Tobin Ellis
studio barmagic founder and principal

Tobin Ellis

Tobin Ellis is the founder and principal of Studio Barmagic (est. 1997), where decades behind the bar evolved into one of hospitality's most distinctive careers in bar design, innovation, and operational performance.

A former six-time international bartending champion, author, patented inventor, and multiple award-winning designer, Tobin pioneered bartender-centric bar design through the study of bartender biomechanics, ergonomics, workflow kinematics, and beverage operations. His company’s work spans luxury hotels, casino resorts, restaurants, stadiums, arenas, and hospitality operations worldwide.

From ergonomic bar design, beverage facility planning, and concept creation to equipment innovation, product development, and built environments—Tobin bridges hospitality operations, invention, and commercial bar design through a perspective few designers have lived firsthand.

“Tobin Ellis has already had more impact on the hospitality world than most people know.
His influence from behind the scenes is too great to be monitored or measured." ‍ ‍
‍ ‍- Dean Serneels, American Beverage Marketers



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PRESS & AWARDS

See what the Industry Says About Tobin Ellis and Studio Barmagic

  • VP of Restaurants and Bars, Anthony Torres, Kimpton Hotels

    “Tobin is truly one of of the great innovators/creatives in the business.”

    Anthony Torres, VP Restaurants & Bars, Kimpton Hotels

  • Alia Akkam, Editor, Hospitality Design Magazine

    “Barmagic’s insights into operational design are unique, efficient, and most important, aesthetically functional.”

    Alia Akkam, Editor, Hospitality Design Magazine

  • Derek Brown, James Beard Nominated Bar Owner and Author

    "Computers had Steve Jobs, bar design has Tobin Ellis.”

    Derek Brown, Owner, Columbia Room (Washington, D.C.)

  • Angie Weber, Global VP of Beverage, Legends Hospitality

    Tobin doesn’t just design bars, he designs better business outcomes.

    Angie Weber, Global VP of Beverage, Legends Hospitality

  • Gunnard Cunningham, General Manager, Savannahs Golf Club

    "Barmagic's offerings were the single most successful tools in the respositioning of the resort."

    Gunnard Cunningham, VP F&B, The Greenbrier Resort

  • Rachel Antelak, VP of Innovation, Starbucks Coffee Company

    “Tobin has a unique ability to set a vision for the customer experience and design the details to deliver the vision.”

    Rachel Antelak, VP Innovation, Starbucks Coffee Company