "I want to find a way to make people feel the way these people make me feel."

That led her down the wild path of crafting her own ready-to-drink organic margarita—one that actually tastes as fresh and bright as the best bar-made versions.

Obsession with the Details (and Science!)

Aisha Tyler has a hands-on approach: she isn't just a celebrity “face” for her brand. She's at the booth, personally serving, getting feedback, tweaking the formula, and nerding out with a PhD in citrus to truly crack the code on shelf-stable, delicious cocktails.

Real Talk: Grit, Rejection, and Relentless Joy

Building something new isn't glamorous—especially in an industry dominated by giant corporations. Aisha Tyler admits: "Every minute of every day, I feel that way," when asked about moments she almost gave up. But she's product obsessed, believing that if you make something truly great, the work will speak for itself.

Her recipe for success?

• Be Relentless: "There's just no greatness without sacrifice."
• Be Your Own Best Critic: "Tell yourself the truth. Always be striving to be better."
• Lead with Joy: "It's a gift to be in a position to chase your dreams. Do it in a joyful way and let the joy radiate out to others."

Final Call: Stay Hungry. Stay Joyful. Stay Grounded.

Whether you're building the next great cocktail, opening your own spot, or just grinding through dinner service, Aisha Tyler's story is a call to embrace the grind. Be relentless. Celebrate the craft. And don't forget to pour a little joy into everything you do.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or visit Dine & Grind for show notes, chef interviews, and more stories at the intersection of food and entrepreneurship.