Speed rails are bar accessories that you can attach anywhere in your bar and use as an extra shelf. They're usually made of stainless steel metal with measurements ranging from 15 to 48 inches and can carry up to six to ten bottles. It helps keep the most popular bottles within arms reach and ready for use. Some may include two tiers for double the bottle capacity.
Factors to Consider When Installing Speed Rails
Each Bar Station
There needs to be a speed rail for each bar station. This will increase efficiency and speed.
Measurements
The speed rail's bottoms need to be at least 12-14 inches above the ground. This will ensure that the bottles are at the functional level with your bar station.
Location
The location of where you install your speed rails must accommodate your bartender's movements. Speed rails located at the front keep the bartender's body pointed towards their customers. In contrast, speed rails at the back could hinder movement from other staff members.
Double Speed Rails
Two-tier speed rails are excellent but could lead to some issues. If placed at the front of your workstation, it may cause you to lean forward to serve your customers. They're excellent for extra storage but if you don't need it, go for the single-tier.
Liquor Order
Speed rails usually include cheap liquor like rum, vodka, and gin. Placing them in a particular order will help the bartender memorize them and speed up his serving time. The standard order is rum, vodka, gin, brandy, whiskey, scotch, bourbon, and tequila.
Some organize them according to popularity like vodka, tequila, gin, rum, scotch, bourbon triple sec, brandy, dry vermouth, and sweet vermouth. However, popularity order can be done over time. The best thing to do is to stick with the standard order and adjust it based on experience.
