Planning Your Bar Setup

Proper bar setup ensures efficient cocktail preparation and service during your events.

What is Bar Setup?

Bar setup refers to the physical arrangement of:

• Spirits, mixers, and ingredients
• Tools and equipment
• Glassware
• Garnishes and decorations
• Service areas and workstations

Creating a Bar Setup Plan

From an Event

1. Open the event details
2. Tap "Bar Setup"
3. Select "Create Setup Plan"

From the Bar Setup Screen

1. Go to "Bar Setup" in the main menu
2. Tap "Create New Setup"
3. Link to an event or create a standalone plan

Components of a Bar Setup

Bar Stations

Define your service areas:

1. Tap "Add Station"
2. Choose station type:
   • Main bar
   • Satellite bar
   • Self-service station
   • Preparation area
3. Configure each station's requirements

Equipment Assignment

Select tools for each station:

1. From a station, tap "Assign Equipment"
2. Choose from your inventory or suggestions
3. Review the recommended quantities
4. Adjust as needed

Product Placement

Organize your ingredients:

1. Tap "Product Placement"
2. Assign products to stations
3. Arrange in suggested ergonomic order
4. Review for efficiency

Glassware Planning

Allocate appropriate glassware:

1. Select "Glassware"
2. View recommendations based on menu
3. Assign quantities to each station
4. Consider wash/reuse cycles for longer events

Theme-Based Setups

Apply your event theme to the bar:

1. From the Setup screen, tap "Apply Theme"
2. View theme-specific recommendations:
   • Decoration elements
   • Serving style suggestions
   • Garnish presentation
   • Lighting and atmosphere

Space Planning

Optimize your physical layout:

1. Tap "Space Planning"
2. Enter available dimensions
3. View suggested layouts
4. Customize with drag-and-drop tools

Preparation Timeline

Plan your setup schedule:

1. Select "Timeline"
2. View suggested preparation sequence
3. Assign tasks and times
4. Set reminders for critical steps

Setup Checklists

Create comprehensive to-do lists:

1. Tap "Generate Checklist"
2. Review automated suggestions
3. Add custom items
4. Share with helpers
5. Check off items as completed

Templates and Presets

Save successful setups for reuse:

1. After creating a setup, tap "Save as Template"
2. Name your template
3. Select elements to include
4. Apply to future events

Mobile Service Planning

For events without fixed bar locations:

1. Select "Mobile Service"
2. Configure tray service options
3. Plan runner routes
4. Coordinate with food service

Clean-up Plan

Prepare for post-event breakdown:

1. Tap "Clean-up Plan"
2. View suggested breakdown sequence
3. Create storage instructions
4. Set disposal guidelines for perishables

Printing Setup Instructions

Create physical reference materials:

1. From any setup plan, tap "Print"
2. Choose what to include:
   • Station diagrams
   • Equipment lists
   • Product placement guides
   • Timeline
3. Select format (detailed or quick reference)
4. Print or export as needed

Tips for Effective Bar Setup

• Plan your setup based on drink complexity and volume
• Keep high-volume ingredients most accessible
• Separate preparation and service areas when possible
• Account for ice storage and management
• Ensure adequate lighting at preparation areas
• Consider flow of guest traffic when placing stations
• Designate a specific area for empty glasses
• Have a clear plan for waste and recycling
• Test your setup before guests arrive