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DESIGN AND BUILD A BETTER BAR IN 2025

How to Design and Build a Better Bar with Efficiency in 2025

By RICK UZUBELL / 26 May 2022 / Comments Off on How to Design and Build a Better Bar with Efficiency in 2025

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https://youtu.be/s5ZTr2q9uhk BAR DESIGN IDEAS – HOW TO DESIGN AND BUILD A BETTER DIY BAR How do you design and  build a better DIY bar? A proper equipment layout and efficiently-designed bartender cocktail stations can turn a bar into a cash cow. Many bars only need one bartender during slow periods but two or more during peak periods. How are bars designed to…

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How much does bar equipment cost in 2022

How Much Does Bar Equipment Cost to Build a Bar in 2022?

By RICK UZUBELL / 25 May 2022 / Comments Off on How Much Does Bar Equipment Cost to Build a Bar in 2022?

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/maxresdefault.jpg” /> How much does bar equipment cost to build a bar in 2022? Discover the equipment needed to build a bar and the cost of equipment for a typical bar cocktail station. HOW MUCH DOES BAR EQUIPMENT COST TO BUILD A BAR? The world of bar equipment is overwhelming to the average person. If you’ve ever looked behind a bar and studied the equipment…

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Analysis of the most profitable bar drinks

What Are the Most Profitable Bar Drinks?

By RICK UZUBELL / 18 May 2022 / Comments Off on What Are the Most Profitable Bar Drinks?

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Which bar drinks are the most profitable? Every bar owner dreams of profits, but do you really know which drinks are making your register sing?It’s not just about slinging cold beers or knowing your way around a shaker — it’s about understanding what’s actually driving margins behind the bar. And spoiler alert: it’s not the…

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Cabaret Design Group

Why 85% of Bar Owners are Losing 20% of Their Money and Don’t Know It

By RICK UZUBELL / 10 May 2022 / Comments Off on Why 85% of Bar Owners are Losing 20% of Their Money and Don’t Know It

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A SOBERING THOUGHT 85% of bar owners are losing 20% of their profits and are totally unaware! What are the industry facts about bartender stealing? I have very reliable sources about this cat-and-mouse game. HOW CAN BAR OWNERS BE SO UNAWARE OF LOSSES? We’ve all frequented the local bar or restaurant where the bartenders are…

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Top commercial bar design finishing ideas

Top List of Commercial Bar Design Finishing Ideas

By RICK UZUBELL / 2 May 2022 / Comments Off on Top List of Commercial Bar Design Finishing Ideas

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https://youtu.be/RSF380EjHUY What is the top list of commercial bar design finishing ideas. Here’s the list of the most common bar finishing ideas for hotels, restaurants & sports bars.   HOW ARE COMMERCIAL BAR DESIGNS FINISHED?   From equipment specifications, space utilization and bartender efficiency, as covered in a previous post, it doesn’t take long to see…

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Cabaret Design Group

Kegerators or Glycol Beer Systems – Which is Better?

By RICK UZUBELL / 30 April 2022 / Comments Off on Kegerators or Glycol Beer Systems – Which is Better?

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Glycol cooled or kegerators – which is the best draft beer system to buy?

If you’re confused over which draft beer system to purchase, here’s the costs and comparisons of each.

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Cabaret Design Group

Alcohol Beverage Commission – How Bars Can Avoid Unexpected Fines

By RICK UZUBELL / 26 April 2022 / Comments Off on Alcohol Beverage Commission – How Bars Can Avoid Unexpected Fines

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What is liquor inventory and how is it performed? If you own a bar and want to avoid a $98,000 fine from the alcohol beverage commission, I’ll explain how you can have peace of mind. WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW ABOUT LIQUOR INVENTORY CAN HURT YOU Have you ever been the victim of an audit by your state alcohol beverage…

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Cost to build a bar in 2022

How Much Does it Cost to Build a Commercial Bar in 2022?

By RICK UZUBELL / 24 April 2022 / Comments Off on How Much Does it Cost to Build a Commercial Bar in 2022?

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https://youtu.be/DJt88KORmcQ How much does it cost to build a bar in 2022? Discover the array of bar finishes for effective bar design and the cost to build a bar for hotels, restaurants and sports bars.   COSTS ESCALATE OVER TIME From my previous post (referenced below), we priced a single bartender station (about 18’ 6”) of underbar equipment, at $6,075. That breaks down…

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Cabaret Design Group

3 Compartment Sinks vs Glass Washers – What’s Really Needed?

By RICK UZUBELL / 2 April 2022 / Comments Off on 3 Compartment Sinks vs Glass Washers – What’s Really Needed?

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Do bars need 3-bin sinks? Today we’ll discuss the benefits of underbar automatic glass washers and a little-known trick for eliminating your bar’s 3-bin sink.

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How speed rails affect bar profitability

Why Speed Rails Are Critical to Bar Profits

By RICK UZUBELL / 25 March 2022 / Comments Off on Why Speed Rails Are Critical to Bar Profits

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https://youtu.be/yMC_BZ5D-lc How can bar speed rails be so critical to bar profits? Today I’ll demonstrate how proper equipment selection impacts bar profitability. WHY BAR SPEED RAILS IMPACT BAR PROFITS Most bars that serve alcohol have under bar equipment that includes speed rails. Many bar owners don’t understand how improper application impacts profitability. For those unaware, a speed rail is…

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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.