COMMERCIAL BAR DESIGN IS ABOUT THE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

However, in commercial bar design, our goal is also to maximize the customer’s satisfaction and enjoyment. Let’s not forget that the bar should be the central focus of the front of the house and should therefore dominate the interior design. The large hotel operators are beginning to realize the merits of a beautiful, dominant and engaging bar. In CNBC’s “Hotel, Behind Closed Doors at Marriott,” which originally aired December 6, 2012 (and can be seen in its entirety on Hulu), it was disclosed that Marriott’s largest profit center – far and away – is food and beverage. Walk into any Marriott nowadays, and you’ll immediately notice a large, beautiful, front of the house bar.

THE BEST BAR SHAPE YIELDS THE HIGHEST EFFICIENCY

In your quest for the best bar shape for your establishment, consider the examples of some of our clients. A client was originally considering the L-shaped bar, similar to the one shown in the above photo. Their goal was to have a bar that could have a large presence for patrons entering the hotel’s lobby. Next, consider the island bar shown below. Allow me to elaborate on the differences between the L-shaped bar and the curved bar:

1. The island bar enables a circular traffic pattern for customer interaction; the L-shaped bar doesn’t.
2. Island bars feature at least four places for unique seating. Curved island bars offer an infinite variety.
3. Interaction is critical to the user experience:
   1. The island bar promotes customer interaction;
   2. L-shaped bars force patrons to look at the wall.
4. From an efficiency perspective:
   1. The island bar shown below features three bartender stations. None of the bartenders would have to walk more than three steps in any direction.
   2. Efficiency is further enhanced by placing the POS stations and the fastest-moving liquor along the front bar.