Best Cocktail Station: Jon Taffer Command Station by Krowne

Best Cocktail Station: Tobin Ellis Station vs Taffer Command Station

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 Jon Taffer – of Bar Rescue fame! When it comes to cocktail stations, there are a few products to consider, as shown above. Selecting the one that’s right for you can be overwhelming. My name is Rick Uzubell, and I’m a professional bar designer. I design bars for clients every day, and have a fiduciary responsibility to help them make critical decisions in all areas of their bars. The selection process includes bar equipment, draft beer systems and finishes. Through my years of experience, I’m here to offer my insight to assist others make some of these same critical choices.

The Definitive Cocktail Station – a Collaboration of Industry Giants

The end-result of meticulous research and development, the Taffer Command Station was innovated through a joint effort of Jon Taffer and industry-leader Krowne. The mission was to establish the standard of excellence – as the ultimate solution in bar efficiency. The idea was conceptualized in 2020, as a solution to exceed the immense output requirements of each Taffer’s Tavern location. Infused with Taffer’s incomparable experience of bar efficiency and profitability and Krowne’s zero-step design philosophy and world-class engineering, the Taffer Command Station is the pinnacle of bar design. Krowne’s cutting-edge technology was utilized to blend augmented reality and their groundbreaking BarFlex3D bar configurator. This enabled the team to stress-test hundreds of cocktail station permutations before deriving the final design.

The bar station, through all new innovative design, empowers the bartender to be in command of service, in command of quality and in command of efficiency. The Taffer Command Station is going to disrupt bar design!

PHOTO OF TAFFER COMMAND STATION WITH SODA GUN
FIGURE 4. PHOTO OF TAFFER COMMAND STATION WITH SODA GUN

WHAT IS A COCKTAIL STATION?

The areas inside commercial bars where bartenders prepare drinks are referred to as bartender stations or cocktail stations. The related equipment, known as “underbar stainless steel”, commonly includes ice bins, speed rails, liquor displays, sinks, etc. Bar equipment is selected from manufacturer’s websites and sold through a network of factory reps and distributors. Bar equipment specification sheets are overwhelming to many, which leads inexperienced people to overlook critical components and proper placement. There’s a lot to know. To simplify the buying process, several bar equipment manufacturers developed pre-packaged cocktail stations. This approach makes it easier for novices or DIY’ers to layout their own bar equipment plans. The Taffer Command Station was developed to be the best cocktail station! 

The Taffer Command Station – the Pinnacle of Bar Design

Recognizing the limitations of existing  pre-packaged stations, Jon Taffer and Krowne joined forces to develop the ultimate cocktail station. Through Taffer’s expert insight and Krowne’s world-class engineering, the Taffer Command Station was born. Not to disappoint, this cocktail station offers near-limitless configurations with Krowne’s cutting-edge equipment, such as its hybrid sink, speed sinks and Matrix freezer.

Which is the best Taffer Station for you? Later in this article, I’ll tell you exactly how to order your own custom Taffer Command Stations!

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Frequently Asked Questions about the Taffer Command Station

Is the Taffer Command Station a One-Size-Fits-All?

No, this is not a “one-size-fits-all” cocktail station. One of the primary benefits of the Krowne Taffer Command Station is its inherent customization. Each buyer can configure his/her station by adding, removing or re-sizing its components to meet their needs!

KROWNE'S TAFFER COMMAND STATION WITH OPTIONS
FIGURE 5. EXAMPLES OF TAFFER'S BAR STATIONS WITH COMMON OPTIONS.

How Many Taffer Stations do I Need?

You need one Taffer cocktail station for each bartender station! However, there are two types of Taffer Command Stations. Most bars only require one hand sink. For bars with multiple cocktail stations, the first station should be the base unit with hybrid sink (which contains a hand sink and a dump sink). Subsequent work stations should utilize the base unit with dump sink (refer to Figure 5, above). Always check with your local health department to see how many hand sinks they require.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT:

KEGERATORS OR GLYCOL SYSTEMS: WHICH DRAFT BEER SYSTEM IS BETTER?

Does this Work With the Krowne Modular Bar Die?

Yes. The Taffer bartender station is available with the Krowne KMB modular bar die system or with legs. To learn more about the Krowne modular bar die, please read my article below:

RELATED ARTICLE:

WHY THE KROWNE MODULAR BAR DIE IS THE BEST!

Does The Taffer Cocktail Station Save Space?

Absolutely! In fact, you decide which configurations are best for you.  As shown in Figure 5 (above), these stations are available in lengths ranging from 66″ to 92″. And it has a ton of features that maximize efficiency and save space in the smallest possible footprint. The Taffer station incorporates an 8” mixology station (traditionally 12” wide), an 8” wide x 5 tier liquor display (traditionally 4 tiers x 12” wide), and our 18″ wide Hybrid combination hand sink/dump sink (traditionally 24” wide). If you need further assistance, call the Krowne sales team at (800) 631-0442.

DOWNLOADABLE:

TAFFER COMMAND STATION CUT SHEET

Is There a “Cockpit” Cocktail Station?

Yes – the “cockpit cocktail station” is the “Tobin Ellis Station”, made by Perlick. There’s a big difference between this and the Taffer Command Station. Krowne utilizes the industry-standard 24” front-to-back flush finish, as shown in Figure 6 (above), for maximum side-to-side bartender efficiency. Referring to Figure 7 (above), the Tobin Ellis “Cockpit station” isn’t as efficient because it’s 27 9/16″ deep. Therefore, the bartender is required to step outside the cockpit zone to access other equipment. In other words, the bartender must step outside the cocktail station, instead of simply moving side-to-side.

Soda Gun or no Soda Gun?

From the corner bar to the airport bar, soda guns are in nearly every bar – no matter where one travels. Soda has been the prevalent traditional mixer because of its low operating cost. While pouring from canned soda is very costly, dispensing soda from a handheld gun costs pennies per serving. After all, reduced pour cost results in greater profits. To sweeten the deal, the cost to implement a post mix soda system is virtually free, because syrups vendors such as Coca-Cola and Pepsi-Cola provide free equipment and installation in exchange for an ongoing commitment to sell their respective products.

Emerging Trends with Soda Among Bar Owners

When choosing the Taffer Command Station that’s right for you, the first thing you need to decide is whether you desire a soda gun. Lately, I’ve noticed that the soda gun’s popularity among bar owners has begun to wane. More startup bar owners are using soda from a can. Many fine dining restaurants are using elixirs to mix drinks for their bars. While soda systems offer ongoing saving advantages, they can cost upwards of $2,500 to implement if concrete floors need to be cut and patched (costs not covered by syrups vendors). On the other hand, implementing a soda system underbar requires 4-5 lineal feet of extra space, and most small bars don’t it. Besides, storing syrups underbar leads to housekeeping problems and pests. And let’s face it, they’re noisy. Dispensing soda from cans isn’t the end of the world, because you can offset the cost by raising prices.

CHECK YOU COCKTAIL STATIONS – THE EMERGENCE OF MOCKTAILS

Another reason to consider elixirs is the rising popularity of mocktails (non-alcoholic cocktails). According to a recent article in Axios, the Gen Z and Millennial sectors are moving toward mocktails. Made with non-alcoholic spirits, the article goes on to say that the mocktail sector is projected to reach $30 billion in 2025. Therefore, bar owners should seriously consider transitioning to mocktails by moving from soda guns to elixirs.

PHOTO OF TAFFER BARTENDER UNIT WITH SPEED SINK
FIGURE 8. PHOTO OF TAFFER COMMAND STATION WITH KR24-MS14 SPEED SINK OPTION.

Which Taffer Command Station Should I Order First?

I personally love all the Taffer Command Stations, and most are shown with a hybrid speed sink or dump sink. By code, every bar is required to have a minimum of one dump sink and one hand sink. Depending on the size of the bar, some are required to have two hand sinks. The Taffer Command Station is available in six standard lengths (three that feature soda and three that don’t). All six feature the Krowne hybrid speed sink. Hence, when it’s time to selecting the first cocktail station, I recommend the length that best fits your application.

How to Order Additional Taffer Units

Of course, you can mix, match and re-orientate the components of every Taffer Command Station.

RICK UZUBELL GIVES THE TAFFER STATION A 5-STAR RATING

My Takeaway On the Taffer Command Station

The Taffer Command Station is the finest bar station on the market. It was developed as a joint effort between Jon Taffer and Krowne – two of the biggest, most respected names in the bar industry. The product offers nearly-infinite customization and maintains the “Zero-Step” ergonomic operation. I highly recommend the Taffer Command Station for all your cocktail stations.  

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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,
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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.

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Garrett Lennon

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Dylan Halaszynski, food hall design expert and compliance-driven food and beverage consultant

Dylan Halaszynski

Food Hall Specialist | Founder,
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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,
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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

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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.

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Craig Pendleton

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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,
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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.