Here’s a spoiler – we’ve come a long way since saloons in the Old West. In modern times, bar towels are primarily used to wipe up spills or condensation from the bar top. But there was a time when white towels used to hang out in front of every saloon. Why?

It’s Better Than Using Their Sleeves (Maybe)

According to Marshall Trimble, an Arizona historian, the bartenders would hang these towels out in front of the bar to give patrons a place to wipe the beer foam off of their face before leaving the establishment. Not too sanitary, especially in a time period when the spread of disease was not understood.

Modern Bar Towels and Other Important Textiles

Again, in modern times, your barkeep has that towel behind the bar. But you can still provide cloth napkins for your patrons to wipe away the beer foam or some wing sauce. They clean up nicely in the laundry, so while they are still technically a “community” napkin, they are completely sanitary and don’t spread disease.

Aren’t you glad we understand how germs work? We also understand how textile production works a lot better than back in the Old West. So you get high-quality towels and napkins that stay fresh and clean wash after wash.

The Best Restaurant and Bar Textiles

Venus Group has the best supplies for businesses in the hospitality industry. From bar towels to cloth napkins and all the other textiles you need, call 800.421.6599. You can also request a quote online.