BAR ARCHITECTURE THAT PERFORMS

From concept to construction, we design bars that serve guests, staff, and bottom lines equally well.

📚 Introduction

What’s the biggest problem most hospitality projects face when it comes to building bars? Knowledgeable bar architecture and design. Interestingly, the challenges contractors face with bar building are similar to those with other areas of construction. According to a published article by Brady Ware, the construction industry in 2025 faces a perfect storm of challenges… “A consistent lack of skilled workers across various trades, coupled with increase prices for materials and labor”. If general contractors are experiencing this with large-scale construction projects, imagine the immense challenge that’s created in the complex world of bar construction – it’s a nuance unto itself.
No one provides the complete architectural documentation needed to do it right.

At Cabaret Design Group, we specialize in bar architecture and design that bridges the gaps between equipment planning, construction, engineering, and finishes. Our integrated, turnkey approach eliminates guesswork and delivers precision-built bars for hotels, restaurants, and sports bars.

Over the years, we’ve become one of the only true bar design integrators in the industry. Where others offer partial answers, we provide fully engineered solutions.

The Cabaret Design Group meticulously plans every project down to the shop-level details with precise drawings before anything is even manufactured. Then, we utilize the services of trusted partners that help us fabricate the highest quality materials. All of this comes together to create the breathtaking masterpieces you see.

🏗️ Why Most Bar Designs Fail

In commercial bar construction, the standard approach is flawed from the start.

Most projects rely on a basic equipment plan provided by a foodservice dealer — and stop there. The interior designer doesn’t understand equipment or infrastructure, and the GC ends up with plans that lack the most critical details:

  • No section or elevation views

  • Little or no finish schedules and shop-level details

  • No draft beer system infrastructure

  • Mechanical coordination

The result? Construction confusion, sloppy execution, and costly overruns.

This isn’t bar architecture — it’s a partial drawing set masquerading as a finished plan. And it’s why so many bars underperform both operationally and financially.

🧩 The Industry Gap in Bar Architecture and Design

Owners and architects increasingly recognize the problem:
Foodservice vendors lack engineering knowledge. Architects don’t understand bars.

Interior designers may focus on materials and finishes, but they don’t touch gas lines, soda systems, or draft beer layouts. And standard equipment dealers rarely, if ever, provide coordinated construction documents that tie it all together.

That’s where Cabaret Design Group comes in.

We offer comprehensive bar architecture and design — combining equipment, finishes, systems, and build-level documentation into one cohesive set of plans. Our work fills the industry’s biggest gap: no one else delivers all the pieces with single-source accountability.

Bar Design Video Tutorial

7 Videos

Above is our YouTube playlist expressly curated for those who need help with bar design.

🔧 What Is Integrated Bar Design?

Integrated Bar Design is Cabaret Design Group’s signature solution — and the industry’s most complete approach to bar architecture and design.

It’s not just equipment planning. It’s a fully engineered construction document that blends architectural structure, interior detailing, and mechanical systems into a single, cohesive plan. From rough framing to final finishes, every element of the bar is defined, documented, and coordinated.

Here’s what we typically include:

  • ✅ Architectural plans for construction

  • ✅ Complete bar equipment layout with schedules

  • ✅ Steel structure and bar die design

  • ✅ Draft beer system and soda system schematics

  • ✅ Automated liquor dispensing and walk-in cooler coordination

  • ✅ Keg room layouts and utilities

  • ✅ Finish schedules and specifications for bar fronts and back bars

Integrated Bar Design = true architectural engineering for bars.
It gives owners and architects one trusted source for everything — from form to function to flawless execution.

RELATED POST:

Remote Bar Design – How Does the Process Work?

🔍 Excellence Is in the Details

Great bar design isn’t just about big ideas — it’s about details that work.

That’s why every Cabaret Design Group plan includes both construction drawings and shop-quality fabrication details. Most firms offer one or the other. We provide both — because both are critical for success.

Construction drawings include:

  • Plan views, elevations, sections, and general notes

  • Equipment schedules and rough-in locations

  • Specifications for lighting, power, and finishes

Shop-quality details go further, covering:

  • Steel assembly drawings

  • Millwork and bar die sections

  • Material callouts and installation instructions

  • Component-level coordination for beer, soda, gas, and liquor systems

Without this level of detail, your contractor is forced to guess.
With our plans, they can build with confidence — and accuracy. That’s how we define excellence in bar architecture and design.

The photos shown in Figures 5-7 depict the end-result of the detailed shop-quality drawings we produce.

STUCK ON YOUR BAR DESIGN? CALL US NOW…

💻 Zoom Meetings = Better Bar Design

At Cabaret Design Group, we’ve been using interactive Zoom meetings as part of our design process for over 15 years — long before it became the norm.

Why? Because they work.

Our virtual design sessions allow clients to:

  • ✅ Explore real-time revisions and design options

  • ✅ Ask questions and get immediate answers

  • ✅ Understand exactly what goes into their bar layout

  • ✅ Make timely decisions without delays or ambiguity

When clients see how every system fits together — equipment, structure, finishes, and flow — they’re more confident and more engaged. The result? A better design and a smoother construction process.

Interactive collaboration is core to our approach to bar architecture. It’s how we deliver better outcomes, every time.

The following video is an example of how our process works:

 

 

💡What Are the Benefits of Integrated Bar Design?

Integrated Bar Design isn’t just about drawings — it’s about results.

Here’s what our clients gain from working with us:

  • 📉 Fewer mistakes on the jobsite

  • 🏗️ Faster construction timelines

  • 💸 Lower total project costs

  • 📑 Cleaner communication between all trades

  • 📊 Stronger ROI through optimized bar layout and efficiency

And with our optional prefabricated components and outsourced fabrications, clients can cut even more labor and reduce exposure to jobsite delays.

The bottom line: Integrated Bar Design creates alignment, reduces waste, and protects your investment. That’s why it’s the foundation of every successful bar project we touch.

 

 

Conclusion: One Source. One Vision. One Plan.

True bar architecture and design is about more than layout. It’s about building smarter from day one — and eliminating the disconnect between vision and execution.

At Cabaret Design Group, we give you the complete package: engineered precision, coordinated systems, construction-level detailing, and the confidence of single-source accountability.

Whether you’re designing a boutique cocktail bar or a multi-venue hospitality space, we help you build it right the first time.

RELATED POST:

How Much Do Bar Design Services Cost?

HOW TO LEARN MORE ABOUT INTEGRATED BAR DESIGN SERVICES

We developed the Bar Design Learning Center as a knowledge base for those who want to learn about bar design. This includes a blog with over 100 curated articles about bar design, equipment, draft beer systems and industry services. It also includes our entire YouTube library with over 65 videos.

Please visit our Bar Design Learning Center for additional information.

Citations

[1] https://bradyware.com/construction-in-2025-challenges-and-opportunities/

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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.