(Get instant pricing on our most-requested Luxe Bar Design package.)
Trusted by independent bar owners, restauranteurs and hospitality groups the World over.
Wondering about bar startup cost? You’re not alone. It’s the #1 question we’re asked—and now, for the first time in our industry, you can get a clear, customized answer in under two minutes.
At Cabaret Design Group, we’ve built an AI-powered, self-serve pricing estimator that delivers a fast, accurate design pricing range tailored to your specific goals, venue type, and timeline. No waiting. No pressure. Just answers.
Opening a bar is thrilling—and expensive. But if you’re looking online for design costs, you’ve likely found… nothing helpful. That’s not a coincidence.
Most firms avoid talking about price—not because they can’t, but because they won’t. Some worry their competitors will “find out what they charge” (which is absurd). Others want to funnel you into a conversation with a salesman—wasting your time before giving you a number.
We chose a different path. At Cabaret Design Group, we believe in building trust through transparency. That’s why we developed the industry’s first AI-powered, instant pricing tool. Our clients can get a valid estimate in under two minutes—because we respect your time, and we know that trust begins with clarity.
Accurately pricing a bar design isn’t easy. Even with over 15 years of hands-on experience, I struggled for years to present a pricing model that was both valid and client-friendly—especially online.
On the advice of my mentor, international speaker and trust-building strategist Marcus Sheridan, I first attempted to explain our approach in a blog post. But I knew it still fell short of delivering the clarity our clients needed.
That’s when Marcus and Steve Auschetti, a London-based pricing expert, collaborated with me to bring a bold new idea to life: a smart pricing platform purpose-built for complex, high-touch services like hospitality design.
The result is the tool we use today—an AI-powered estimator grounded in real-world experience and built to deliver immediate clarity. It reflects years of data, hard-won insight, and a commitment to treating clients with respect from the very first click.
When people search for bar startup cost, they’re often expecting a single number. But design isn’t one-size-fits-all. What it should cost depends on what you’re building—and how you want it to perform.
At Cabaret Design Group, our pricing covers four levels of bar design service—each tailored to fit different needs, budgets, and operating styles. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refining an existing concept, there’s a fit for you.
For hands-on operators and DIY builders, this entry-level option delivers professional equipment planning without the full architectural package. It’s an ideal starting point for smaller bars or owner-managed projects.
Tasteful, practical, and affordable. This package includes construction-ready plans, making it the go-to choice for owners who want expert guidance without overspending. It’s also the foundation for many of our clients who expand later.
Our most popular design tier. Luxe is all about customization—combining high-end aesthetics with operational precision. This package includes additional design options, integrated system planning, and coordination across finishes, bar die, and back bar detailing.
Looking to make a bold impression? Island bars serve as focal points in many modern venues. This package offers wraparound service, optimal ergonomics, and elevated style—especially popular with restaurants and large entertainment spaces.
Use our Instant Estimator to compare packages and explore add-ons like draft beer system design, liquor automation, and more—so you can get a tailored price that reflects your exact needs.
Forget vague quotes and delayed callbacks. Our AI-powered bar design pricing tool delivers instant clarity.
Whether you’re looking for a simple layout or a fully customized architectural bar plan, the estimator walks you through a few quick prompts — and delivers a personalized estimate on the spot.
What you get:
🔽 Try it now and see how accessible great design can be.
Our Standard Bar Design package is ideal for budget-conscious owners who still value smart layout, clean aesthetics, and professional documentation.
Whether you’re opening your first bar or remodeling on a budget, this plan gives you access to:
At $1,999, it’s the most accessible way to work with a professional bar designer—and many of our clients start here, then scale up as their vision evolves (see Fig. 1).
Without a doubt, our Luxe Bar Design package (Fig. 2) is the top pick among clients—and for good reason.
Starting at $3,499, Luxe offers exceptional value through premium features and smart customization. It’s designed for owners who want more than just a functional bar—they want a centerpiece that enhances the guest experience and drives revenue.
For owners seeking best-in-class bar architecture—without drifting into boutique restoration territory—Luxe is the sweet spot.
Clients often ask, ‘Do you offer draft beer system design services?’ Absolutely—and it’s one of the most valuable (and most misunderstood) components in our entire bar design process.
Depending on the design package you select, our pricing includes several draft beer system design options:
Included with Luxe and Island Bar Design packages
Optional upgrade available for all service tiers
Standard clients: optional | Luxe clients: upgrade available
Draft systems are one of the most profitable parts of your bar, but also one of the easiest to get wrong. Our role is to make sure you don’t—starting with the right system for your space, service style, and goals.
If you’re serious about opening a bar or designing a hospitality space, you’re probably juggling a dozen decisions at once. You shouldn’t have to email three firms and wait a week just to get a number.
That’s why we built our Instant Self-Serve Estimator.
No emails. No phone calls. No gatekeeping. Just clear answers when you need them.
In an industry where pricing is usually vague—and buried behind sales calls—we chose a different approach:
✅ It’s grounded in real expertise.
Our pricing model is built on 15+ years of hands-on bar and restaurant design experience. It’s not generic. It’s not theoretical. It’s field-tested and client-approved.
✅ It’s transparent by design.
We don’t hide behind “let’s talk first” emails or complicated fee structures. You see the range, the logic, and the factors—up front.
✅ It respects your time.
No need to chase someone down just to get a number. If you’re planning a serious hospitality project, you deserve better than that.
✅ It reflects your uniqueness.
Every concept is different. Our estimator doesn’t spit out a fixed quote—it gives you a tailored range based on what you’re actually building.
Yes — but only a few. Occasionally, clients bring us photos of highly ornate, historic bars — the kind found in ultra-luxury venues in New York, Las Vegas, or London (ref. to Fig. 7, right). These are referred to as museum-quality bars — and they fall outside the scope of our typical bar design pricing.
These bars require:
Architects trained in historical restoration
Custom fabrication by millwork shops like Zepsa Industries
Lead times of 18–24 months
Budgets starting at $150,000
If you’re pursuing this style, we’re happy to offer insight — but our design services focus on high-performance commercial bars that balance beauty, functionality, and cost-efficiency.
You don’t have to guess. You don’t have to “talk to sales.” You just have to start.
Whether you’re dreaming up a flagship cocktail bar, opening a chef-driven restaurant, or developing a multi-unit concept, understanding your bar startup cost is a smart—and empowering—first move.
At Cabaret Design Group, we’ve taken everything we’ve learned from decades in the field and turned it into a pricing experience that puts you in control.
Clarity builds confidence. Confidence leads to great design.
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Bar Architecture & Design
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.