Posts

Cabaret Design Group

How to Design a Circular Island Bar and Back Bar

By RICK UZUBELL / 9 June 2021 / Comments Off on How to Design a Circular Island Bar and Back Bar

Loading

https://youtu.be/yyOCzH0m5AI How do you design a circular island bar and back bar? Here’s how we redesigned a large existing circular island bar.Learn the tips for systematically measuring existing bars and developing ideas for re-designing a commercial bar and back bar. HOW TO DESIGN A CIRCULAR COMMERCIAL ISLAND BAR AND BACK BAR Shown at right is an “As-Built” plan I created in preparation of a…

Read More
Cabaret Design Group

Pour Cost: What it Means and How it Impacts Bar Profits

By RICK UZUBELL / 7 June 2021 / Comments Off on Pour Cost: What it Means and How it Impacts Bar Profits

Loading

What does the term pour cost mean? In this article I’ll define the meaning of pour cost and discuss why it’s one of the keys to profitability for every bar. One of the most shocking conversations I have with bar managers is their lack of understanding of the meaning of pour cost. Worse yet, they’ve been…

Read More
Cabaret Design Group

Glass Washers for Bars – Best Equipment & Maintenance

By RICK UZUBELL / 1 June 2021 / Comments Off on Glass Washers for Bars – Best Equipment & Maintenance

Loading

What are the best glass washers for bars? Discover the maintenance secrets to problem-free warewashers, pricing and which have the best features. FREE STEAM FACIALS! If you’ve owned an automatic glass washer for any length of time, you must dread opening the door at the end of the cycle: how about those FREE steam facials?! Automatic glass washers are veritable double-edged swords to high-volume bars: irrefutable benefits countered by numerous operating and maintenance problems. This article…

Read More
Cabaret Design Group

The Health Department and the 3 Compartment Sink

By RICK UZUBELL / 27 May 2021 / Comments Off on The Health Department and the 3 Compartment Sink

Loading

DOES THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT REQUIRE 3 COMPARTMENT SINKS? Are 3 compartment sinks really required for commercial bars? What if you prefer automatic glass washers? Discover the bar design secret to pass a health department inspection and still have a glass washer. 3 COMPARTMENT SINKS vs GLASS WASHERS The local health department just informed one of…

Read More
Cabaret Design Group

Bar Staff Success – Top 5 Secrets

By RICK UZUBELL / 14 May 2021 / Comments Off on Bar Staff Success – Top 5 Secrets

Loading

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…

Read More
Cabaret Design Group

Top 3 Draft Beer Inventory Control Systems

By RICK UZUBELL / 8 May 2021 / Comments Off on Top 3 Draft Beer Inventory Control Systems

Loading

WHY DRAFT BEER NEEDS INVENTORY CONTROL Which draft beer inventory control system is the best? Today I’ll compare the features of the EasyBar, Berg and BevCheck draft beer inventory systems. You’re considering implementing a draft beer inventory control system. However, you’re torn over which offers the best return. After all, they all boast of returning…

Read More
Cabaret Design Group

BevChek for Dynamic Draft Beer Inventory Control

By RICK UZUBELL / 4 May 2021 / Comments Off on BevChek for Dynamic Draft Beer Inventory Control

Loading

WHY DRAFT BEER NEEDS TIGHT INVENTORY CONTROL What is the BevChek beer inventory control system? Today I’ll discuss why bar owners need draft beer inventory control and how BevChek improves bar profits. Do you ever lie in bed wondering about the profitability of your bar’s draft beer? You should be making money hand-over-fist. You follow…

Read More
Cabaret Design Group

Accubar or BevInco Bar Inventory Service

By RICK UZUBELL / 30 April 2021 / Comments Off on Accubar or BevInco Bar Inventory Service

Loading

https://youtu.be/YO_i6EEqlt0 AccuBar or BevInco bar inventory: which service is better? Learn the liquor inventory methods these companies use and how they compare. WHAT IS BAR INVENTORY AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? Many bar owners have heard of the importance of inventory management. Some heard it directly from the guy who handed the keys over to them…

Read More
Cabaret Design Group

Liquor Control Systems – Easybar vs Berg

By RICK UZUBELL / 23 April 2021 / Comments Off on Liquor Control Systems – Easybar vs Berg

Loading

Which liquor control system is better: EasyBar or Berg? Today I’ll discuss the reliability of these liquor control systems and how they operate and compare. ARE YOUR BAR’S PROFITS DWINDLING? Your bar isn’t meeting your financial goals. You’re unsure if your bartenders are stealing. Drink inconsistency drives you crazy. Fed up, you’re considering liquor control systems. Every manufacturer says theirs is…

Read More
Cabaret Design Group

EASYBAR LIQUOR SYSTEMS FOR MAXIMUM BAR PROFITS

By RICK UZUBELL / 19 April 2021 / Comments Off on EASYBAR LIQUOR SYSTEMS FOR MAXIMUM BAR PROFITS

Loading

https://vimeo.com/73490089 What is EasyBar liquor systems and are they reliable? Today we’ll discuss how EasyBar systems operate and how they can impact pour cost and your bar’s profits. If you’re a bar or nightclub owner, do you know your pour cost? Do you understand the incredible impact your pour cost has to your business? Some owners who attend Jon Taffer’s world-famous annual Nightclub & Bar Show, may…

Read More
Scroll To Top
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.