MTI Blog | Ventless Revolution

Boosting Your Bar Business: Why Adding a Food Menu is a Game-Changer

Written by Danielle Fantasia | Sep 12, 2025 12:00:00 PM

Running a successful bar isn’t just about pouring great drinks, it’s about creating an experience that keeps customers coming back. And one of the most effective ways to elevate that experience is by adding a food menu. Offering food not only increases customer satisfaction, but it also drives up sales, encourages longer stays, and sets your bar apart from the competition.

Why Food Belongs on Your Bar Menu

  • Higher Revenue Per Guest: When patrons can enjoy both drinks and food, their tab naturally increases.
  • Longer Visits: Guests are more likely to order that second (or third) round when they don’t need to leave for a bite elsewhere.
  • New Customer Base: Adding food makes your bar more appealing to groups, families, and guests looking for a more complete night out.
  • Event-Friendly Atmosphere: Whether it’s trivia night, live music, or a big game, having food on the menu makes your bar a go-to destination.

The best part? You don’t need a full kitchen or expensive renovations to make it happen. With a ventless, fully automated fryer like AutoFry®, you can serve up delicious fried favorites without the need for hoods or ventilation systems. That means minimal hassle, maximum profit, and a whole new world of menu opportunities.

Perfect Pairings: Drinks and Fried Favorites

Nothing pairs with a cold beer or craft cocktail quite like crispy, golden fried food. Here are a few “perfect pairings” that can turn your bar into the ultimate hangout spot:

  • Classic Lager + Crispy Chicken Wings
    A refreshing lager balances perfectly with the bold, savory flavor of wings. Offer a variety of sauces to keep guests coming back to try them all.
  • IPA + Loaded Fries
    The hoppy bite of an IPA cuts through the richness of crispy fries topped with cheese, bacon, and scallions, making for a bold and satisfying combo.
  • Hard Cider + Fried Mozzarella Sticks
    Sweet, crisp cider complements the gooey, salty goodness of mozzarella sticks. A simple yet irresistible crowd-pleaser.
  • Craft Cocktail (Margarita) + Fried Shrimp
    The zesty lime and tequila punch of a margarita pairs beautifully with crispy fried shrimp and a tangy dipping sauce.
  • Stout + Onion Rings
    The deep, roasted flavors of a stout beer are enhanced by the sweet crunch of golden onion rings, a hearty pairing perfect for cooler nights.

How AutoFry Makes It Easy

AutoFry’s fully enclosed, ventless system makes it safe and simple for any bar to add fried foods to their menu, no chef, no hoods, no problem. With user-friendly touchscreen automation, you can fry wings, fries, onion rings, mozzarella sticks, and more with minimal labor and consistent results. It’s the easiest way to expand your offerings and maximize profits without overhauling your space.

Final Pour

Adding food to your bar menu isn’t just an upgrade, it’s a smart investment. With the right equipment, like AutoFry, you can serve crowd-pleasing fried favorites that pair perfectly with your drink selection. Give your guests more reasons to stay, sip, and savor, and watch your bottom line grow.