Bartender

The Founding Lead Bartender is in place. Now we're building the team.

Hidden beneath The Grove Hotel in downtown Kingsville, Rathskellar 1854 is getting ready to open its doors.

A little old-world soul. A little modern edge. Serious cocktails without taking ourselves too seriously. And the kind of hospitality that makes one drink quietly turn into three.

We're looking for an experienced Bartender to join the founding team and help bring Rathskellar to life.

This isn't a turn-and-burn bar. Rathskellar is an intimate, seated cocktail lounge built around conversation, craftsmanship and connection. We're looking for someone who understands that making a great drink is only half the job. The other half is making the person sitting in front of you want to come back.

About Us

The Grove Hospitality Group is an independent, locally owned hospitality company based in Kingsville, Ontario. Our collection includes boutique accommodations, cafés, and unique guest experiences, all built around thoughtful design, genuine hospitality, and doing things a little differently.

Our newest concept will continue that tradition.

What You'll Do

As a Bartender at Rathskellar 1854, you'll work alongside our Founding Lead Bartender to help bring our cocktail program and guest experience to life.

This is a hands-on hospitality role. You'll be behind the bar preparing exceptional cocktails, getting to know our guests, maintaining the standards of the bar, and helping create the kind of atmosphere people want to return to.

Responsibilities include:

• Preparing and serving classic and signature cocktails with consistency and care
• Delivering warm, knowledgeable, and memorable guest service
• Maintaining exceptional standards for presentation, glassware, garnishes, and bar organization
• Completing opening and closing duties
• Preparing garnishes, syrups, and other cocktail ingredients
• Assisting with inventory, receiving, restocking, and product rotation
• Developing strong knowledge of our cocktail, spirits, wine, beer, and food programs
• Working collaboratively with bartenders, servers, and our culinary team
• Maintaining a clean, organized, and service-ready bar
• Following all Smart Serve, food safety, and responsible alcohol service requirements
• Helping establish the standards and culture of Rathskellar from opening day forward

We're Looking For Someone Who

• Has a minimum of 2 years of professional bartending experience
• Has strong knowledge of classic cocktails, spirits, and proper bartending techniques
• Is passionate about hospitality, not just making drinks
• Is confident interacting with guests and creating genuine connections
• Works well under pressure while maintaining quality and attention to detail
• Is organized, dependable, and accountable
• Takes pride in a clean, polished, and exceptionally well-organized bar
• Enjoys learning and wants to continue developing their cocktail and product knowledge
• Works well as part of a small, collaborative team
• Is available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Holds a valid Smart Serve certification

Cocktail-focused experience is strongly preferred.

Bonus Points If You Have

• Experience in a cocktail-focused bar, upscale restaurant, winery or similar hospitality environment
• Experience with classic cocktail preparation and techniques
• Wine, beer or spirits education or certifications
• Experience opening a new restaurant or bar
• Knowledge of inventory, prep and bar organization

Why Join Us?

• Be part of Rathskellar 1854 from opening day
• Join a small founding team and help establish the culture of a brand-new cocktail lounge
• Hourly wage + participation in Rathskellar's gratuity program
• Compensation negotiable based on experience
• Hands-on training and continued development with our Founding Lead Bartender
• Opportunities to expand your cocktail, spirits, wine and hospitality knowledge
• Opportunities for growth within Rathskellar and The Grove Hospitality Group
• Work alongside people who genuinely care about hospitality

How to Apply

Apply through Indeed or visit our Careers page to learn more about Rathskellar 1854 and The Grove Hospitality Group: thegrove.rocks/bartender/

We appreciate every application. While only those selected for an interview will be contacted, we genuinely thank everyone who takes the time to apply.

Pay: From $17.95 per hour

Benefits:

• Company events
• Discounted or free food
• Flexible schedule
• On-site parking

Application question(s):

• Are you regularly available to work evenings, weekends and holidays?
• What interests you about joining the opening team at Rathskellar 1854?

Experience:

• Bartending: 2 years (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

• Smart Serve (required)

Work Location: In person