Bar Staff Success – Top 5 Secrets

Cabaret Design Group

HOW TO SET YOUR BAR STAFF UP FOR SUCCESS

How do you optimize the success of your bar staff? Discover why Jon Taffer says drink consistency is key to success and tips bar owners need to maximize profits. 


Owning and operating a successful bar is an art. However, the overall success of any bar requires a team. If the staff is successful the owner is too. Think of your bar as a diamond-in-the-rough: it has many facets and when all are refined, you have a flawless diamond. But where does a bar owner begin in the quest reducing the flaws? In this post I’ll discuss the top 7 ideas how to set your staff up for success.

CONSISTENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Just as with a perfect diamond, a successfully-run bar is the result of perfecting the many facets of its operation. For instance, in a previous post  (referenced below), I discussed the value of accurate and timely inventory. While effective inventory methods are tantamount to every bar’s success, well-defined policies and procedures need to be developed and implemented with diligence, the same as every other successful business.

Related Post:

How Can Bar Owners Be So Unaware of Losses?

OPERATIONS MANUALS

All of the top hotels, restaurants and bars have operations manuals that they all live by. Writing an operations manual is the first step in setting-up your bar for success. But the creation of an operations manual is merely a one-time event; it’s implementation is the key – it must be continuously taught and reviewed in regularly-scheduled company meetings. 

Related video by Greg Clark of BevInco

WHY BARTENDERS SHOULDN'T OVER-POUR FOR BETTER TIPS

First of all, if a bartender over-pours for a better tip, the tip generally isn’t any better. The reality is most patrons tip per drink. So if a bartender’s goal is to give a patron more so he or she will reciprocate, this is a false assumption. The fact is, most responsible drinkers today only consume a given amount of alcohol. Therefore, he or she will reach the respective threshold faster – making for a quicker exit. In reality, the tips are likely to be less – not more – when over-pouring for the sake of greater tips.

WHY DRINK STANDARDIZATION IS SO IMPORTANT TO BAR STAFF SUCCESS

Drink standardization is the basic tenet of a successful bar. According to leading industry authority, Jon Taffer:

(Drink) consistency is so important! If you're not consistent, you won't be successful!

Cabaret Design Group

More on your bar staff. If your bartenders were to make drinks consistently, patrons will return and ask for those drinks over and over. If you frequent any Mexican restaurant that makes a killer margarita, this will resonate with you. I hear people rave all the time at one of my favorite local Mexican restaurants in Chicago. In fact, if you’re really serious about making consistent drinks, be sure to read my recent blog post below about Easybar liquor control systems. Friends, if you want to make consistent drinks and maximize bar profits at the same time, Easybar is the system to own! You can download the Easybar brochure below.

Downloadable:

Easybar Brochure

Related Post:

Productive Bar Design: Easybar Liquor Systems for Maximum Profits

BARTENDERS SHOULD RUN TEST POURS

Accurate hand-pouring is an art, and it’s an art you have to master if you want to make money in the bar business. As my good friend and industry expert Chuck Deibel says in his recent State of Ohio Sales Tax Audit Brief (which you can download below), “85% of bars experience 20% shrinkage.” Part of this shrinkage emanates from inaccurate pouring and waste. Folks, If you don’t have the money to invest in an Easybar system, the next best thing a bar owner can do to assure that his bar staff delivers consistent drinks, by running test pours periodically.

You should develop standards for all of your drink recipes and perform your standard pour size test as follows:

  • Shots 
  • Mixed drinks
  • Martinis
  • Drinks served up
  • Drinks served on the rocks

Cabaret Design Group
Shots should be poured to the bottom of the pour line

WHY YOUR BAR STAFF NEEDS TO ESTABLISH PROPER RINGING PROCEDURES

It’s of the utmost importance that drinks are rung-up as they are poured, rather than after they are served. A bartender’s memory will likely be challenged if he / she serves multiple guests and then has to rely on memory afterwards.

THE IMPORTANCE OF MANAGING KEYS

How many sets of keys are distributed among your bar staff? It can be shocking to know that a dishwasher has a set of manager’s keys – which also contains a key to the liquor room. This, of course, invites unauthorized late night drinking and liquor inventory shrinkage.

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RICK UZUBELL

President of Cabaret Design Group, Rick holds a degree in mechanical engineering from Purdue University, and is a F&B consultant and well-known bar design expert with years of experience serving hotels, restaurants, sports bars and destination bars. He has developed a command of bar design solutions involving ergonomics, equipment, systems and finishes that bridges the "Gray Zone" between interior designers and architects. He's also a champion of ADA design in commercial bar applications. Through his unique architectural engineering approach he calls "Integrated Bar Design," Rick solves complex bar design challenges beyond the expertise of typical design professionals. His proudest achievements include curved bar design solutions using the modular bar die system and steel as a core design element. As a commercial bar design specialist, Rick has cutting-edge knowledge of draft beer systems, liquor systems, keg room design and batch cocktail systems. He will add significant value to any commercial bar design project. Rick is a proud member of the F&B consortium known as the "Magnificent 7". Additionally, he has authored nearly 100 articles and 80 YouTube videos on the topic of bar design, and these can be found on his Cabaret Design Group website and @bardesigners YouTube channel. Today, Rick's influence extends across the U.S., Canada, and various offshore applications.
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Sam Winer, audio and video specialist for security-integrated food and beverage consulting

Sam Winer

AV + Security Specialist | President,
WinStar Video Security

Sam Winer leads WinStar Video Security with over 20 years of experience designing and installing advanced surveillance, audio, and communications systems for restaurants, bars, and QSR chains. His firm delivers HD, AI-powered security systems, immersive AV experiences, and cellular signal boosting that meets the demands of modern hospitality venues.

From single-unit lounges to high-volume chains, Sam’s work focuses on guest experience, loss prevention, and operational reliability. He’s known for helping operators select the right systems — then install and maintain them for long-term performance.

Sam is a trusted integrator for projects that require technical precision and rock-solid uptime — whether building from scratch, upgrading legacy systems, or opening at scale.

James Farley, structural engineer supporting food and beverage design for commercial hospitality builds

James Farley, PE, SE

Structural Engineer | Owner,
MC Squared, Inc.

James Farley is a licensed structural engineer with deep experience designing commercial buildings across the U.S. He is the owner and principal at MC Squared, Inc., where he leads structural design for a wide range of mid-rise hospitality, retail, and mixed-use projects.

James specializes in turning complex architectural visions into sound, code-compliant structures. His work spans steel, wood, concrete, and hybrid systems — and he’s known for his speed, clarity, and ability to collaborate closely with design teams to support aesthetics without compromising performance.

Licensed in multiple states, including Washington and Arkansas, James plays a vital role in bar and restaurant projects that demand both technical integrity and visual impact.

Garrett Lennon, foodservice design consultant for healthcare, higher ed, and hospitality projects

Garrett Lennon

Design Consultant | President,
JLR Design Group

Garrett Lennon brings over 20 years of experience across foodservice operations, kitchen design, and consulting. As President and Principal of JLR Design Group, he leads projects in hospitality, healthcare, higher education, and institutional environments — where functionality, compliance, and guest satisfaction must align.

With a background in both management and engineering, Garrett excels at bridging frontline realities with technical performance. His team is known for translating operational needs into layouts that perform day after day, year after year.

Whether supporting a hospital kitchen upgrade, a campus dining overhaul, or a high-volume hospitality venue, Garrett focuses on designs that last — clean, compliant, and centered on the user experience.

Dylan Halaszynski, food hall design expert and compliance-driven food and beverage consultant

Dylan Halaszynski

Food Hall Specialist | Founder,
Bayard FSD

Dylan Halaszynski launched Bayard Food Service Design with a singular goal: to bring sharp technical fluency to the complex world of nontraditional foodservice models. His work focuses on unique formats like food halls, shared prep kitchens, and market-style dining — where code compliance and creative layouts must coexist.

With a background in construction management and boutique consulting, Dylan’s superpower is translating regulatory code into efficient, scalable spaces. He’s worked closely with Departments of Health across multiple U.S. jurisdictions and is known for identifying and solving challenges that would stall less experienced teams.

As an FCSI professional, Dylan pairs technical credibility with a next-gen mindset. He’s a go-to strategist for clients exploring urban revitalization projects, hospitality incubators, and unconventional culinary concepts — helping them move quickly, stay compliant, and stand out.

Kevin Moll, hospitality advisor and multi-unit food and beverage consultant

Kevin Moll

Hospitality Advisor | President,
Restaurant Consulting Services

Kevin Moll is a 39-year hospitality veteran, known for his unmatched insight into startup strategy, turnaround planning, and talent acquisition. As President of Restaurant Consulting Services, Inc. and its sister company Restaurant Recruiting Pros, he delivers full-spectrum solutions — from concept to culture.

His operational experience spans World’s Fair-scale foodservice, multi-unit ownership, and high-performance recruiting. He’s been featured on ABC’s Nightline, authored two books, and founded “Mystery Shoppers,” a global brand trusted by operators worldwide.

Kevin blends street-smart practicality with boardroom-level advisory, making him an invaluable partner to entrepreneurs, executives, and investors alike. Whether launching a new brand or revitalizing an underperforming venue, his work bridges hospitality intuition with data-driven execution — unlocking growth where others see obstacles.

Lu Schildmeyer, restaurant and bar design specialist with deep expertise in foodservice facility consulting

Lu Schildmeyer

FCSI Designer | Founder,
LU S Design Associates

Lu Schildmeyer has shaped more than 2,800 hospitality environments across the U.S. and Canada — including over 700 restaurants and 600 bars. With nearly four decades of experience in foodservice facility design, custom stainless steel millwork, and health code compliance, Lu is a trusted specialist for operators who demand technical precision and operational fluidity.

His work spans every segment of the hospitality industry — from boutique bistros to high-volume entertainment venues — where performance, durability, and code alignment must all coexist. Known for practical layouts and forward-thinking BOH integration, Lu brings peace of mind to architects, developers, and chefs who want their kitchens to run as smoothly as their dining rooms.

As an FCSI member, Lu blends aesthetic coordination with engineer-grade accuracy. His shop drawings are regarded as gold standard in foodservice environments, and his ability to anticipate permitting, clearance, and sanitation requirements has saved clients time, risk, and rework at every stage of the build.

Craig Pendleton, food and beverage consultant with a focus on tribal gaming and high-performance dining operations

Craig Pendleton

F & B Consultant | Founder,
National Foodservice Consulting

With more than 50 years in the food and beverage industry, Craig Pendleton brings unmatched operational insight to every project he touches. From national brands to independent operators, his advisory work is grounded in deep experience and a no-nonsense approach to profitability, workflow, and guest experience.

Over the past three decades, Craig has helped launch more than 100 successful venues — including restaurants, casinos, and specialty dining concepts across the U.S. His consulting engagements focus on marrying smart design with real-world management, often bridging the gap between creative vision and operational execution.

Craig’s expertise is especially valued in Tribal gaming environments, where sovereignty, cultural fluency, and long-term sustainability must align. He approaches these partnerships with respect, precision, and a commitment to self-determination — creating foodservice strategies that support community goals while optimizing guest satisfaction and fiscal results.

Colin Addley, global construction strategist and food and beverage consultant for hospitality development

COLIN ADDLEY, MCIOB

Construction Strategist | Founder,
ADDMORE Services

Colin Addley is a Chartered Builder (MCIOB) with over 40 years of experience leading complex construction projects across six continents. His expertise spans construction management, quantity surveying, and international development strategy — particularly in hospitality, resorts, and commercial spaces.

As the founder of ADDMORE Services, Colin works with a global network of professionals he’s personally vetted — including quantity surveyors, site engineers, project managers, and planners — all of whom operate with the same rigor and high-performance mindset. He’s directed projects in the UK, UAE, South Africa, Germany, and North America, earning a reputation for precise execution on fast-moving, high-stakes initiatives.

Whether it’s developing a new food hall in Johannesburg, overseeing a hospitality rollout in the Gulf States, or helping U.S. brands expand overseas, Colin brings logistical clarity and on-the-ground insight to every venture. His work consistently blends old-school project discipline with contemporary collaboration — making him a powerhouse for any project that spans borders, teams, or time zones.

Rick Uzubell, bar design expert and food and beverage consultant specializing in integrated bar systems

Rick Uzubell

Bar Design Expert | Founder,
Cabaret Design Group

Rick Uzubell is a recognized authority in commercial bar design — especially in the elusive “Gray Zone” where architecture, code, and performance intersect. As the creator of Integrated Bar Design, he solves complex spatial and system challenges beyond the reach of typical design professionals.

His signature touches — curved bars, modular steel systems, and ADA-first layouts — have shaped elite projects across the U.S., Canada, and offshore markets. With nearly 100 published articles and over 80 YouTube videos, Rick is a prolific voice for smarter, more profitable bar environments.

Rick’s method blends aesthetic flow with compliance-forward spatial logic — resolving the often-overlooked tensions between building codes, bar efficiency, and guest engagement. His modular steel systems have become a calling card for operators who want high-volume throughput without sacrificing service quality or ADA inclusion.

Beyond design, Rick is a thought leader and educator in the hospitality space. His articles and videos have helped thousands of restaurateurs, architects, and consultants rethink the way bars are built — and how they perform.