Bartender

Hakucho Bartender

ABOUT US

Hakucho is a modern izakaya-style restaurant dedicated to providing a Japanese-inspired dining experience, bringing new flavors and experiences to our local culinary scene. Our menu features a selection of small plates, yakitori, katsus, as well as specialty cocktails, beer, and sake. We aim to provide a casual yet elevated setting for our guests to be able to commune over drinks and bar-style bites, typical of our favorite izakaya experiences in Japan.

JOB DESCRIPTION

We are currently seeking a skilled bartender to join our bar team and ensure the highest standards of hospitality and guest satisfaction. The ideal candidate will have existing knowledge of beer, wine, and spirits, possess excellent communication skills, and have a passion for delivering outstanding customer service. As a bartender at Hakucho, you will play a key role in shaping the dining experience and fostering a positive and welcoming atmosphere for our guests.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide excellent customer service by greeting patrons, taking orders, and ensuring a positive experience.
• Mix and serve drinks according to established recipes or patron preferences.
• Prepare and garnish cocktails, beers, wines, and other beverages.
• Possess a thorough knowledge of different types of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Recommend and suggest drinks based on customer preferences.
• Handle cash and process payments accurately.
• Provide change and receipts to customers.
• Use and operate point-of-sale (POS) systems to process orders and payments.
• Keep the bar area clean, organized, and well-stocked.
• Wash glassware and utensils regularly.
• Verify the age of customers by checking identification to ensure legal drinking age compliance.
• Address customer inquiries about drinks, ingredients, and menu items.
• Handle customer complaints or issues professionally and promptly.
• Promote special drinks, happy hour specials, and promotions to increase sales.
• Upsell premium or featured beverages.
• Monitor patrons for signs of intoxication and refuse service to individuals who are visibly intoxicated.
• Adhere to all relevant laws and regulations related to serving alcohol.
• Ensure responsible service practices.
• Notify the bar manager of changes in bar inventory including alcohol, mixers, and garnishes.
• Coordinate with kitchen staff for food orders placed at the bar.
• Relay special requests or dietary restrictions to the kitchen.
• Follow health and safety guidelines to maintain a clean and safe environment for customers and staff.
• Adhere to sanitation standards for food and beverage handling.
• Engage with customers in a friendly and personable manner.
• Create a welcoming and sociable atmosphere at the bar.
• Assist in planning and executing special events or promotions hosted at the establishment.

REQUIREMENTS

• Previous experience as a bartender in a fast-paced environment is preferred.
• Basic knowledge of beer, wine, and spirits, along with common drink recipes.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a strong customer service orientation.
• Ability to prepare and serve a wide variety of drinks, both standard and custom, accurately and efficiently.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple drink orders simultaneously.
• Precise when mixing ingredients to create drinks and careful with handling customer orders.
• Quick-thinking with the ability to resolve customer concerns professionally.
• Ability to work well with other staff members, including servers, barbacks, and management.
• Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to reach, bend, stoop, and frequently lift up to 50 pounds.
• Comfortable working in a loud and busy environment, often during nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems for order processing and payment.
• Basic math skills for handling transactions and measuring drink ingredients.
• Knowledge of and adherence to alcohol safety laws and regulations.
• Commitment to maintaining cleanliness and hygiene standards behind the bar.
• Punctual, reliable, and committed to maintaining a professional appearance.
• Adherence to the restaurant’s uniform and grooming standards.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Opportunities for career growth and advancement within the company/restaurant group.
• Employee discounts on food and beverage offerings.
• Dental and Eye Insurance. (full-time only)
• Healthiest You (over the phone physical and mental health resource).
• We are also always looking for more ways to bring benefits to the team.
• $11.89/hr plus tips. Hours during the first month of opening will be increased but you will be receiving overtime for any hours above 40.

Hakucho is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $30.00 - $35.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Paid training
• Vision insurance

Ability to Commute:

• Lakeland, FL 33801 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Lakeland, FL 33801: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person