Across the nation, more restaurant operators are beginning to utilize automated technology to provide alcoholic beverages to customers. Fast-casual businesses are especially interested in the option as it blends with their low-margin mentality. Likewise, the dispensers are less wasteful than traditional systems since customers serving themselves are more careful.

LaBarba Permit Service was the first to permit self-serve technology with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) for StreetLights Residential for their luxury multi-family building, The Taylor (pictured above). The seventeen-story building, since sold to Greystar, is located at 3100 Carlisle and has 308 units. LaBarba’s sister company, Masterplan Consultants, worked diligently with Streetlights on zoning, permitting and building code issues, helping the developer to open on time in early August 2014. LaBarba obtained a Private Club license from the TABC, allowing the apartment building to use the self-serve technology. Residents are able to use their security fob to self-serve either wine or beer on location.

Another LaBarba client, Dog Haus, also operates self-serve options at some of their national locations and may now opt to do so in Texas. LaBarba Permit Services is currently working on a permit for a new Dog Haus location at Grandscape in The Colony. The location is adjacent to the Nebraska Furniture Mart as well as the future site of Rock N’ Brews. LaBarba is currently obtaining beer and wine as well as mixed beverage permits for the Gene Simmons, rock n’ roll themed restaurant.