Make the Most of Your Bar
Maybe you own a French bistro, brasserie or nightclub? Perhaps your business is a family, sports or neighborhood pub? Are you offering juices or smoothies at your yoga studio or gymnasium? Whether your bar is stand-alone, a nightclub or part of a commercial foodservice business, it should be generating solid revenue.
Pay attention to the details of how your bar is equipped, the drinks menu and how to maximize holidays and special events. Doing so will add value to the customer experience and increase your bottom line.
Essential Equipment to Outfit a Bar
Good tools get good results, and bartending equipment is no exception. The resurgence of the cocktail culture in recent years has increased customer expectation regarding a higher caliber of ingredients and presentation.
Beyond reach-in fridges, glassware, ice bins or ice machines, and sinks, smaller barware items are just as important. Even craft beers as well as cocktails are garnished these days and having items such as atomizers, rimmers, bar jiggers, cocktail mixing spoons, strainers, channel knives, garnish center and inserts, lemon/lime squeezers, and muddlers can give your drinks their necessary element and pizzazz.
Create a well-planned bar by investing in quality tools and equipment. Exceptional value is available in the used equipment section at ACityDiscount and the team is ready to help you. Below is a list of equipment to consider purchasing for your business.
Speed Rails
Use specialty rails that hold top selling liquor bottles. These rails will ‘speed’ up your bar service because bartenders have quick access to them.
Margarita / Frozen Drink Machines
Frozen drinks are enticing and festive. Installing a frozen drink machine at your bar make it easy to offer pitchers for a table. Consider a double frozen drink machine to offer customers options, like specialty margaritas or iced coffee drinks.
Commercial Blenders and Juicers
A commercial blender creates the perfect frozen drink and crushes ice easily. Juicers and blenders give bartenders the ability to craft options for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Quality smoothies and fresh juices are popular and command a premium price.
Espresso Machine and Grinder
Knock your specialty coffees out of the park by investing in a quality coffee equipment at your bar. Add Affogato to your drinks menu (vanilla ice cream, a shot of espresso and a shot of Kaluha or Tia Maria poured over the top) and really wow customers.
Plate & Glass Froster
You’ll never want to be without a glass froster! They’re essential for keeping glasses cold. Drinks look more attractive and well presented in frosty glasses.
Bottle Pourer
The easiest and most effective way to pour measured shots quickly.
Feature Drinks Suggestions For Upcoming Holidays
Taking advantage of holidays and events can significantly boost sales especially in the post-holiday weeks. Planning ahead and engaging with your customers through your social media channels and at store level will help ensure success. People love to celebrate and whether they make plans or are spontaneous, be sure your bar is ready!
Mardi Gras
Get in the spirit of Mardi Gras. Offer your guests classic Mardi Gras Cocktails such as:
- Bourbon Slush
- Red Snapper
- New Orleans Fizz
- The Sazerac (the official drink of New Orleans!)
- Vieux Carré
St. Patrick’s Day
This is, hands down, the busiest day of the year for any bar. While lots of beer will be poured and imbibed, it is essential to have some “Irishy” cocktails available, too. These are some of the most common:
- Irish Coffee
- Leprechaun Leap
- Irish Car Bomb
- Emerald Rain
Spring Break
Spring Break dates can differ from college to college, enabling a steady stream of revelers throughout the late winter weeks for establishments in popular warmer areas. It can be a great time for frozen cocktails.
- Mai Tai
- Piña Colada
- Frozen Daiquiris
- Rock Lobsters
Easter Weekend
This is a big weekend for families to get together and enjoy a lunch or brunch. This is the holiday to ensure the bar is well stocked with sparkling wine and quality citrus juices.
- Champagne Cocktails
- Mimosas
- Pitchers of Pimm’s
- Bloody Marys
Cinco de Mayo
Celebrating Cinco de Mayo is becoming more popular every year. Offer your customers tequila-based and frozen cocktails.
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