What inspired the creation of Modbar?
The story of Modbar is of friendship and the small experiences that would slowly take shape, creating an espresso machine that pushes boundaries and takes specialty coffee outside of the normal coffee shop. Modbar is a modular added system which is neatly tucked away under the counter, allowing the owner to create their modular bar or Modbar. When a client comes into an establishment, all they see are taps which are fixed to the counter. Allowing you to speak to your clientele and form a coffee setup that fits your design, needs, and demand. But how did this clever idea come to be?
In early 2002 two friends named Cory Waldron and Aric Forbing loved playing music, they started a band. Fort Wayne, Indiana USA was the place, a tiny mid-western town where the love for neighbour and friends took as a core value. Cory had a passion for coffee, growing up with fresh coffee always in the air, Cory was a barista and roaster. His best friend Aric was more kin on fixing things, he would take vacuum cleaners apart to see what was inside as a kid. Working at a family-owned castings company where they produced automotive and electro-domestic goods Aric learned about engineering and what it took to create.
Corey approached Aric with an idea to bring great coffee into the community and teach about coffee, they would need a different type of espresso machines. Where there was no barrier between a coffee lover and barista. With Aric’s growing skills which ranged from metalwork, woodworking, operating machinery, and IT, they got to work. Jet Steam was born.
The clever idea got the attention of Kent Bakke and Joe Monahan, heads of La Marzocco USA. The project gained speed and finance, with a name change and years of development. The official Modbar was first launched at SCA in 2013.
How does Modbar’s design enhance the workflow and efficiency of baristas? Can you share specific features of Modbar that differentiate it from other espresso machines on the market?
Modbar is a true innovation to the design and concept of coffee machine equipment. Instead of a centrepiece countertop coffee equipment – Modbar neatly places the inner workings, the “brains” and technology beneath the counter. Modbar stands for modularity, thus a coffee serving can be designed in a way that fits the workflow and ultimately works with the entire aesthetic of the room.
Over the counter one finds elegantly displayed taps, allowing the barista and client a direct and open space to interact, creating a feeling of openness in a public environment. The taps themselves can be customised fully, including matte, chrome, and metal finishes.
Modbar produces a range of coffee equipment, including two configurations of Espresso Systems, a Pour-Over System, and a Steam System. Mix and match to create a bar in any number of ways. Features include optimal temperature stability, simple multi position controls, dual boilers, and optional scales. Also available for the home with their new Espresso AV domestic system.
Creating a space based on one’s needs. An espresso machine must heighten the experience with great design and unmatchable technology.
Could you provide examples of notable success stories or partnerships that have leveraged Modbar’s technology?
I’d reference you to our blog, for numerous case studies: https://modbar.com/cafe-case-study/
Are there any future developments or innovations coming up in the next few years you’d like to share with us?
At the moment we are not in liberty to say too much, but we do have exciting updates in the horizon and are always continuing to elevate the customer experience.
