Summary
Planning a new bar? Here’s your complete guide—from front-of-house setup to kitchen essentials, storage solutions, indoor-outdoor design ideas, cost-saving strategies, and the latest bar innovations. Includes checklists, recommended brands, and expert tips.
Start with the Right Vibe
Your front-of-house sets the tone for every guest. A neighborhood bar should feel comfortable and approachable, not intimidating.
Focus on:
• Seating: Sturdy, easy-to-clean bar stools and tables (brands like Flash Furniture®, John Boos®).
• Lighting: Warm, dimmable lighting for a cozy atmosphere.
• Layout: Clear paths for staff and an open, inviting flow for guests.
Front-of-House Essentials
Even casual bars need the right gear for durability and efficiency.
Bar Equipment
• Back Bar Coolers: For beer, mixers, and wine.
Brands: True®, Beverage-Air®, Continental®
• Glass Washer: Compact, undercounter models save labor.
Brands: Jackson®, CMA Dishmachines®
• Underbar Ice Bin & Cocktail Station: For speed and sanitation.
Brands: Krowne®, Advance Tabco®
Glassware
Go for versatile, durable options:
- Pint Glasses: Work for beer and soft drinks.
- Rocks Glasses: For whiskey and cocktails.
- Wine Glasses: Even if wine isn’t your main focus, keep a few on hand
Brands: Libbey®, Anchor Hocking®, Arc Cardinal®
Dishes & Silverware
Durable, chip-resistant pieces make a difference:
• Plates: 10” mains, 7” apps
• Bowls: For dips or soups
• Flatware: Weighted for everyday use
Brands: International Tableware®, World Tableware®, Oneida®, Winco®
Back-of-House for Beer & Sandwich Menus
Keep it compact and practical for sandwiches, melts, and snacks.
Cooking Equipment
• Flat Top Griddle: Core for sandwiches and burgers
Brands: Star®, MagiKitch’n®
• Panini Press: Adds menu variety
Brands: Waring®, Vollrath®, Cadco®
• Countertop Fryer (Optional): Fries, wings, and bar bites
Brands: Pitco®, Frymaster®, Anets®
Prep & Storage
• Sandwich Prep Table: Refrigerated rail for toppings
Brands: True®, Delfield®, Randell®
• Cutting Boards & Knives: Color-coded for safety
Brands: Dexter-Russell®, Mercer®, Victorinox®
• Storage Solutions: NSF shelving and clear bins
Brands: Metro®, New Age Industrial®, Cambro®
Holding & Smallwares
• Heat Lamps & Warming Drawers: Keeps food hot
Brands: Hatco®, Wells®
• Smallwares: Spatulas, tongs, squeeze bottles
Brands: TableCraft®, Browne®, Thunder Group®
Pro Tip: Thinking Beyond the Griddle?
Want hot sandwiches, pizzas, or quick entrées without a full kitchen or hood system? High-speed ovens like:
• TurboChef® (ventless, super-fast)
• Merrychef® (programmable and reliable)
Cook up to 80% faster than traditional ovens—perfect for boosting your menu without big renovations.
Food Storage: Stay Safe & Organized
• Refrigeration: Reach-in or undercounter coolers
Brands: Kolpak®, Arctic Air®
• Dry Storage: NSF shelving for bread, condiments
Brands: Metro®, Advance Tabco®, Olympic Storage®
• Clear Storage Bins: Airtight and labeled
Brand: Cambro®
• FIFO Rotation: Use oldest items first to cut waste
• Thermometers: For HACCP compliance
Brands: Cooper-Atkins®, CDN®
Create an Indoor-Outdoor Flow for a True Neighborhood Feel
Want to attract locals and keep the vibe laid-back? If space allows, blend your indoor and outdoor areas:
• Garage-Style Roll-Up Doors: Open up to the sidewalk or patio.
• Outdoor Seating: Weather-resistant tables and stackable chairs
Brands: Flash Furniture®, Lifetime®, Grosfillex®
• Outdoor Bar Setup: Add a service window or secondary bar for busy nights.
• Lighting & Heating: String lights for ambiance, patio heaters for chilly evenings.
• Safety: Non-slip mats, proper drainage, and rolling carts for setup
Brands: Lakeside®, Metro®
• Pet-Friendly Patios: If local ordinances allow, this draws steady traffic.
Budget Tips: Keep Prices Affordable
• Choose Multi-Use Equipment: Griddle + panini press covers most needs
• Tight Menu = Less Waste: Overlapping ingredients keep costs down
• Portion Control: Jiggers and pour spouts prevent waste
• Bulk Purchasing: One supplier for better pricing
• Energy Efficiency: ENERGY STAR® appliances save every month
• Mix New & Used: NSF items new; décor can be pre-owned
✅ Front-of-House Essentials Checklist
• Back Bar Cooler (True®, Beverage-Air®)
• Glass Washer (Jackson®, CMA®)
• Ice Bin & Cocktail Station (Krowne®, Advance Tabco®)
• Pint, Rocks, and Wine Glasses (Libbey®, Anchor Hocking®)
• Plates & Flatware (Oneida®, Winco®)
• POS System (Toast®, Square®)
• Menu Boards or Digital Displays
✅ Back-of-House Essentials Checklist
• Flat Top Griddle (Star®)
• Panini Press (Waring®, Vollrath®)
• Countertop Fryer (Pitco®, Frymaster®)
• Sandwich Prep Table (True®, Delfield®)
• Cutting Boards & Knives (Dexter-Russell®, Mercer®)
• Shelving (Metro®, New Age Industrial®)
• Heat Lamp (Hatco®)
• Storage Bins (Cambro®)
• Thermometers (Cooper-Atkins®)
Looking Ahead: Bar Innovations to Consider
Want to future-proof your bar? Here are practical upgrades:
• Smart Pouring Systems: Reduce waste, improve margins
• Tap Walls for Self-Serve Beer: Boost novelty and reduce labor
• Mobile & Contactless Ordering: QR menus + handheld POS
• Augmented Reality Menus: Engaging, interactive experience
• Eco-Friendly Upgrades: ENERGY STAR® appliances, compostable disposables
• Mindful Drinking Options: Non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beverages
• Bottoms-Up Draft Dispensing: Faster pours and Instagram-worthy
• Advanced Mixology Tools: Smoking guns, infusion kits for unique cocktails
Trusted Brands for Your Bar
We source from the best in the industry:
Advance Tabco, Cambro, True, Beverage-Air, Merrychef, TurboChef, Hatco, Blodgett, Scotsman, Champion, Waring, Vollrath, Dexter-Russell, Edlund, Metro, Carlisle, Krowne, Frymaster, Pitco, Jackson, CMA Dishmachines, Manitowoc, Winco, and more.
Partner With Aldevra
From glassware and dishes to prep tables, outdoor seating, and the latest innovations, Aldevra helps neighborhood bars open strong—while staying on budget and compliant.
✅ Ready to plan your bar? Contact us today for a free consultation.
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