TigerChef

A bartender worthy of the title knows what makes a bar successful: equipment, tools, stock and speed. Bars (and pubs, alike) need to be always at the ready for a rush period, and that means making sure all necessary stock and tools are at the ready.

How much of anything you need is dependent upon the size of the bar and clientele, but there are staples every bar needs.  Here's the short list:

Bar Liners/Mats: Whether mounted customer-side or just behind the counter, liners help prevent breakage and spills, and absorb fluids. Hi-speed bars, like sports bars and nightclubs, commonly line the full interior of the customer-side with rubber mats.

Caddies & Trays: From napkins and straws to condiments, the bartender and server need to quickly grab what's needed. Short and slow bars can usually get by with a few of each, but multi-station bars need several.

Speed Rails: Simple in their design, speed rails (used properly) can significantly decrease the time it takes to prepare drinks using common ingredients. No one wants to wait 10 minutes for a Gin & Tonic.

Bar Tools (and Tools, and Tools): Bottle openers, jiggers, pourers and shakers, corkscrews, strainers and cups - they're staples in the business. The head bartender should be able to gage quantities needed, but for starters you need openers available for each bartender, at least a dozen cups, several pourers/shakers and jiggers (if you plan them to be used). Each bartender needs on hand a strainer as well, and multi-pours should be used for each standard spriit.

Flair bottles are an option, but cleaning tools are an absolute must.  Each washing station needs a glass washer brush!

As for coolers/frosters and other refrigeration, this is determined by space available and clientele. If you cater primarily to imported beer drinkers, then you need more refrigerated storage behind the bar directly (stopping to restock during a rush is a sure way to irritate customers). When shopping for units, be sure to check for necessary features, such as cubic feet or stackability.

Filed under: How-To • General

Tags: bar