Connor Welsh Connor Welsh

Infusions Behind the Bar: Methods, Costs, and Tools for Success

Infusions are one of the most powerful tools behind the bar—for locking in flavor, speeding up service, and boosting profitability. This guide breaks down practical methods, timelines, and tools bar managers can use to run a consistent, cost-effective infusion program.

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Connor Welsh Connor Welsh

What Every Great Cocktail Menu Has in Common

Great cocktail menus don’t happen by accident.
This article breaks down the five elements every successful menu has in common—Balance, Logistics, Engagement, Numbers, and Deliciousness—and shows you how to apply the B.L.E.N.D. framework to create drinks your guests love and your bar team can actually execute.

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Connor Welsh Connor Welsh

Bar Foam – A Cost-Effective Egg White Alternative for Bar Programs

With egg prices skyrocketing due to the avian flu outbreak, many bar managers are rethinking the use of egg whites in cocktails. The need for a cost-effective, allergen-free alternative has never been greater. Enter Bar Foam—a simple, house-made solution that delivers the same luxurious texture and foam without the waste or cost volatility.

In this article, we explore how Bar Foam compares to egg whites, its benefits for bar programs, and how to seamlessly integrate it into cocktail service. Plus, we share a proven Bar Foam recipe and how Spec can help streamline recipe costing and staff training.

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Connor Welsh Connor Welsh

Happy Hour Done Right: Value for Customers, Profits for You

Happy Hour isn’t just about cheap drinks—it’s a strategic tool to drive traffic, increase sales, and boost customer loyalty. By carefully structuring discounts, focusing on high-margin items, and leveraging data to optimize pricing, bars and restaurants can turn slow hours into profitable ones. Instead of simply cutting prices, the best Happy Hour programs use tiered discounts, bundled deals, and smart upselling tactics to maximize revenue while keeping guests happy. When done right, Happy Hour doesn’t just fill seats—it builds long-term customer relationships and strengthens your bottom line.

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Connor Welsh Connor Welsh

How to Acid-Adjust Juice for Cocktails: A Guide for Balanced Bar Programs

Learn the art of acid-adjusting juices to elevate your cocktail game. This guide explains why lemon and lime dominate cocktail recipes, how to balance sweeter juices like orange and pineapple, and the step-by-step process for acid-adjusting juices. Unlock creative possibilities for your bar program while maintaining profitability with Spec's tools for recipe costing and management.

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Connor Welsh Connor Welsh

Boost Your Bar Program with Super Juice: More Yield, Less Waste

Discover the benefits of using Super Juice in your bar program. In this article, we explore how this innovative citrus extraction method, created by Nickle Morris, can help bar managers increase yield, reduce waste, and extend the shelf life of citrus juices. Learn the pros and cons see our batch-recipe. Whether you're looking to cut costs or boost efficiency, Super Juice might be the game-changer your bar needs.

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Calum Cooke Calum Cooke

5 Tips For A More Organized Bar

Learn 5 actionable tips to streamline your bar operations, from inventory management to staff training. Boost efficiency and profitability with expert advice for bar managers.

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Calum Cooke Calum Cooke

COVID-19 Resources For Hospitality

Discover practical strategies for bar and restaurant owners to navigate challenges during COVID-19. Learn how to adapt operations, support staff, and maintain profitability.

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