News
Smart Bar USA Selected by UNLV’s Black Fire Innovation Hub to Showcase Cutting-Edge Beverage Automation Technology
Smartender Automated Cocktail Systems Recognized for Revolutionizing Beverage Operations and Service in Industries from Hospitality and Gaming to Airports and Amusement Parks
Las Vegas, NV – January 29, 2025 – Smart Bar USA LLC, a leading provider of automated cocktail and beverage dispensing technology, is honored to have been selected by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and its Black Fire Innovation Hub, a premier platform dedicated to accelerating innovation in hospitality, gaming, and entertainment. As part of this recognition, Smart Bar USA will install its flagship Smartender Automated Cocktail Systems within the Black Fire Innovation Hub to highlight the transformative potential of automation in the beverage industry.
This selection underscores Black Fire’s commitment to fostering industry-academic partnerships that promote cutting-edge research, student engagement, and real-world applications of next-generation technology. By showcasing the Smartender Automated Cocktail System, the initiative offers a tangible example of how automation can drive efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer experiences in hospitality and gaming venues.
“Our mission has always been to revolutionize beverage service through innovation,” said Barry Fieldman, Founding Member of Smart Bar USA LLC. “Being chosen by the Black Fire Innovation Hub provides an incredible opportunity to not only demonstrate the value of automated cocktail dispensing but also to engage with future hospitality leaders at UNLV. Together, we’re shaping the future of beverage operations by emphasizing precision, efficiency, and a commitment to customer satisfaction.”
The installation of Smartender systems at Black Fire serves as a live demonstration platform for key stakeholders in hospitality and entertainment to experience firsthand how automation can address today’s most pressing industry challenges—including labor shortages, operational inefficiencies, and waste management. The system’s cutting-edge features, including precise pouring technology, seamless POS integration, and rapid drink preparation in under 4 seconds, exemplify the technological advancements that are reshaping the beverage service landscape.
“Black Fire Innovation is a place where industry meets academia to tackle today’s challenges and build tomorrow’s solutions,” said Robert Rippee, Executive Director of the Black Fire Innovation Hub. “Smart Bar USA’s involvement enhances our ability to demonstrate the latest innovations in automation to the hospitality industry, while providing our students with hands-on exposure to the technologies that will shape the future and enrich their careers. This partnership is a win-win for UNLV, our industry partners, and the broader business community.”
Beyond showcasing automation technology, the selection opens doors to internships, research initiatives, and consulting opportunities, offering Smart Bar USA access to the extensive resources of UNLV, one of the nation’s top-tier research universities. This dynamic partnership not only strengthens the bridge between industry and academia but also contributes to the broader mission of Black Fire Innovation to drive economic development and innovation in Nevada.
For more information about Smart Bar USA and its Smartender Automated Cocktail Systems, visit www.smartbarusa.com.
About Smart Bar USA LLC.
Smart Bar USA LLC is the world’s leading manufacturer of automated cocktail dispensers, holding patents in North America as well as 32 additional countries. The company was founded in 2012 with the goal to revolutionize the drink service industry by increasing accuracy and efficiency. Headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada the company first launched with its Smartender™ Portable product line. In 2015 the company expanded its offering to include the highly successful Smartender™ Modular unit, a countertop permanent installation designed for incorporation into existing bar systems and most POS systems.
About UNLV Black Fire Innovation
Located at the Harry Reid Research and Technology Park, Black Fire Innovation serves to accelerate innovation for hospitality, gaming, and entertainment. Opened in 2020 in collaboration with Caesars Entertainment Corporation, this living lab is ideal for engaging in cutting edge translation research and innovation. Within the facility, industry can work with researchers, students, and entrepreneurs to create disruptive innovations. As the home to both tech developments and early-stage startups, Black Fire will have a resounding impact for decades to come. For more information on UNLV's Office of Economic Development, please visit www.unlv.edu/econdev.
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UNLV Black Fire Innovation Hub
Smartender Automated Cocktail System
QSR Automations Integrates with SmartBar USA
Seamless third party integrations make revolutionary dining concepts possible
LOUISVILLE, Ky, June 12, 2023 — When two innovative pieces of technology come together, the result is greater than the sum of its parts. QSR Automations, the industry leader in kitchen technology and creator of the ConnectSmart® platform, and SmartBar USA, creator of Smartender® automated cocktail dispenser, is one such partnership already serving thousands of diners each day across North America.
Diners today are more discerning than ever. They want a broad selection of menu items, served efficiently, and won’t compromise on quality. These demands can put a strain on waitstaff, who may be facing other challenges as the labor shortage continues to plague restaurants. Leveraging technology is the best way to provide a positive dining experience for guests, and help servers stay calm, cool and collected. ConnectSmart® and SmartBar are one such winning combination.
ConnectSmart® offers myriad custom solutions that create calmer kitchens and a better dining experience for guests, including improved order accuracy, back-of-house efficiencies, timed deployment and much more. Similarly, the Smartender automated cocktail dispenser automatically executes even the most complicated cocktail recipes with accuracy to 1/16th of an ounce, with pouring speeds of under four seconds per cocktail.
When an order is placed at an ordering station it is received in the back-of-house by ConnectSmart® Kitchen, which then routes the cocktail or wine order to Smartender for nearly instantaneous order fulfillment. The result is greater consistency across orders, and less reliance on human labor, while diners enjoy quick, accurate service.
The integration between ConnectSmart and SmartBar is just one example of how QSR Automations work with other technology companies to offer restaurant operators customer solutions to meet their unique needs. And because ConnectSmart integrates seamlessly with more than 70 other POS systems, operators can upgrade without needing to replace their entire tech stack.
“The collaboration that takes place during these integrations is exciting and inspiring,” said Jennifer Karpinsky, Vice President of Business Development at QSR Automations. “Joining forces with these other innovative companies helps us create a solution for our customers that tangibly improves their guests’ experience and in turn evolves the industry. The possibilities are endless when we work together.”
“We never set out to make a one-size-fits-all software solution,” said QSR Automations CEO Angela Leet. “Each of our customers offers a unique experience for its guests, and its been an honor to help bring this partnership to life.”
About QSR Automations
QSR Automations, headquartered in Louisville, KY with offices in the United Kingdom, is a global industry leader in kitchen automation and guest management services. Since 1996, restaurant operators have turned to the brand’s signature platform, ConnectSmart®, for customized solutions to improve the guest experience and drive operational excellence. Used in 21 of the nation’s top 25 casual dining chains, ConnectSmart® leverages data to create customized solutions that make calmer kitchens, simpler workflows, and happier guests.
We didn’t just pioneer restaurant technology. We perfected it.
Smart Bar USA Releases the Smartender GO™
Portable & Automated Cocktail System in Partnership with Lancer Worldwide
Scalable automated cocktail system in durable and convenient plug-and-play package delivers complete location flexibility for beverage operators.
Las Vegas, NV – September 6, 2022 – Smart Bar USA LLC, a leading provider of automated cocktail and beverage dispensing technology, today announced the launch of the Smartender GO™ portable and automated cocktail system for beverage operators worldwide looking to improve accuracy and efficiency, while delivering enhanced convenience for customers.
Designed in partnership with global beverage dispensing leader, Lancer Worldwide, the Smartender GO raises the innovation bar—bringing together next-generation technology, design and durability to the portable automated cocktail space.
“Demand for automated solutions that improve operational efficiency has increased significantly over recent years, comments Barry Fieldman, Managing Member of Smart Bar USA LLC. “Whether it’s to combat labor shortages, fluctuations in footfall or to minimize wastage, one thing is certain – solutions that are both flexible and scalable give operators the power to pivot and capitalize on valuable opportunities regardless of location. That’s why we designed the Smartender GO with portability, power and precision at its core. No other automated cocktail system delivers go-anywhere portability in such a compact and durable design.”
A fully contained plug-and-play solution, the Smartender GO can accommodate and house 8 different liquors and 6 different mixers to dispense an endless combination of cocktails. Each unit comes equipped with onboard water supply and filters, waste management, intelligent liquor supply troughs, mixer supply tanks, integrated ice bin, Co2 supply, and carbonator.
Powered by Smartender Ops software, the Smartender GO is simple to configure and operate. Beverage service staff process cocktail orders using a 10” capacitive touch screen that communicates seamlessly with major POS systems. The patent pending Smartender pouring nozzle uses a unique delivery system for simultaneous liquor and mixer pouring, which eliminates cross-liquor and mixer contamination to ensure high quality product taste for all ingredients. With average cocktail pours recorded at under 4 seconds and high precision liquor pours within 1/16th of an ounce, the Smartender GO delivers industry leading speed and accuracy.
For more information about the new Smartender GO, please visit HERE.
About Lancer Worldwide
Lancer Worldwide is the leader in next-generation beverage dispensing, and the new brand of Lancer Corporation, established in 1967 in San Antonio, Texas. Lancer Worldwide leads in innovation and is committed to delivering a beverage dispensing experience that exceeds customer expectations. Through quality and a passion for innovation, Lancer Worldwide creates products that generate profit for its customers worldwide and give them a distinct advantage in the marketplace. Lancer Corporation is a subsidiary of Hoshizaki Corporation, one of the world's largest suppliers of commercial kitchen equipment. Lancer Worldwide maintains sales and manufacturing facilities in the United States, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, and the United Kingdom. www.lancerworldwide.com
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Smart Bar USA Launches Sleek and Stylish Smartender™ A5000 Series Automated Cocktail Dispenser
Ultra-slim and compact cocktail dispenser raises the bar to bring power and precision to automated bar service
Las Vegas, NV – January 24, 2022 – Smart Bar USA LLC, a leading provider of automated cocktail and beverage dispensing technology, today announced the launch of the Smartender™ A5000 series -- delivering power, precision and efficiency to the beverage service sector in an ultra-slim and compact form factor.
Available in three liquor capacity-specific models (18, 34 and 50), the Smartender A5000 series breaks the mold of commercial-grade automated beverage dispensers with a sleek and stylish design that meets the needs of both front-of-house and back-of-house deployments where space is a premium.
An evolution and extension of the groundbreaking Smartender Modular and Portable series, the new A5000 uses the latest Smart Bar software and technology for a host of added features and benefits including, multi-unit control, advanced performance analytics, hundreds of customizable cocktail recipes, integration with existing POS systems, as well as connectivity with the latest mobile ordering technology, such as digital payments and QR codes.
“The A5000 series is a real game-changer,” comments Barry Fieldman, Managing Member of Smart Bar USA LLC. “With its compact footprint, innovative features, and technology, the A5000 can be deployed practically anywhere where there’s a need for efficient cocktail service. With operators feeling the impact of issues such as unpredictable customer footfall and staff shortages, now is the time for automated dispensing technology to prove its true worth and help the likes of bars, restaurants and entertainment overcome their challenges.”
In addition to the new design and features, the A5000 is also equipped with Smart Bar USA’s patented dispensing technology which enables the simultaneous pouring of liquors and mixers, resulting in unparalleled pouring speed that average just four seconds, along with supreme dispensing accuracy -- improving beverage service for operators looking to maximize overall performance and efficiency.
The New A5000 Smartender Automated Cocktail Dispenser
Resorts World Las Vegas Selects Smartender
Las Vegas, NV – August 25, 2020 – Smart Bar USA LLC announces that it has been selected by Resorts World Las Vegas to supply and service the new 88-acre integrated resort with the revolutionary Smartender™ Automated Cocktail Dispensing System.
Recognized for its cutting-edge design and performance, the Smartender™ is the premier automated cocktail dispensing system available on the market today. As part of the agreement, Resorts World Las Vegas is set to provide Smartender™ cocktail service throughout its entire property including the 117,000-square-foot casino and expansive pool areas, providing a clean and consistent tool for the resort’s bartending staff.
The Smartender™ was selected thanks to its superior quality, short ROI and industry-leading technology. Elements such as the system’s patented Speed Pour™ feature ensures ultra-fast service and impeccable pour accuracy, simultaneously delivering four liquors and one mixer in less than five seconds.
“Smart Bar USA is delighted to be selected by Resorts World Las Vegas,” comments Barry Fieldman, Managing Member of Smart Bar USA LLC. “As our largest single property installation, we look forward to being part of this $4.3 billion dollar project and helping to bring the latest beverage technology, convenience and efficiency to the forefront of the resort’s onsite beverage service.”
Resorts World Las Vegas is scheduled to open in summer 2021 and is poised to be the most progressive integrated resort on the Strip with leading technology and world-class guest service. Smart Bar USA will supply several of its product types to the resort as part of the agreement.