Many people who run small stores always think that the bar counter is just a "platform for storing things", and that they can just buy a ready-made product or build a cabinet. However, after installation, they find that either the size is wrong and blocks the way, or the material gets moldy after half a year of use, or it doesn't even match the overall style, and it doesn't even look good when taking photos or Posting on social media. In fact, the bar counter is not a "supporting role" at all - for small stores like bakeries and coffee shops, the bar counter is the first place that customers see when they enter the store. It is the core for you to showcase your products and interact with customers, and even directly affects the work efficiency of your employees. Let me analyze it for you.
1. Figure out what your bar counter is supposed to do
Just like the bakery in the picture, the bar counter is not uniform at all: the long bar counter near the entrance is an open bread display area. The countertop is marble-patterned, with freshly baked bread and Borek pies placed on it, making it convenient for customers to take them at will. The arc-shaped glass cabinet bar counter in the middle is the cake refrigeration display area, equipped with multiple layers of anti-fog glass and internal warm light lamps, specifically for storing cakes and desserts that need to be kept at low temperatures. Next to the kitchen, there is a bar counter with grooves, which serves as an ice cream operation counter with a stainless steel inner liner and a drain.
*.Is it a "display type" bar counter?
For instance, in a bakery or cake shop, if a large area of products need to be displayed, should they be refrigerated or kept warm? For refrigeration, the bar counter should reserve space for the compressor and also consider heat dissipation; for insulation, materials that can withstand high temperatures should be selected.
*. Is it an "operational" bar counter?
For instance, in coffee shops and milk tea stores, equipment needs to be placed and beverages made. The countertop should be scratch-resistant, waterproof and impermeable, and sockets and drains should also be reserved.
*. Or "hybrid type"?
For instance, in this bakery, some products are displayed in front of the counter while the staff operate at the back. At this time, the height difference between the front and back needs to be considered - the side where customers view the products should be lower, and the side where the staff operate can be higher to avoid hunchback.
Don't let the bar counter become a "bottleneck" in the store
The bar counter design of this bakery that I admire the most is the layout of the circulation: the long, narrow bread bar counter at the entrance extends along the wall, allowing customers to stroll slowly along the counter without having to push back and forth. The arc-shaped cake counter in the middle is designed in the form of an island counter, allowing a 360-degree view. Moreover, its corners are rounded, so it won't bump into people. The seating area by the window has a wide distance between the bar counter and the tables and chairs, so it's no problem for two people to pass sideways.
A common mistake made by many beginners is to make the bar counter too large and long, resulting in it occupying half of the aisle. It's hard for customers to turn around when they come in, and employees have to take a detour to get their goods. Here are a few practical tips for everyone:
- First, draw a simple workflow diagram
Where do customers enter and where do they go? What is the operation route for the staff? The bar counter should be placed in a non-conflicting area. For instance, in a small rectangular store, a long bar counter is made along one side of the wall, while a passage is left on the other side. If it is a square-shaped store, you can set up an arc-shaped island counter in the middle like this one, which not only showcases the products but also does not block the way.
- Don't set the height randomly
Generally speaking, for the display area where customers look at products, a height of 90 to 110cm is the most suitable, which is just at eye level, so there's no need to look down or up. The countertop for employees to operate is comfortable with a height of 80 to 90cm, and they don't need to bend over. If it is a dual-purpose bar counter, a height difference can be made, with the front being lower and the back higher, taking into account both display and operation.
- Don't cut corners
For instance, the curved bar counter in this store has rounded corners. This not only looks soft but also prevents customers and employees from bumping into it. Especially in crowded bakeries, the right-angled bar counter is really easy to bump into your head. Don't save a little money and stick anti-collision strips later. It's so ugly.
One must "shoulder the burden"
The countertop: It is made of quartz stone with a marble-like texture, which looks high-end and is scratch-resistant and impermeable. Flour and oil stains can be wiped clean easily, unlike natural marble which will turn yellow and lose color over time. The countertop of the open bread area is made of white marble, which matches the overall light luxury feel very well. The countertop of the ice cream operation counter is made of stainless steel, which is durable and easy to clean.
The cabinet facade: Two types of materials are used. One is a light wood-colored decorative panel, which echoes the color of the tables and chairs in the store, giving a warm and cozy look. Another type is the blue vertical pattern integrated wall panel, which is waterproof and moisture-proof. This type is used for the bar counter near the kitchen. It is not afraid of steam and moisture, and is also less likely to mold or deform. Moreover, the vertical pattern design makes even if there are scratches, they are not obvious, and it is much dirt-resistant than the smooth surface.
The glass section: The cake display cabinet uses tempered anti-fog glass. The temperature difference between the inside and outside of the refrigeration cabinet is large, so it won't fog up. Customers can clearly see the cakes inside, and it won't feel like they are covered with a layer of fog. Moreover, tempered glass is safe and won't break easily even if it's accidentally touched.
Here are a few key points for everyone:
- Don't be tempted by low prices for the countertop: Don't use ordinary artificial stone as it is prone to scratches and color seepage. Don't use pure wooden countertops either. Bakeries are very humid and it's very easy for them to mold and deform. If the budget allows, choose quartz stone. If the budget is limited, select stainless steel (but choose the brushed type as it is less likely to leave fingerprints), or fireproof boards that imitate marble. They offer good value for money and are durable.
- The cabinet body must be moisture-proof: especially in areas close to the kitchen and where there is water, do not use ordinary particleboard, as it will bulge when exposed to moisture. Give priority to multi-layer solid wood boards with waterproof finishes, or metal frames with waterproof boards. They can be used for five or six years without any problem.
- Don't overlook the skirting boards: The bottom of the bar counter in this store is all covered with black skirting boards. They not only block the gap between the cabinet and the floor to prevent water from entering, but also make cleaning convenient. When mopping the floor, the cabinet won't get wet. The details are really well done.
The bar counter is your "first business card"
When many people choose a bar counter, they completely ignore its compatibility with the overall decoration. As a result, after the installation, they find that the bar counter is out of place with the style of the store, as if it had been forced in. The overall style of this bakery is modern, light luxury with a touch of retro charm: a wine-red brand logo wall, golden lines, small blue-green square bricks, a retro flower tile floor, and light wood-colored tables and chairs. The design of the bar counter fully incorporates this style:
The light wood-colored top of the bar counter echoes the wood color of the tables and chairs, maintaining an overall warm and cozy atmosphere. The vertical blue facade echoes the blue-green tiles on the wall, with a unified color that is not jarring. The light luxury of the marble countertop, when paired with the golden lines of the brand logo wall, gives it a very high-quality look. Even the chandelier above the bar counter is of the same style as the spherical lamp in front of the logo wall. The light shines on the bar counter, making the bread and cakes look particularly inviting. As soon as customers enter the door, their eyes are immediately drawn to the bar counter and the logo wall, and the brand impression is immediately deep.
In fact, the style of the bar counter doesn't need to be overly complicated. Just capture one or two elements that echo the overall decoration: for instance, if your store is in an ins style, you can use white and natural wood color. For a retro style, use dark colors and metallic lines. For industrial style, cement grey and black metal are used. Don't add too many fancy elements, or it will look messy instead.
- The open bread bar allows customers to directly see the appearance of the bread and even smell the freshly baked aroma. This tangible and visible feeling is more likely to stimulate the desire to purchase than looking through the glass.
- The cake counter uses curved glass, allowing customers to see the cakes from different angles without having to crowd in one place. The experience is very good.
- The lights in the bar counter were all warm yellow, illuminating the bread and cakes with rich colors, making them look particularly delicious. It was much better than the effect of cold white light.
- There is sufficient space left between the employee operation area and the customer display area. When employees pick up goods, they won't bump into customers, and customers won't be blocked either. The interaction is very comfortable.
