Running a Bar Successfully with the Right Bar Supplies

The Importance of Consumables

Washroom Essentials

Maintaining a clean and well-stocked washroom is crucial for customer satisfaction. Essential supplies include:

• Paper Towels: To avoid wastage, invest in a reliable paper towel dispenser.
• Table Napkins: Provide these only when serving orders or place a small dispenser on each table.
• Drinking Straws and Stirrers: Ensure these are always available to avoid inconveniencing customers.

Beverage Management

Spilled drinks can lead to significant losses. Here are some tips to manage beverages effectively:

• Bottled Drinks: Many customers prefer bottled drinks, which also reduce the risk of spills.
• Serving Glasses: Different customers have different preferences, so offer a variety of serving measurements.
• Kegs and Pourers: Kegs with special pump pourers make serving easier. For bottled drinks, use pourers to control the flow and avoid spills. Choose pourers with valves to regulate the amount of liquor in each serving. Some pourers are designed to dispense precise amounts, ideal for serving shots.

Hygiene and Cleanliness

A clean bar not only attracts more customers but is also a health department mandate. Prioritize hygiene by stocking up on cleaning supplies:

• Utensil Cleaning Supplies: For washing glasses, plates, and smaller tools.
• Surface Cleaning Products: For tables, bar counters, kitchen sinks, and other surfaces.
• Special Cleaning Machines: If necessary, include these in your bar supplies.

Inventory Management

Regularly monitor your inventory to avoid running low on essential supplies:

• Glassware: Glasses are prone to breaking, so keep a close eye on your stock and reorder as needed.
• Serving Utensils: Items like ice buckets and trays are crucial for service and should be regularly checked and replaced if necessary.

Interesting Stats

• Bar Industry Growth: The bar and nightclub industry in the U.S. was valued at approximately $28 billion in 2020 (Statista).
• Customer Preferences: According to a survey, 60% of bar-goers prefer bottled drinks over draft (Beverage Daily).

Conclusion

Running a successful bar requires meticulous attention to detail, especially when it comes to supplies. By ensuring you have the right consumables, managing beverages effectively, maintaining hygiene, and keeping a close eye on inventory, you can create a seamless and enjoyable experience for your customers.

For more insights on running a successful bar, check out Forbes and Entrepreneur.