How to Plan a Commercial Bar Design

Bar Design How to Plan a Commercial Bar

How do you design bars for restaurants and hotels? Learn the bar equipment, layouts and systems checklists I use in commercial bar design planning.

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THE NECESSARY COMPONENTS TO PLAN A COMMERCIAL BAR DESIGN

Some people are intrigued when they see bars such as the ones shown in these photos. Bars like these are what sparked the fire that originally inspired my interest in commercial bar design. These finished bars are distinctive, but what really goes into their overall design? When planning a commercial bar design, there’s a lot more to the story of the equipment, layouts and systems that truly define a complete bar design. Today we’re going to review all these systems and components necessary to plan a commercial bar design.

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Krowne Alchemy Series: Precision Performance for the Modern Bar Engineered for flawless workflow across the Krowne ecosystemHave you heard about the Krowne Alchemy Series of underbar equipment? Imagine an underbar station so refined, it feels like it was designed by a Michelin-star chef and an Indy crew. Sleek lines. Sculpted edges. Storage in all …

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Let’s be honest: trying to find real bar design pricing online is like asking a magician to reveal the trick. Most firms dodge the question entirely, hiding behind vague phrases like “custom quotes” or “tailored solutions.” But you deserve more — especially if you’re about to make one of the biggest investments of your …

INITIAL TARGETED AREAS

  • ADA station – according to Federal law, wherever food and/or drink are served and the counter (or bar) is more than 34” above the floor, a lowered serving counter must be installed. Please see our earlier video, referenced below).
  • Section view – this should be the first task of every bar design. Whether you choose a modular bar die or 2” x 4” construction, it’s important to have a preliminary idea of the finishing method so a plan view of the bar can begin to emerge.
  • Bar equipment plan – this is the core of every bar design. Bars are designed from the inside-out. Therefore, the underbar equipment is the next milestone we must cross.
  • Bar equipment schedule – valuable to everybody involved in any bar project, especially for anybody quoting the equipment.

Architectural drawing of initial targeted areas of a typical commercial bar design

 

EXAMPLE OF INITIAL TARGETED AREAS OF A TYPICAL COMMERCIAL BAR DESIGN

OTHER RELATED AREAS OF PLANNING A TYPICAL BAR DESIGN

  • Back bar design – the complexity and overall impact of a bar’s finish design is often rooted in the back bar.
  • Bar top plan – a necessary plan for ordering bar tops and drink rails and helpful for checking clearances.
  • Bar base plan – essential for the construction of the bar and its overall placement.
  • Soffit and lighting plan – which add further character and intimacy to commercial bar design. As with the backbar, soffit design is limited only by one’s imagination.
  • Draft beer towers – these play a pivotal role in the success of nearly every commercial bar. The type of draft tower selected and its location are critical, especially in multi-station bars.
  • Foot railings – solid or tubular? Free-standing or bar-supported?
  • Interior elevation views – necessary to develop plumbing locations for mechanical engineering.
  • Front elevation views – these define the details of the bar’s exterior finish.
  • Soda system – referred to as “Bag-In-The-Box” or B-I-B. This system is ultimately responsible for dispensing soda for drink production. These systems operate on CO2 and can be located virtually anywhere in a facility; however, for those who are space-challenged – which even includes hotels and casinos, sometimes B-I-B systems need to be built into the bar area.

Photo of a luxury restaurant bar

 

PHOTO OF A LUXURY RESTAURANT BAR

THE FIRST STEP IN PLANNING A COMMERCIAL BAR DESIGN


We’ve covered a lot in the above discussion, but the first step in all of my bar design projects is to draw the entire bar in sections. This includes each changing condition and all related adjacent walls. From the above, we can ensure proper clearances for all bar equipment, draft beer towers, patrons and staff.

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

 


POPULAR DOWNLOADS:

UNIVERSAL BAR CLEARANCES WITH ADA

ADA GUIDE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

BAR_AND_RESTAURANT_SEATING_GUIDELINES

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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.