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Best Cocktail Station: Tobin Ellis Station vs Taffer Command Station

Best Cocktail Station: Jon Taffer Command Station by Krowne

By RICK UZUBELL / 26 September 2024 / Comments Off on Best Cocktail Station: Jon Taffer Command Station by Krowne

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FIGURE 1. PHOTO OF GLASTENDER ALL-IN-ONE COCKTAIL STATION FIGURE 2. IMAGE OF TAFFER COMMAND STATION BY KROWNE FIGURE 3. PHOTO OF TOBIN ELLIS COCKTAIL STATION BY PERLICK What’s the best cocktail station? Whether you’re planning a new bar or a remodel, you need to know about Krowne’s new Taffer Command Station. That’s Taffer, as in…

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KROWNE LAUNCHES REVOLUTIONARY ADAPTIVE BAR STATIONS

Krowne Launches Revolutionary Adaptive Bar Stations

By RICK UZUBELL / 3 September 2024 / Comments Off on Krowne Launches Revolutionary Adaptive Bar Stations

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Looking for that perfect bar station for your new bar? How would you like to convert one of your existing bartender stations into a coffee bar during the morning hours? Traditional bartender stations are static – once installed, it’s game over. That is, until today. Again, Krowne continues to…ahem… raise the bar! With Krowne’s revolutionary…

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EUROBAR vs KROWNE - SHOCKING NEWS

Eurobar vs Krowne – Shocking News!

By RICK UZUBELL / 13 August 2024 / Comments Off on Eurobar vs Krowne – Shocking News!

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An upstart bar equipment company known as Eurobar has been making a lot of noise lately. I’ve never had so many colleagues ask me about a new line of equipment. Over the past two years I’ve been specifying Krowne’s bar equipment – because I think it’s the best. With the emergence of Eurobar, I feel…

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WHAT'S THE SECRET TO THE BEST BAR SHAPES AND SIZES FOR RESTAURANT BARS

The Secret to the Best Bar Shapes and Sizes for Restaurant Bars

By RICK UZUBELL / 3 July 2024 / Comments Off on The Secret to the Best Bar Shapes and Sizes for Restaurant Bars

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Thinking about a new bar for your restaurant and you’re stressed because you’re quickly running out of ideas? What’s the secret to the best shapes and sizes for restaurant bars? How much space is required? Exactly what are the options and tradeoffs between restaurant and bar seating – and which one will provide the best…

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Don't waste your precious money

How to Build the Perfect Bar in 2024

By RICK UZUBELL / 6 March 2024 / Comments Off on How to Build the Perfect Bar in 2024

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The Elusive Perfect Bar How to build the perfect bar in 2024? Hello, fellow hospitality friends! The following is the transcript from my webinar with Ian Purcell of BarTrack from February 22, 2024. Ian is the Senior Director of Client Success at BarTrack, one of the fastest-growing companies in the hospitality industry. Click here to…

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Photo of Best Bar Top Size

New Design Trend: Uncover the Secret to the Perfect Bar Countertop!

By RICK UZUBELL / 14 February 2023 / Comments Off on New Design Trend: Uncover the Secret to the Perfect Bar Countertop!

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What’s the best bar top size for 2023? Is it 24″, 26″, 30″ or something else? You might be surprised at the answer.

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What is the best bar stool spacing

BAR DESIGN IDEAS – WHAT IS THE BEST BAR STOOL SPACING?

By RICK UZUBELL / 18 November 2022 / Comments Off on BAR DESIGN IDEAS – WHAT IS THE BEST BAR STOOL SPACING?

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https://youtu.be/Zh4xAfnnlXU Bar stool spacing – what are the design standards for bars? To design a bar for economic viability, the question is how much space should be between bar stools. STUCK ON YOUR BAR DESIGN? CALL US NOW… (866) 846-7681 DESIGN STANDARDS FOR BARS In bar design we’re always asking our clients how close they want their bar…

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Cabaret Design Group

Top 5 Wall Covering Ideas and Tips for Bar Design

By RICK UZUBELL / 14 November 2022 / Comments Off on Top 5 Wall Covering Ideas and Tips for Bar Design

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What are the top wall covering ideas and tips for bar and nightclub design? This article discusses the top 5 types of wall coverings, advice and cost. WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON WALL COVERINGS IN BAR AND NIGHTCLUB DESIGN? The following list constitutes today’s most common wall covering types. These are used in nightclub and…

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Photo of custom iron back bar using architectural bar design by Cabaret Design Group

Top Bar Lighting Ideas and Tips

By RICK UZUBELL / 10 November 2022 / Comments Off on Top Bar Lighting Ideas and Tips

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What are the top bar lighting ideas and tips? This article answers the most popular questions about architectural and LED lighting. MOST COMMON FIXTURES FOR TOP BAR LIGHTING IDEAS There’s no shortage of possibilities when considering bar lighting ideas. Here’s a list of the most common lighting types used in commercial bar design: Functional recessed…

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Cabaret Design Group

Remote Bar Design – How Does the Process Work?

By RICK UZUBELL / 9 November 2022 / Comments Off on Remote Bar Design – How Does the Process Work?

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How does the bar design process work?
Discover the methods of the bar design process and how bar plans, bar equipment list and back bar design are developed.

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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.