El Mariachi Mexican Restaurant in Hamilton Ohio has been a very functional and profitable business. However, after several years of operation the owner thought it was time for some improvements. He contacted us initially after seeing our video on YouTube of how to create a more exciting bar. Once the bar was in place and the restaurant received countless compliments, he realized there were many other opportunities to upgrade his business.
The system that we invented in order to change the look of a restaurant bar is easy to implement. We use our strengths in design and production by talented craftsman. The system can be used on a new bar or on a remodel. Check out the video to see how easy it is to make an awesome looking bar.
Choosing the style and look of the bar is first. For the El Mariachi Mexican Restaurant we chose an old world, rustic Mexican style. The installing carpenter did “as built” takeoff measurements of the bar and sent them to us. Our job was to design the panel system to his measurements. Once completed, we sent the drawing to the owner’s team for their approval. Since our production is all hand made we are able to facilitate most jobs. The bar panels arrived to the client’s location ready to install in about 12 weeks.
After seeing how beautiful the bar transition was, the restaurant owner decided to use us again for custom-made bar chairs. Made from hand forged, solid iron and upholstered with heavy durable vinyl seating, these chairs are built to last. The backs of the chairs are cowhide and there is an encrusted marble accent disc.
The facade of the bar teamed up with the new stone bar top were now the highlight of the restaurant. However, the old run-of-the-mill pendant lights looked even more sad by comparison. Lighting is very important; it is an excellent way to add spots of color and artistic flair.. Time for a change. To complete the transition we added a series of artistic hand blown glass pendants. The bright colors bring an amazing festive look and elevate the concept from basic to custom.
This was a project that we completed in stages. Each time the restaurant owner saw how his sales and word-of-mouth advertising improved he wanted more. We were able to add such simply authentic touches as real handwoven tortilla baskets and authentic red pottery salsa dishes. Another big sales boost for the bar drinks was the addition of hand blown glassware. Check out the photo below to see how impressive it is to have your logo hand stamped in your custom Mexican blown glass stemware! Every shape and size you can imagine from Tequila shot glasses on up to 50 ounce fish bowl “Chavela glasses”. Why not tell your guests that for $10 more they can take the beautiful glass home with them … it’s another profit center!
Keeping the guest experience at the forefront of our designs, we have to take advantage of each and every opportunity to make a lasting impression. As each of our diners enjoys their meal for approximately 45 minutes we also have to thin about what they have for visual stimulation. Since there are not many walls to hang art we turn to the ceilings. Grouped lights are a great way to anchor each section of the dining room. We choose Mexican metal & glass hanging in groups from a specially created ceiling disk. They give a wonderful focal point for the guests and create a beautiful ambience.
The next problem (and what a great problem to have) was to increase the size of the hostess desk in order to handle more customers. After understanding the work flow of the hosts and the strategy used in this establishment for seating we were able to make some suggestions. We created an L-shaped desk with the appropriate storage specifically for their needs. We gave it a similar rustic look using solid wood and handcrafted techniques. By giving the host and sometimes host team, a little more room to work, we made seating the restaurant in a controlled manner much easier. Now, not only is the new desk extremely functional it is a handsome addition to the overall décor, which fortifies the theme at the very arrival of each guest.
The end result of implementing these decor changes has, with out a doubt, made El Mariachi more successful. Just from the posts on social media you can tell how the customers are excited about each chapter in the renovation. You know how this important positive feedback from customers is to your business. Every time a regular tells you how much they love the space and that they are bringing their friends you know that that equals more profits.