The function of the bar has steadily evolved over time, moving from a generally men-filled space with no seating arrangements to a disconnected place where the sexes mingled and flirted (and sat) to an open venue for socializing.
This is, of course, due to changing customer expectations, and has resulted in bars being seen as both a standalone operation and a complement to the rest of the establishment.
Another set of expectations, however, has recently come to the forefront. According to Foodservice Equipment & Supplies, a trend has emerged where the bartender experience has become just as important as the customer’s when it comes to bar design.
One outcome of this is the growing incorporation of cocktail stations. These stations store specialty cocktail ingredients, smallwares, and equipment, effectively reducing the amount of time it takes for the bartender to create the drink.
Changes like these are affecting more than just back-of-bar setup. Due to the more frequent use of expensive equipment, the appeal of certain bar styles has lessened. A curved bar, for example, requires quite a bit of custom work to ensure the equipment fits, which gets costly. When combined with the investment of a cocktail station or a dedicated wine storage unit, this is an expense they are less than motivated to take on.
While some may question the need to integrate the bartender experience because of these added complications/costs, it’s hard to deny that a bar that is set up with productivity and employee needs in mind will result in superior service to customers. And when this is combined with customer expectations, the result will be a bar both side are happy with!
If you are ready to redesign your bar (or you’re starting from scratch), call Rapids Contract & Design today to see how we can add our knowledge and dedication to make your bar design project go as smoothly as possible!
