How Do You Plan a Commercial Bar Design – Design Ideas

How do you plan a commercial bar design

How do you plan a commercial bar design? Learn the bar design ideas to evaluate an existing commercial bar design and how to plan a new bar with popular bar seating choices.

DESIGN IDEAS FOR COMMERCIAL BAR PLANNING

Interested in re-designing your commercial bar? Today I’m going to discuss how to approach a total bar re-design. In front of you is a plan of a bar we just re-designed. This was the “Before” or “existing condition” as it were, before we commenced redesigning it. The bar is located in a very large bowling alley and was really two-bars-in-one, consisting of a bartender station for walk-up business, designated here as a “Walk-Up Bar” (to service the bowlers), as shown in the above photo, and integrated into a 40-seat sports bar. This was a unique project for us because total re-designs are rare. Most of our projects are new construction, which usually provides some flexibility. However, this project had many constraints:

  1. Fit the new bar within the existing space, within the context of all existing plumbing and electrical utilities.
  2. Ensure efficiency within the new bartending stations.
  3. Make the new bar appear as if it were intended for the space.
The challenge of planning a commercial bar redesign
EXISTING WALK-UP BAR BEFORE REDESIGN

THE UNIVERSAL BAR REDESIGN CHALLENGE: MAKE IT MORE APPEALING

The bar was very large – nearly 37 feet long (11,28 meters) – as shown here. There were a total of four bartending stations and the equipment existing at the beginning of this project was clearly focused on draft beer sales. The existing equipment consisted of three direct-draw draft beer coolers (designated on the plan as “DD”) and one 8-faucet draft beer tower for a glycol draft beer system (designated as “LD”). As with most bowling alleys, the preferred beverage is beer (designated as “PTC).

Existing bar equipment plan at the start of the planning process
EXISTING BAR EQUIPMENT BEFORE REDESIGN
Commercial bar with no footrail
EXISTING BAR WITH NO FOOTRAIL

The primary goal was to re-configure the bar so it would become more user-friendly – more appealing – and the second goal was to expand the glycol draft beer system from a centrally-located island back bar, in this vicinity. The walk-in cooler and power pack for the glycol system is shown over here. Lastly, this particular item is a pass-thru cooler for bottled beer.

 

DESIGN ANALYSIS OF EXISTING BAR

From an aesthetic perspective, the first design deficiency I recognized are these two large circular lobes – one at each end and about 18 feet (5,49 M) in diameter. While they were attractive (the bar was well-built, as seen in this photo), they were also imposing. ‘What’s the most popular seat?’ I thought to myself. The answer is “nowhere”. In other words, there was no easily-identifiable seating opportunity for someone to feel isolated and cozy and the bar’s massiveness made this difficult to quickly assess.

The next thing that jumped-out was the gross lack of underbar equipment. You’ll notice in this plan that the only underbar equipment is right here; it gave me the feeling that it was removed and that the bar is going out of business. Lastly, there was no footrest, as you’ll notice in this photo. Given all this, who’d want to sit at this bar? The bar had no comforting attributes and it imparted the lack of a clear-committed effort on behalf of its owner. This isn’t to say that the owner wasn’t committed – perhaps he didn’t know any better. After all, the bar was attractive and clean – it just had the wrong approach. However, it had run its course and the time was clearly at-hand to start anew.

DESIGN IDEAS FOR THE NEW BAR

So how do you plan a commercial bar design? As I mentioned above, from an aesthetic perspective, the bar didn’t provide patrons with the opportunity of any easily-identifiable favorite places to sit. Bars designed with multiple angles provide individuals and groups with this advantage, so the new bar would incorporate this idea as a priority. Secondly, the depth in the center section of the bar appeared to be expandable, which would be necessary for the future island back bar. From an operational perspective, the new bar would need to be fixtured for making mixed drinks so the patrons could feel as though they were sitting at a real bar.

 

My favorite reference book for architectural standards:
https://amzn.to/38q3piJ

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How to plan a commercial bar
PLANNING OF COMMERCIAL BAR
After photo of commercial bar re-design of bowling alley bar
AFTER PHOTO OF REDESIGNED BOWLING ALLEY BAR

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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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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.