BAR EQUIPMENT: AUTOMATED BARTENDING WITH SMARTENDER

Cabaret Design Group

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What do the Minnesota Twins, Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Reds, Marriott Hotels and the California Pizza Kitchen have in common? The Smartender automated bartending system!


Believe it or not, automated bartending technology is here and if you own a bar or nightclub, this product can be designed into your facility today. Design Buzz went on the road to visit Smart Bar USA to see its Smartender automated bar technology first-hand. As I mentioned in a previous edition (refer below), you need to automate your facilities if you are serious about making money in the nightclub and bar business today, and I’m here to tell you that this is a product you’ll want to know about. Here’s my exclusive audio interview with the CEO of Smart Bar USA:

WHAT IS SMARTENDER AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

Automated bartending with Smartender
SMARTENDER AUTOMATED BARTENDER

I recently met with William Metropulos, inventor and CEO of Smart Bar USA. It was an enlighteningopportunity to witness what I consider to be one of the most exciting and impactful products ready to hit the nightclub and bar industry, rooted in ingenious, creative design. Metropulos was a DJ 20 years ago when he had a vision for dispensing liquor with the push of a button. He formed smartbarUSA in 2009 and developed the Smartender prototype in 2010. The product was formally released in 2013. Coupled with state-of-the-art touch-screen programming and a joint venture with respected bar equipment manufacturer Glastender, William’s idea and fledgling company are poised for the stratosphere by offering the only product of its kind in the world! Considering the names of those who are lining-up to purchase a Smartender, it’s apparent that Smartender is not creating a need  – it’s fullfilling a need, one that is long overdue.

Smartender can best be described as an automated bartender on wheels – a smart bartender – one who will help increase profits, not a “silent partner!” Smartender is a self-contained, attractively-styled cart that holds 16 bottles of liquor and 12 mixers, controlled by a computer-driven POS and dispense-head. Here are some of Smartender’s features (you can download the Smartender product brochure below) –

· Ensures impeccable quality control, as each drink recipe is poured the same way, within 1/20th of an ounce.

· Customizable 16 liquor bottle drawer and 12 unit mixer bay.

· The onboard POS touch-screen enables quick and easy access to hundreds of pre-programmed drinks and shots; see the Smartender POS screens below.

· Downloadable accounting reports to external devices or networks.

· Customizable controls allows for quick changes to pricing, cup size and liquor portion.

· Lockout features and magnetic-strip card reader.

· New drinks can be added via the “Create-a-Drink” on-the-fly feature.

· 5 gallons of water.

· Insulated ice bin with 20 pound capacity.

· Insulated built-in garnish tray.

· Industry-grade hardware and assembly by renowned bar equipment manufacturer Glastender.

· The attractive cabinet is offered in stainless steel or a variety of laminates, along with your choice of countertop materials.

· 110V power cord. 

· Average retail price: $25,000.


Downloadables:
Smartender Product Brochure
Smartender Sample POS Screens

https://youtu.be/tnh4GNCgQGc

HOW CAN THE SMARTENDER HELP A BAR OR NIGHTCLUB?

Smartender maximizes liquor revenue
IMAGE OF AN ACCURATE SHOT POUR

Honestly, after what I saw, I can tell you that the possibilities are seemingly endless. Let me begin by telling you that the limited-service hotels, such as those in the Springhill Suites and Marriott chains are already using the Smartender in lieu of the expense and space required for an on-premise bar; they can now offer drinks without the expense of a bartender. The concept also works extremely well in a waiter / bartender atmosphere common in the restaurant industry. For instance, the California Pizza Kitchen at the Mirage in Las Vegas uses this as their only bartender. Waiters and waitresses enter their drinks from any POS in the restaurant and fulfill the order at the terminal by confirming their identity and then automatically dispensing their own drinks. For the nightclubs and bars, the first application for Smartender I think of is as an overflow bar – one that is rolled into position on a busy night or event. Hundreds of drink combinations are possible with the liquor and mixer capacity, but this can be tailored to each owner’s needs. In other words, every nightclub and bar has its own demographic for its respective drink menu and the Smartender will enable each owner that flexibility. Using the Smartender as an overflow bar eliminates the need for the design and space and fixture allocation for some service bars. I’m not suggesting that every service bar could be eliminated by a Smartender, but in some instances, a Smartender could be a logical choice in addition to or a service bar. For gentlemen’s clubs, Smartender would be great for a VIP room, because it doesn’t require a dedicated bartender nor does it require plumbing.

Another concept I discussed with William Metropulos was to use the tower as a component of bar hardware. In this instance, the tower (the POS and dispenser head) would be mounted directly to the bar. At this time, I don’t see this as a front bar or back bar solution, because of space and logistical issues. However, this could be an excellent concept for a waitress station at a bar. If we could incorporate the tower to the bar top at a waitress station an owner would have a “win-win” situation. For example, the wait staff could make time-consuming drinks such as long island ice teas or margaritas, thereby freeing-up the bartender for production work. Metropulos also mentioned that plans are underway to streamline the design of the tower, as it is a bit bulky.

THE POS MODE: SMARTENDER AS AN EFFICIENCY TOOL

As I mentioned earlier, another feature of the Smartender is its POS mode. In this instance, an owner could eliminate the bartender and enable all orders to be entered through POS terminals throughout the nightclub or bar. The Smartender screen becomes a computer which stores orders which remains locked until the respective server approaches the terminal and verifies his/her identity and then proceeds to dispense their drinks. A cash drawer would be necessary (added by the owner), added to the counter. However, in the POS mode, many times a guest check is not necessarily tendered.

In conclusion, I think the possiblities for Smartender are virtually endless. Smartender will be a significant addition to any nightclub or bar. Anyone who reads Design Buzz knows how highly I think of Glastender bar equipment. Their involvement as the manufacturer of Smartender is a significant endorsement in its own regard.

Related Posts:

Draft Beer Systems: Direct-Draw vs Remote-Draw

Productive Bar Design: Easybar Liquor Systems for Maximum Profits

How To Achieve Maximum Bar Profits

 

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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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Bar Design Expert | Founder,
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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.

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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.