Setting Up a Restaurant Bar - Tips When Planning

The set-up of a restaurant bar depends on a longmembers, a bar in the center of the dining room
list of issues. Everything from the size of theis the ideal location. This is especially true
building, to the theme, and of course the liquorconsidering the dinner rush. For the more intimate
license can affect the success of your bar. Insetting, placing a restaurant bar at the very back
some cases, bars are "service only" which meanof the building will be helpful in drowning out the
that customers are unable to order directly, buthustle and bustle of the streets and the loud
the serving staff places the order for them.kitchen. Be sure to consider the location of your
Other restaurant bars offer either full or limitedrestrooms as well and how your staff operates
bar menus. A lot of bars take part in "Happyon a normal basis. Remember, location is
Hour" which is generally when they get theeverything.
majority of their business. If you happen to be an5. Keep your bar stocked with all the necessary
already successful restaurant owner andequipment. That means multiple coolers and
considering adding on a full service bar, keep thefridges, ice bins and dispensers, glass racks, bar
following pointers in mind.stools, and coasters. Your bar stools and coasters
1. The level of difficulty is pretty average but thismay just match the theme of your entire
type of project can usually take anywhere fromrestaurant and bar. Be sure to invest in all the
6-8 weeks depending on your bar's specifications.right décor to set the mood and invite
2. Before anything else, read through your liquorguests.
license agreement. Some licenses allow a bar to6. The perfect lighting can really help you set the
hold all the alcohols but some can only carry beertone of your bar. It should be very subtle. It
and wine by law. If you have the contract thatshouldn't be so dark that the customers can't
only covers beers and wines, then you willread the menus but they shouldn't be so bright
probably consider building a smaller service bar. Ifthey feel like a spot light either. The perfect
you plan to serve all the hard liquor however, withlighting situation for a bar includes recessed lighting
the inclusion of wines and beers, you should mapand track lighting. Both of these come with
out the space accordingly so that you condimmer switches that assist any staff member to
construct a full service restaurant bar.control the intensity of each light bulb.
3. Before building or tearing down, take precise7. Know that your wine and beer salesperson can
measurements of the entire interior space. Thissupply you with free merchandise whenever
will help you determine how much space youpossible. This may include decorative mirrors and
actually have for your newly added bar.beer décor, glasses, cubs, and neon lights,
4. Consider where the best place for your bar iseverything perfect for a bar. Figure out what you
in the building. Keep in mind that a bar usually hasare capable of getting for free in exchange for a
double functionality. They often serve as alittle beer advertising and take full advantage.
second waiting staff area as well. For these staff