How does ergonomic bar design create maximum bar profitability?
Ergonomic design in bar equipment plans increases bartender efficiency and maximum bar profits.
ERGONOMIC BAR DESIGN FOR MAXIMUM BAR PROFITABILITY
As I’ve written before, bars are factories that make drinks. Manufacturing companies invest heavily in making their factories
efficient and this includes implementing the principles of ergonomic design (as seen in the Photo at right). Ergonomics is the study of workers and their environment. When you incorporate ergonomic guidelines to maximize worker efficiency, you give yourself a chance to succeed in maximizing profitability. With ergonomic design standards implemented into your bar layout, your bartenders will have far less strain and fatigue, leading you to maximum bar profits. I’ve put together a downloadable sketch for you to see the ideal bar clearances for ergonomic design. Here’s a summary of these design standards:
- Bar height should be 42” – 45” (1067mm – 1143mm).
- The bar top should be 30” – 36” (762mm – 914mm).
- The inside edge of the bar top should overhang the bar die by 11” (279mm).
- The width of the aisle should be 31” – 37” (787mm – 940mm).
- The height of the highest reachable shelf of the backbar should be 69” – 72” (1753mm – 1829mm). Other stocking shelves can be higher, but these are not functional for bartending – only for stocking, and you should maintain 18” (457mm) from the shelf below.
- 2-shelf backbar liquor displays should be 9” – 10”W (229mm – 254mm) and each step should be 4” – 5”H (102mm – 127mm).
- Allow for 18" - 24" (457mm - 610mm) for patrons sitting at the bar (referenced from the outside edge of the bar top).
- Aisle space directly behind the bar patrons should be 30" (462mm).
- Drink rails should be 10" - 12" deep (254mm - 305mm) and should be set at the same height as the bar top.
- Allow for 18" (457mm) standing room in front of a drink rail and 24" (610mm) if bar stools are used.
- The overall distance between the edge of the bar and the adjacent wall should be 76" - 90" (1930mm - 2286mm).
In terms of aisle sizes, I’ve seen just about everything. Bars designed for small rooms present different challenges, and I’ll be the first guy to tell you not to pass-up an opportunity. Sometimes you have to work with what you've inherited. For the best operating bar, it is imperative to maintain a 36” aisle, especially for bars that utilize barbacks.
Free Consultation
Contact Us Today to Schedule Your Free Consultation!
POPULAR POSTS:
HOW MUCH IS MY BAR DESIGN REALLY GOING TO COST?
HOW TO DESIGN AN AWARD-WINNING BAR WITH WILSONART PRODUCTS
GLYCOL COOLED vs KEGERATORS - WHICH DRAFT BEER SYSTEM TO BUY?
COMMERCIAL BAR DESIGN - A TOP 7 LIST OF BAR FINISHING IDEAS
BAR DESIGN IDEAS – HOW TO DESIGN & BUILD A BETTER DIY BAR
DOWNLOADS:
STANDARD_UNIVERSAL_BAR_CLEARANCES.pdf
We Work International Customers
If your bar or nightclub application is outside the U.S., we'd be delighted to work with you! We're familiar with the metric system and can furnish you with the appropriate plans and specifications for construction. With our web-conferencing and Basecamp 24 x 7 project management system, we're fully capable of servicing your needs. Please click here to learn more about our methods.
Seven Questions Commonly Asked About Bar Design 101:
1. What Professional Bar Design Services Do You Provide and How Much Do They Cost?
2. How Can My Bar Be Designed for Maximum Efficiency and Profits?
3. How Much Does Bar Equipment Cost?
4. How Do You Design and Build a Commercial Bar?
5. What Are The Best Lighting Products for Bars?
6. What Are The Best Commercial Bar Tops?
7. What Is The Best Furniture for Bars?
To learn more about Bar Design 101 click here
Most Popular Articles
What’s The Best Draft Beer System: Direct-Draw vs Remote-Draw
How Much Bar Design Costs: Bar Design Cost Guide
Which Liquor Inventory System is the Best: AccuBar vs BevInco
Hunter Douglas Open Cell Ceilings in Nightclub Design
Top 5 Design Ideas about Purchasing Nightclub and Bar Furniture
