Creating a Functional Bar: Everything Your Bartenders Need

A bar is much more than simply the liquor lining its shelves or beer flowing from its taps. There's a vast array of service- and beverage preparation-related activities taking place behind the scenes critical to its smooth operation and ultimate success. The ease and speed with which skilled bartenders serve patrons (even extra-fancy drinks) is actually the result of thoughtful planning and a whole lotta practice.

None of this would be possible without the necessary tools and equipment, but with an overwhelming amount of options, where do you even begin? 

Here's a helpful list of everything you need to create a functional bar for your bartenders:

Refrigeration

Refrigeration is a key aspect of any bar's operation. It’s also a broad category of equipment that includes more than just a fridge. At the very least, there are four basic pieces of refrigeration equipment that every bar should have:

• Reach-In Refrigerator A reach-in refrigerator easily keeps garnishes and ingredients within arm’s reach. Consider an undercounter unit to maximize counter space.
• Wine Cooler If your bar will serve wine, you’ll want to include a wine cooler to keep your bottles at an optimal temperature.
• Draft Beer Cooler A draft beer cooler will keep your kegs chilled, so that the beer is the perfect temperature straight from the tap.
• Bottle Cooler A bottle cooler helps organize different varieties, while providing quick access and keeping them cold.

All four are necessary for a successful bar operation and available in multiple sizes and models, providing the flexibility to pick the units that best suit your needs.

Sinks

Access to running water and drains is essential for any functioning bar. However, federal and state regulations typically require more than one sink. The three major types of sinks include: 

• Underbar Sinks Used for washing glassware and flatware, if necessary. These may include different compartments to organize rinsing, soaking and sanitizing activities.
• Hand Sinks Most local regulations require bars to have separate sinks specifically for hand washing. 
• Dump Sinks Depending on health and sanitation codes, you may also need to include a separate sink for dumping leftover drinks.

Drink Preparation

For every drink enjoyed straight from the bottle or the tap, there’s another that needs some additional preparation. To ensure your bartenders have what they need, include these key pieces of equipment in your bar.

• Ice Machine
• Blenders
• Soda Guns
• Speed Rails

Glassware

Almost as important as the liquor itself is what it's served in. The cleanliness and amount of glasses at your establishment will greatly affect patrons' experiences. Therefore, it's important to have plenty. The major types of you glasses should keep on hand include:

• Wine Glasses
• Shot Glasses
• Martini Glasses
• Pint Glasses
• Pilsner Glasses
• Champagne Glasses

You may want to additionally include a variety of cocktail glasses, depending on your bar's specific offerings. It's also a good idea, since they're easily broken, to order greater quantities of your glasses, so your bartenders can easily replace them as needed. 

Don't forget the little things!

It can be easy to get caught up with the major pieces of equipment, such as refrigerators and ice machines, but no bar would be able to function without the small tools that make preparing drinks possible. There are several that every bar should have: 

• Shakers
• Jiggers
• Cutting Boards and Knives
• Garnish Centers
• Ice Bins and Scoops
• Corkscrews and Bottle Openers 
• Mats and Liners

If you follow these lists, you should be able to create a functioning bar that any bartender would be comfortable working in. Once you've got the basics covered, you can begin looking into ways of taking your bar to the next level, and creating an even more enjoyable experience for your guests!

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