Bartender

Bartender – Bushell's Kitchen & Cocktails

Location: 127 S Union Street, Downtown Traverse City, MI
Job Type: Part-Time | Evening & Weekend Availability
Compensation: Competitive hourly pay + tips, based on experience

About Bushell's

At Bushell's Kitchen & Cocktails, we believe hospitality is more than service. It's about creating an experience that makes people feel welcomed, valued, and excited to return.

Located in the heart of Downtown Traverse City, Bushell's brings together soulful cuisine, thoughtfully crafted cocktails, warm hospitality, and an atmosphere that transitions from an intimate dining experience into an energetic late-night destination.

We're building a team of individuals who take pride in their craft, care about the details, and understand that exceptional hospitality starts with genuine human connection.

The Opportunity

We're looking for an experienced, personable, and motivated Bartender to join our team.

Our ideal candidate understands that great bartending is about more than making drinks. It's about creating relationships, anticipating guests' needs, maintaining consistency, and contributing to the overall energy of the restaurant.

From preparing classic and signature cocktails to guiding guests through our food and beverage offerings, our bartenders play an essential role in shaping the Bushell's experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve classic cocktails, signature creations, beer, and wine with accuracy, consistency, and attention to presentation.
• Provide warm, engaging, and professional hospitality to every guest.
• Develop a strong understanding of our cocktail program, spirits, wine selections, and food menu.
• Maintain a clean, organized, stocked, and service-ready bar throughout each shift.
• Work efficiently during high-volume service while maintaining quality and composure.
• Communicate effectively with servers, kitchen staff, and management.
• Follow established recipes, proper measurements, portion controls, and beverage preparation standards.
• Assist with opening and closing duties, inventory organization, and maintaining bar supplies.
• Handle guest transactions accurately through our POS system.
• Follow all Michigan alcohol service regulations and responsible serving practices.
• Support the restaurant's transition from dinner service into our late-night cocktail and entertainment atmosphere.

What We're Looking For

• Previous bartending experience in a full-service restaurant, cocktail bar, or similar hospitality environment.
• Strong knowledge of classic cocktails, spirits, and fundamental bartending techniques.
• A genuine passion for hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to connect with a diverse range of guests.
• Strong organizational skills, reliability, and attention to detail.
• Ability to multitask and remain composed in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to learn, accept feedback, and consistently improve.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and late-night shifts.
• Ability to meet Michigan's legal requirements for serving alcoholic beverages.

What We Offer

• Competitive hourly compensation plus tips.
• An opportunity to work with a thoughtfully developed craft cocktail program.
• A creative, energetic, and hospitality-focused work environment.
• Opportunities to develop beverage knowledge and professional skills.
• A chance to contribute to a growing, independently owned restaurant in Downtown Traverse City.

Our Philosophy

At Bushell's, we believe great hospitality comes from people who genuinely care.

We value accountability, teamwork, consistency, and individuals who take ownership of their responsibilities. We believe every guest interaction is an opportunity to build trust, create a connection, and give someone a reason to return.

If you take pride in your craft, enjoy connecting with people, and believe hospitality should always come first, we'd love to meet you.

Apply today and tell us a little about your bartending experience and what hospitality means to you.

Pay: $23.00 - $30.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Paid training

Work Location: In person