Opening a Neighborhood Bar? Your Ultimate Guide to Front of the House and Kitchen Essentials (Plus Budget & Innovation 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.

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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®

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Glassware

Go for versatile, durable options:

1. Pint Glasses: Work for beer and soft drinks.
2. Rocks Glasses: For whiskey and cocktails.
3. Wine Glasses: Even if wine isn’t your main focus, keep a few on hand

Brands: Libbey®, Anchor Hocking®, Arc Cardinal®

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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®

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Back-of-House for Beer & Sandwich Menus

Keep it compact and practical for sandwiches, melts, and snacks.

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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®

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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®

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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.

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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®

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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.

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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

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✅ 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

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✅ 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®)

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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

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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.

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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.

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✅ Ready to plan your bar? Contact us today for a free consultation.

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