Building a Sports Bar, need ideas..

[Stantondf]

The topic pretty much explains what I am trying to do. I am having a hard time designing the horse shoe 'bar'. Does anyone have any designs or ideas they would like to share?

The bar in question should support at least 20 chairs..

Thanks in advance!

Stanton

[BrewGuru]

I would contact a licensed interior design / space planning professional or architect who is familiar with the code where you are located and have them assist you in designing your bar. This is imperative when it comes time for your inspections and for issuance of your certificate of occupancy.

High quality individuals will be able to take your as-built, walk through the space with you and then provide you a design that expresses your idea and is compliant with building, health and safety, and fire codes. Some designers can show you a 3D virtual tour of your interior with varying levels of detail. Always seek multiple designs from different firms or individuals and speak with them about the level of their involvement, if any, in the entire process from planning the space to opening your doors.

[Scott Zuhse]

In addition to the architects / designers, seek out local restaurant equipment specifiers and a qualified draft system installer.

Eventually, once your design, budgeting and planning is complete, hire a contractor who is a great communicator and has a track record of getting things done efficiently and on time. Your desire would be to have all of these individuals on the same page.

[Draught Prophet]

As someone who worked in the bar biz in my previous life, I can tell you that a horseshoe bar is the hardest to work and the least friendly. You always have your back to someone and you are required to walk farther to service which adds a few seconds which kills you during rushes. Look at an Outback, I can tell you they are not easy to work in.

If you have a large open area in the centre you are wasting valuable space as well.

Ensure you have sufficient shelving under the bar for branded draught glasses. Not many bars are pouring into the correct branded glass. Molson Canada did a survey last year where they showed 1000 people a draught in an unbranded glass and asked them what they thought is was worth. They asked another 1000 the same question except the pint was in the correct branded glass and the second group valued it at 48 cents higher. This means you can charge a bit more for using branded glasses and the guest still feels they have fair value. This is the #1 way to drive more money to your bottom line. Don't let your designer/GC tell you that you only need a few shelves; you will need more than you think.

I would strongly recommend that you re-visit your bar layout.

Cheers.

[DCullender]

Where are you building your sports bar? If you are in Virginia, give me a call, I'd be happy to sit down with you over a pint and talk bar.

I agree that your best bet may be contacting a restaurant design company. We have a couple here in Richmond and they really do a great job in planning the layout of a restaurant/bar and providing a schedule of equipment required.

Dennis
The Draft Doctor

[HBSean]

I agree with hiring a professional to handle the details but I would recommend starting with a look and feel that you and your friends like. There are some bars that just have a great "feel". This will give a design firm a starting point.

[benjb22]

'Horseshoe" bars appear to be a bit more difficult to work (as someone commented herein). I've worked behind many bars but never a HS.

As far as design I recall a HS shaped one on Catalina Island at the Marlin Club. Nautically-themed, obviously, and the HS was the bow of a boat (the front leading to a point). I recall the bar being for sale and there were pictures of it. If the pictures are anywhere they'd be on <external link removed>. I think this place started the mememic for the term "dive bar".

[benjb22]

Forget the RE angle. Go to their site <(broken)external link removed> the world famous Marlin Club[/url] and look to the lower left hand corner of the home page for a picture.