In 1961, Bar Maid introduced the first five brush Electric Glass Washing Machine as the “World’s Most Efficient Glass Washer.” With five spinning brushes to simultaneously scrub the inside and outside of glasses, it proved an economical way to ensure the fast, easy removal of tough stains like lipstick and fruit pulp. The compact submersible Electric Glass Washer, and later the upright model, quickly became the professional bartender’s choice for durability, efficiency and size small enough to fit in almost any bar sink.
While competitive copies soon emerged, Bar Maid Washers remained the quality leader. To compliment their Washer line, Bar Maid also offered their unique LoSUDS Detergent for clean, spotless glassware and later the Sani-Maid Sanitizer for the ultimate in glassware sanitation.
“We are proud to say that Bar Maid Electric Glass Washers are still assembled by hand in the USA the way they were over 50 years ago and that we have chosen the highest quality products, Made in USA where available, for our Bar Necessities line to lead us into the next 50 years,” said Bar Maid owner and President George Shepherd.
While Bar Maid has made minor improvements to their famous five brush Electric Glass Washers over the years, perhaps the most important evolution has been in the brushes. As the different sizes and shapes of glassware have evolved, Bar Maid has developed a wide variety of brush styles to clean virtually any size or shape of glass, including shot and margarita glasses, pitchers, coffee pots and extra tall glassware. The company also offers “softie” brushes with softer bristles for plastic glassware and special sized brushes upon request.
The company added more innovative products including the KP Cart and KP Dolly for easy moving of heavy beer kegs or trash cans. A one and a two horsepower bar blender, along with two citrus juicers, were added to round out the bar equipment line.
In 2011, Bar Maid set its eye on being the #1 source of bar supplies too and unveiled its line of “Best in the Bar” Bar Necessities. High quality, mostly Made in USA products designed for professional bartenders including measured pourers, shot and “bomb” cups, mats, caddy organizers and much, much more. Bar Maid continued to expand its product catalog, most recently including a line of Fly-Bye products to help the hospitality industry combat pesky fruit flies, a commercial glass polisher and a citrus wedger.
Bar Maid Corporation, of Pompano Beach, FL, remains a privately held company focused on the best quality products for the bar.