Incorporating a bar into your restaurant can dramatically increase revenue and draw in people who may not be looking for a full meal. A bar with the right interior design scheme can also define your brand. If you’re opening a restaurant, below are a few tips for maximizing the bar's impact.

3 Considerations When Building a Restaurant’s Bar

1. Traffic Flow

Many restaurant owners focus on how customers move through the building, but the flow of staff carrying food and drinks is even more important.

The bar should be situated close enough to the kitchen that staff can promptly deliver hot food to those drinking, but not so close that sights and sounds overwhelm the atmosphere. Ideally, the bar and food prep areas should have separate entrances to prevent congestion.

2. Your Brand

The bar’s design may be more creative and experimental than the rest of the restaurant, but the two should still connect thematically. For instance, an upscale cocktail lounge may seem out-of-place if linked to a casual diner.

To create a distinctive brand identity, ensure the theme flows naturally between each space. For example, use the same weathered wood surfaces and nautical antiques for the bar and dining areas in a seafood restaurant.

3. Furniture Size

Choose the furnishings and their positioning carefully. Oversized furniture can make a space feel cramped, while tables and stools that are too small can make the bar feel empty.

Before buying items, measure the space and work with your interior design team to select the bar, stools, and other elements. Professional designers will help you pick products that fit the space’s theme and dimensions.

For assistance with your commercial development, rely on Jackola Engineering & Architecture, PC, for innovative ideas and exceptional results. With an experienced team of interior designers, engineers, and architects working closely together, they’ve handled projects for clients across the country. Visit their website for more on their interior design services. Call (360) 852-8746 to reach their office in Vancouver, WA, or (406) 755-3208 to discuss a project in Kalispell, MT.