5 Advanced Tips for a More Organized Bar (Part 2)
In our first installment, we shared five essential tips for creating a more organized bar. The response was great, and we’re excited to explore more. Here are five extra strategies to improve your bar’s efficiency and organization. These tips will not only streamline your operations but also enhance the overall experience for both your staff and patrons.
1. Digitize Recipes
Gone are the days of relying solely on printed recipe books or scattered notes. By digitizing your cocktail recipes, you ensure that every staff member has instant access to accurate recipes and preparation methods.
This is where using a digital system or app like Spec can revolutionize your workflow. With Spec, bartenders can quickly reference recipes, adjust for batch sizes, and maintain consistency across shifts.
For bar managers, recipe digitization eliminates redundant work - no more maintaining separate systems for costing and staff training. Since Spec automatically costs recipes as you build them, you can focus on creating great drinks while keeping your costs in check.
Looking to digitize your bar recipes and eliminate redundant work?
Get started with Spec—it’s free!
2. Establish a Communication Log
Effective communication is crucial in any fast-paced environment, and bars are no exception. Implementing a communication log, whether a physical notebook or a digital note system, can bridge the gap between shifts.
In my experience as a bar manager, I maintained a notebook behind the bar where I left notes for the bartenders scheduled for the day. In return, they would jot down updates about 86’d items, service issues, or special events. This practice ensured everyone stayed informed and prepared, fostering a cohesive team environment.
A digital log can further enhance this process by allowing real-time updates accessible from any device. With Spec, managers can send messages to staff in the app. This way, everyone has access to the latest information.
3. Pre-Batch Cocktails
For high-volume bars or events, pre-batching popular cocktails can significantly speed up service and ensure consistency. Preparing large batches of frequently ordered drinks allows bartenders to serve more efficiently, reducing wait times for customers. It’s also a great way to maintain drink quality, as pre-measured ingredients guarantee consistency in flavor and presentation. For more on this technique, check out our article on batched cocktails.
4. Regularly Purge Old Inventory
Keeping your inventory fresh is essential for maintaining a top-notch bar. Set a regular schedule to review and potentially discard expired or underused ingredients. This helps keeps storage organized. It also makes sure your customers get the best-quality ingredients.
Instead of letting underutilized products go to waste, challenge your bartenders to create daily specials featuring these ingredients. This method reduces waste and encourages creativity in your staff. This can lead to exciting new items on your menu.
5. Vertical Categories for Shelf Storage
Storage areas in complete disarray is a common sight behind closed doors in bars. Efficient use of shelf space can dramatically improve accessibility and inventory management. Many bar managers make the mistake of storing categories of product horizontally, which can lead to not having enough space to keep similar products together.
Instead, organize your shelves vertically by category. For example, dedicate a vertical slice of the shelf exclusively to whiskeys, stacking well products on the larger bottom shelf and specialty bottles on the upper levels. This method maximizes space and makes it easier to quickly find similar products, streamlining the entire inventory process.
By implementing these advanced tips, you’ll take your bar organization to the next level. From digitizing recipes to optimizing storage, each strategy is designed to enhance efficiency and ensure a smoother operation. Stay tuned for more insights and practical advice to keep your bar at the top of its game.
