studio barmagic founder and principal, tobin ellis

TOBIN ELLIS

Tobin Ellis is the founder and principal of Studio Barmagic (est. 1997) and also proudly formerly a veteran bartender of 30+ years who started his foodservice & hospitality career as a dishwasher in Upstate New York. His work as an innovation specialist and hospitality generalist over the decades has spanned from bar & beverage consulting, to advertising and marketing for some of the largest brands in the world— to designing and developing equipment, concepts, prototypes, brands, systems, and spaces. He is a former 6-time international bartending champion, a multiple-award-winning designer in many disciplines, and an passionate advocate for the hospitality industry. Tobin is most known for his work in bar design and as a bar design thought leader.

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“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  

PRESS & AWARDS

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

Alia Akkam, Editor, Hospitality Design Magazine

“Thanks to Tobin’s decades of experience, Barmagic’s insights into operational design are unique, efficient, and most important, aesthetically functional.”

Anthony Torres, V.P. Restaurants & Bars, Kimpton Hotels

“Tobin is truly one of of the great innovators/creatives in the business. How he approaches design, efficiency and hospitality are unique to who Tobin is and provides a holistic approach to his work.”

Rachel Antelak, V.P. 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.”

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

“Tobin is tops when it comes to bar design. His designs are nothing short of game-changing. Computers had Steve Jobs, bar design has Tobin Ellis.”

Neyah White, Partner, Bees Knees Snacks & Drinks

“Tobin is without a doubt the gold standard for progressive bar design.”

Lauren Rinkey, Director, Absolut Vodka

“Tobin is an absolute pleasure to work with. He is a creative genius who I can always rely on to develop turn-key concepts to generate brand buzz.”

Simon Ford, Founder, 86 Spirits Company

“Tobin is head of one of the most multi-skilled consulting companies in the business, from concept design and execution, it’s great that such a company exists.”

Jen Robinson, CEO, Pineapple Group LLC

“Tobin is one of those unique individuals who has the ability to see a project and bring it to life, perfecting the details for functionality, yet ensuring the vision of the client is not lost. He is focused, detailed and organized, not to mention highly respected among peers. He is one of the most creative individuals I have met and has his finger on the pulse of the industry.”

Kevin Dott, General Manager, Lake Placid Lodge

“I worked with Tobin at the Greenbrier Resort during a renovation. Tobin was exciting and inspiring to work with, he designed effective and efficient bars. I would welcome the opportunity to collaborate with him at any time in the future.”

Steve Luttman, Founder, Leblon Cachaça

“Tobin is in tune with the latest in everything— from consumer trends and how to create buzz, to using technology to streamlining bar operations.”

Paula Breed, CEO, Monalto Inc.

“Meeting Tobin is like meeting genius! I have had the pleasure of working with him on several occasions and he is a true expert in his field.”

Gunnard Cunningham, General Manager, The Savannah Golf Clubs

“Tobin’s knowledge, style, and skill set allow him to successfully navigate any environment from vintage to cutting edge. Tobin proved to not only to be creative and innovative in his offerings but also in his approach to execution.”