A bar manager plays a critical role in success of the establishment. When you know what your duties are and strive to go above and beyond them, you could make all the difference in the bar’s profitability and popularity. You can become a successful bar manager by utilizing these eight simple tips in your day-to-day operations.

Even if they have worked for you and the bar for months or years, your wait staff, bartenders, bus boys, and others can benefit from regular training and refreshers.

Stock Your Bar

How can you manage a successful bar if it is not well-stocked and ready to serve its customers every day? As a bar manager, it is up to you to make sure its inventory is replenished on a daily basis. You should make sure you have items on hand like:
If you run low on any of these things during a shift, you could risk not being able to serve customers and lose out on profits for the day. A well-stocked bar ensures you keep customers happy and money coming into the till.

• Glasses and mugs
• Shakers and strainers
• Cocktail mixes
• Garnishes like olives, strawberries, and mint
• Napkins and coasters
• Straws and stir sticks
• Pourers

Train Your Staff

Another important obligation you have as a manager involves training your staff. Even if they have worked for you and the bar for months or years, your wait staff, bartenders, bus boys, and others can benefit from regular training and refreshers.

You might hold monthly meetings with your staff to go over the finer points of service and keeping your customers happy. You should also hold training sessions anytime you or the bar’s owner changes the way in which the bar operates or the manner in which you serve customers. Regular training makes your staff more knowledgeable and effective.

Take Inventory Often

You should take inventory of your bar on a regular basis and preferably every few days if possible. Regular inventory lets you stay on top of risks like theft or over pours, which can cost your bar a lot of money. It also lets you keep the inventory replenished and available for your staff and customers.

If you experience shortages in alcohol inventory, you should check in with your bartending staff to make sure they are not over pouring customers’ drinks. If needed, you can insist on having the drinks weighed to the ounce to make sure you are not losing money on over pours or drinks that are not made according to the recipes.

Know Your Regulars

Your regulars are the bread and butter of your bar’s business. Get to know them by face and name. On occasion, offer them a free drink or appetizer on the house. Your regulars will appreciate being recognized and treated in this manner. They also are more likely to keep coming back to your bar.

Host Happy Hours

Your regulars and new customers alike will appreciate happy hours during which they can save money on their favorite drinks and food. When sales are lagging or you want to pick business back up to its former pace, you can introduce daily or weekly happy hours.

These times invite customers in for drink savings as well as discounts on appetizers or entrees. You may notice that business picks back up and you garner new regulars that will come to your bar on a daily or weekly basis.

Change Up the Menu

Your customers may get tired of the same thing being offered the same drinks day after day. When you want to keep customers intrigued and interested, you should mix up your drink menu on a regular basis.

You can offer a drink of the day or feature a new drink every week. You can also hold contests and invite customers to submit their favorite drink recipes. The winner may have his or her recipe added to the menu.

Cut Off Customers as Necessary

As a bar manager, you have the obligation of cutting off customers who have reached their limit of consumption. For their safety and for the bar’s reputation, you should refuse to serve customers who are obviously drunk. The bar could be held liable if they cause harm to themselves or to others because of their being over the limit.

Be an Example

Finally, a successful bar manager is someone who leads by example. Do not be afraid to roll up your sleeves and work alongside your employees. They are more likely to respect you and also follow your example of dedication to and work ethic for the bar.

A successful bar manager can make all the difference in a day’s profits. You can make your bar more successful and popular by knowing what tips to use while you work everyday.