BARTENDING 1

Operating the Bar

Module 07| Operating the Bar

Objectives:
1. Identify basic parts of the bar in accordance with service operation requirements.
2. Set up properly bar display and work area in accordance with establishment’s requirements and abr
service style.
3. Check necessary bar tools, equipment and utensils and readiness for service operation.

The Bar
Is one avenue for this purpose as it provides a cozy place for relaxation where customers can chat with
friends, enjoy a service of their favorite drinks, listen to music or watch a live entertainment. The word “bar”
refers the place where drinks are prepared or mixed and serve to the customers.

Types of Bar
1. Entertainment Bar – a bar designed to provide special entertainment like a live band, a “sing along” videoke
or live entertainment done by known singers, dancers and comedians. It serves high quality of alcoholic and
nonalcoholic drinks including cocktails or mixed drinks.
2. Coffee Bar – has become a phenomenon nowadays as the place not only serve high quality but also designed
to be an ideal venue for a chat with friends.
3. Stand Up Bar – simply a bar counter nside a food outlet were drinks orders are prepared. Drink order are
endorsed to the bar and they picked up by serves to be customer’s tables.
4. Mobile or Portable Bar – refers to the bar which is removable and can be transferred from one place to other.
It is usually used for parties and for special function such as banquet and catering.

Parts of a Bar
1. Front Bar – where the guest sit and drink. It is the meeting point for the customers and the bartenders where
the customer order for their drinks and are served by the bartender. The front bar should be functional and have
adequate space for pouring the drinks and serving them.

2. Back Bar – is comprised of the shelving on top where premium liquors are displayed, and cabinet underneath,
where reserve liquor bottles are restored.
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3. Under Bar – the array of equipment installed on the rear underside of the bar.

BAR OPERATING EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES AND ACCESSORIES

(Glasswares and other Operating Equipment)
 High ball glass  Cocktail shaker
 Collins glass  Bar spoon
 Old fashioned glass  Bar knife
 Champagne glass  Cutting board
 Whiskey sour glass  Fruit squeezer
 Red wine glass  Ice scoop
 Cordial glass  Funnel
 Pilsner  Cork and bottle opener
 Water goblet  Blender
 Shot glass  Brandy snifter
 Mixing glass  White wine glass
 jigger  Water pitcher
 Cocktail glass

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General Supplies
 Drink list  Matches / lighter
 Cocktail coasters  Cocktail napkins
 Cocktail picks (Cloth of Paper)
 Stirrer  Wine list
 Drinking straws

Accessories
 Ash tray  Change tray
 Tidbits containers  Tent cards for specialties of the house.
 Check holders  Flowers
 Bar trays  Other promo cards / displays
 Table lamps

Basic Preparation for Bar Set-Up

Check the cleanliness and condition of the following:
1. Bar counter
2. Bar storage area
3. Bar tools

Check the bar station

 Available stocks against the par stock list
 Make a requisition to replenish stocks
 Re-stock the bar station, ensure that the bar are clean and properly arranged.

Before opening the bar, see to it that

 Beers, juices and other perishable items are refrigerated
 Glasses and other equipment are clean and ready
 Fruits for garnishing are ready
 Ice on ice bins is available
 Alcoholic beverages are properly stored
 Bar is clean and propserly set-up

BASIC PREPARATION FOR BAR SET-UP

Physical Check-up – Check cleanliness and condition of the ff:
 Doors  Chairs
 Carpets  Bar counter
 Tables  Bar stools
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 Mirror  Store room

 curtains  Comfort room
 Lights  Public area near the outlet’s
 Pipe-in music  Plants as well as the boxes
 Air conditioning

Check-up for Bar set-up

(prior to operation)
 Beers, juices and other perishable items are refrigerated.
 Glasses and other equipment are clean and ready.
 Fruits for garnishing are ready
 Ice in ice bins are available
 Alcoholic beverages are properly displayed.
 Bar is clean and properly set-up

Beverage classification: Origins, nature and characteristics of the different alcoholic beverage
Alcoholic beverages are fermented from the sugars in fruits, berries, grains, and such other ingredients
as plant saps, tubers, honey, and milk and may be distilled to reduce the original watery liquid to a liquid of
much greater alcoholic strength. Beer is the best-known member of the malt family of alcoholic beverages,
which also includes ale, stout, porter, and malt liquor. It is made from malt, corn, rice, and hops. Beers range in
alcoholic content from about 2 percent to about 8 percent. Wine is made by fermenting the juices of grapes or
other fruits such as apples (cider), cherries, berries, or plums. Winemaking begins with the harvest of the fruit,
the juice of which is fermented in large vats under rigorous temperature control. When fermentation is
complete, the mixture is filtered, aged, and bottled. Natural, or unfortified, grape wines generally contain from 8
to 14 percent alcohol; these include such wines as Bordeaux, Burgundy, Chianti, and Sauterne. Fortified wines,
to which alcohol or brandy has been added, contain 18 to 21 percent alcohol; such wines include sherry, port,
and muscatel.
The making of distilled spirits begins with the mashes of grains, fruits, or other ingredients. The
resultant fermented liquid is heated until the alcohol and flavourings vaporize and can be drawn off, cooled, and
condensed back into a liquid. Water remains behind and is discarded. The concentrated liquid, called a distilled
beverage, includes such liquors as whiskey, gin, vodka, rum, brandy, and liqueurs, or cordials. They range in
alcoholic content usually from 40 to 50 percent, though higher or lower concentrations are found.

Brand variety of Beverage Products

1. Coca-Cola
The company is celebrating its 130th birthday this year. Despite that, the brand’s value in 2016 fell 5%, which
led it rank in 17th place. Last year it was listed in–12th place. So, what happened? Consumers are looking for
natural, healthier drinks, which is the reason why Coca-Cola sales are decreasing. Even though among cola
drinks, Coca-Cola will probably always be a number one brand, consumers are searching for less sugar and
more natural drinks. Company focus on young, creative audience encouraging their feelings and spreading the
love.

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2. PepsiCo
In 1893 Caleb Bradham challenged Coke and released its own cola brand. Due to the same trends that led Coca-
Cola’s brand value to decline, Pepsi dropped from 41st place in 2015 to 56th position this year. PepsiCo‘s
brand value declined 11%, which is more than double Coca-Cola‘s annual decline. It’s easy to notice that public
image of the company centers on mega stars. It seems that Pepsi is still focused on attracting consumers who
follow the latest trends, and fashion and are seeking to be more like their favorite celebrities

3. Red Bull
The value of the Austrian brand created in 1987 declined by 38 places, landing at 211th place this year. Due to
public health concerns, energy drinks have been losing their popularity year by year. Over the years Red Bull
has released 13 different flavors to satisfy any consumer‘s needs. One of biggest steps for the company has been
the release of a sugar-free energy drink, which reflected the company’s concerns and desire to keep its target
market healthier.

4. Bud Light
In 1982 Bud Light was introduced to consumers under Budweiser’s flag. Like many beverage products that
lost their places in 2016, Bud Light wasn’t an exception. Its brand value fell from 270th to 287th place. Bud
Light was known as a laughingstock of the beer industry for many years. It seems next year we can expect an
upswing in its ranking due to huge changes in marketing strategy.

5. Johnnie Walker
In 2020 the brand will be celebrating its 200th birthday. With nine different standard blends, the brand‘s value
unfortunately fell from 254th place in 2015 to 315th place. It’s the biggest decline among all 10 beverage
brands among the Global 500 Brands list.

6. Budweiser
The main advantage, which is obvious when talking about the Budweiser brand, is heritage. A German
immigrant, Adolphus Busch introduced Budweiser to American in 1876. Ever since, the brand has been strong,
huge and, most importantly, still made in USA

7. Heineken
Like Budweiser, Heineken‘s rank also rose this year: from 358th to 342nd place. Right now, Heineken can be
found in 192 countries, which suggests the popularity of this brand worldwide. The Heineken brand always has
made snappy commercials, which make us laugh, smile and think about good times we spend with our friends.

8. Gatorade
It’s the only sport drink brand with a value high enough to be among the other 499 global brands. Moreover,
Gatorade manage to climb the chart, from 397th place in 2015 to 374th this year. Owned by PepsiCo., Gatorade
has been on the market since 1965. It’s one of the most famous sports drink in the world and can be found in 80
countries.

9. Sprite
Sprite has been a soft drink that always promotes itself as the first weapon fighting the thirst. The brand’s
image is starting to crumble, however, because its brand value dropped more than 29 rank points this year. 2016
pushed the Sprite brand into 411th place; that means that the brand should step up its game

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10. Fanta
It’s the only beverage brand which hasn’t changed its position (488 place) in the 2016 Global Brands list. It’s
surprising how Fanta managed to keep its value, even after huge mistakes such as omitting Israel from its
website map of national markets — despite listing the Palestinian Authority.

ORDER TAKING PROCEDURE

At the correct time no longer than ten minutes after you have given the menus to the guest, return to the guest
table and be ready to take the guest order.

Approach the table at the head and wait for a break in the conversation before speaking. At this stage use the
following phase. “ Excuse me Ladies and Gentleman may I take your order.
 If you get a nod or a verbal yes to your question go ahead, if you are unsure look toward your host to get his
approval. If so take the order for the ladies first followed by the other gentlemen then the host last. Proceed
in a clockwise motion around the table.
 Move to the right hand side of the guest and ask the pertinent question
 When writing the order on to the captains order pad, always remember to split line for entree and main
course.
 Listen to the guests requests offer any advice on particular dishes on the menu and offer accompanying
condiments
 Listen carefully, ensure you completely understand, before you write, utmost importance
 Ask pertinent questions, i.e. if guest orders toast, ask if that will be white or whole-wheat toast, if the order
is for a salad, ask what type of dressing he would like with that
 Up sell any items on the menu which might go with the guests order
 Always read the order back to the guest immediately following having taken the order. Example. “ Sir
your entree is the Chicken & Scampi and your main course is the Red Mullet.
 Always use the guest name if you know it and thank him.

Suggestive selling techniques will simultaneously ensure that the store associates avoid asking bothersome,
empty filler questions that the customer simply tunes out and sets them apart as a selling expert. The rest of the
customer experience will fall into a natural conversational rhythm from there.

Let’s walk into this store again, and see how suggestive selling changes the customer experience and makes it
truly engaging:

1. Welcome Customers With a Hook & Focus on New Products

When you enter the store, you are allowed to decompress. More importantly, no one sprays you down with
unwanted fragrances.
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The associate approaches you with a simple, genuine welcome and invites you to start your store experience
with the newest product launch.

You don’t need to answer an empty question like “What can I help you find today?” (which is just a dressed up
closed-ended question) especially when you don’t have anything specific in mind.

Plus, now you know that something new just launched.

2. Connect Customers With Personalized Statements

The sales associate tells you that she will check on you, and she does. Even though there are several other
customers in the store, she checks in with you as she has with each of them.

To you, she says, “I love that scarf; it reminds me of a new necklace we just got in!” Now, you’re intrigued by
products in the store that work with accessories you already own.

3. Give Customers Product Knowledge Statements

You’ve been staring at a wall of lotions like you’re trying to decode an alien language. The sales associate
approaches you again, this time saying: “That item you’re looking at is one of our best-sellers, and a personal
favorite of mine.”

Perfect! The sales associate answered a question you had, and now you know that she will be the perfect person
to ask about a gift you are trying to put together.

4. Suggest Complementary Items & Share the Best Features

The sales associate, who is now your guru, suggests multiple complementary items instead of asking “Is there
anything else I can get you?”

She continues to engage you, saying, “We have a pair of earrings that would be perfect with that necklace; let
me show you.” Or, “If you purchase this product, you’ll qualify for a bonus gift—perfect to have on hand for
your next occasion!”

Instead of saying “No thanks, I’m just browsing” yet again, you ask questions and take her up on her
suggestions. After all, they were exactly what you needed!

You’re grateful for her help, and pleased to have the “inside track” to new products and promotions.

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5. Tell Customers About Exclusive Events, Promotions & News

At checkout, the cashier thanks you for your purchase, but he doesn’t stop there. He invites you to a special
event the store will host this weekend.

You aren’t really their target audience for this event, but you know that your daughter and all of her friends
would love to attend.

Instead of repeating empty words that you’ve heard hundreds of times, this store experience stands out from the
crowd—new products, new services, new promotions, exclusive sneak-peeks—all of which were presented to
you through easy conversations.

You walk away from this easy, hassle-free store experience knowing that you’ll be back soon!

And that is the power of suggestive selling.

References

Ama, Sylvia S., Claudio, Virgiana S., Rivera, Milanel N., Ruiz, Adela J., The Bar Companion,
2011

https://www.britannica.com/topic/alcoholic-beverageà
https://www.mydrinkbeverages.com/top-10-most-valuable-beverage-brands
http://foodandbeveragecity.blogspot.com/2013/11/order-taking-procedure.html
https://www.powerreviews.com/blog/suggestive-selling/

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