Nobody likes waiting at the bar for a drink, and bartenders and operators don't like making people wait. One way to please both parties is to consider all the possible tools for bars, restaurants, stadiums, and other beverage-focused venues to help serve customers quickly and make work easier for staff.
One area where improvements can speed up service while making work safer and easier for staff is the walk-in cooler. Specifically, walk-in coolers where beer kegs are stored can enhance operational efficiencies when they're organized correctly.
Did you know that many establishments unknowingly waste up to 40% of their beer walk-in cooler footprint due to inefficient keg storage practices? This often-overlooked issue is important to discuss since optimizing cooler space can significantly enhance efficiency and profitability.
The Drawbacks of Floor Storage
Storing kegs on the floor may seem straightforward but has notable disadvantages. Poor storage severely limits keg capacity, impacting correct inventory and preventing the most popular beers from being on hand. Floor storage also poses safety hazards, as staff members may injure themselves when lifting heavy kegs from ground level, potentially leading to workplace accidents and reduced productivity. Additionally, floor-stored kegs can obstruct airflow, resulting in uneven cooling and possible product spoilage.
Transforming Keg Storage for Business Success
Implementing smart storage solutions can revolutionize cooler space. Vertical storage systems that use specialized racks or shelving units designed for kegs can dramatically increase storage capacity without expanding the cooler's footprint. Investing in storage solutions allowing easy keg retrieval speeds up service and reduces staff injury risks. Proper storage systems ensure better air circulation, maintain consistent temperatures throughout the commercial walk-in beer cooler, and preserve beer quality.
Mastering Beer Math: The Foundation of Efficient Storage
Operators and managers must know keg dimensions since different sizes have varying storage requirements. Standard half-barrel kegs measure 16.2 inches in diameter, while slim quarter-barrel kegs are 12 inches wide, and sixtel kegs are 9 inches wide. In addition to the variety of keg sizes stocked, calculating storage needs also involves considering factors such as the number of taps in the cooler and additional items stored in the beer cooler, such as bottled beers or garnishes.
While analyzing sales data helps forecast demand and optimize inventory levels, the more straightforward way to prevent overstocking or running out of popular brews is using Cooler Concepts Beer Math.
A strategic tool designed to help hospitality and beverage businesses optimize beer inventory and sales, Beer Math uses mathematical calculations and analysis based on each business's unique needs to determine the ideal inventory levels, which impact pricing strategies and sales techniques to maximize profits and minimize waste.
Taking Action for Optimal Beer Cooler Management
Establishments should audit their current setup to ensure efficient keg storage is not hindering business growth. This includes measuring the dimensions of the walk-in beer cooler, assessing the current storage practices, and taking a visual inventory. Are kegs disorganized and all over the place? Do kegs on the floor limit your business's offerings to customers?
The shelving from Cooler Concepts is hot-dipped galvanized steel. What does that mean? The steel used is dipped into a heated pool of zinc, allowing bonding and a protective coating that will never fade. How do we know our shelving is the best in the business? We've never had a warranty claim in over 30 years of business—not one, which says a lot about how our shelves stand up to wear and tear daily.
We make it easy to connect with a local dealer, get a customized design and solutions for your business, and install the shelving. Cooler Concepts also provides competitive lead times of just four weeks for customizable shelving. That means getting solid shelving that won't deteriorate in cooler temperatures and will keep your walk-in beer cooler organized for a long time.
Take our free quiz to optimize your walk-in cooler:
