Experience Facilitator/Bartender - Part Time

Bourbon Blending Experience Facilitator/Bartender (Part-time)

Location: 645 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (downtown Cincinnati, across from the Aronoff at the corner of 7th and Walnut)

About Willow Run Custom Bourbon

Willow Run is a new, unique, and historically significant craft distillery located in downtown Cincinnati, set to open late summer 2024. Our mission is to share exceptional bourbon tasting experiences for our guests while honoring the rich history of the original Willow Run founder (in 1865), William J. McRoberts Jr., and his courageous role in the Underground Railroad.

What We Do

At Willow Run, we will offer an array of distinctive bourbon tasting experiences designed to educate and delight bourbon enthusiasts. Our offerings include:

• Custom Bourbon Blending Experiences: Guests can learn about bourbon, its history and relevance in Cincinnati, and create their own custom bourbon blend guided by our knowledgeable staff
• Flight School – Cocktail & Bourbon Experiences: At the bar, guests will be able to journey through curated bourbon flights and crafted cocktails
• Bourbon Wizard – AI & Bourbon Pick Experiences: An innovative tasting experience where artificial intelligence assists in selecting the perfect bourbon.
• Bourbon Bottle Purchases: If guests like their custom blend they’ve created, either through the tasting experience or through the Bourbon Wizard, they can purchase and name a bottle. We will also offer for sale our flagship bourbons, like the one named after the original founder, W.J. McRoberts
• Food and Guest Alcohol: We will also offer very small bites/snacks and a minor selection of guest beers and wines

What Makes Us Unique

Willow Run stands out for its deep historical roots to Cincinnati and innovative approach to bourbon tasting, helping guests find their unique bourbon by following the grand traditions of the 1800s barrel blenders. We celebrate the legacy of William J. McRoberts Jr., an Irish immigrant who not only founded the distillery but also played a crucial role in the Underground Railroad, using bourbon barrels to help escaping slaves cross the Ohio River to freedom. This rich heritage, combined with our modern and immersive tasting experiences, will make Willow Run Custom Bourbon a truly unique and inspiring place to work and visit.

Job Overview

· Bourbon Tasting & Bottling Associates are pivotal roles in our custom bourbon, craft distillery operations; being responsible for ensuring guests have a phenomenal time in our location

· Associates will create an environment that provides guests with an interactive, high-energy experience that showcases our fun and unique offerings, rich history within Cincinnati, and our bourbon expertise

· Willow Run will operated with the highest standards in all aspects of beverage quality and guest service. Our prime location in downtown Cincinnati will bring many visitors to our location, and we want each one of them to have an amazing time. Unlike a traditional bar or restaurant, bourbon tasting experiences and bottle sales are the primary business. Because of this, we need outgoing associates that love talking with our guests

· This position involves working in a fast-paced, high-energy environment

· Associates will be hands on, with expectations to be trained in all roles: assisting with running tasting experiences, on-site bourbon bottling, and drink preparation

Current Hours

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday - Thursday: 2:30pm – 7:30 pm

Friday: 2:30pm – 8:30 pm

Saturday: Noon – 9:30 pm - Working the majority of Saturdays is a must

· These days and hours are subject to change as we get open and learn more about our guest needs

· Extended hours are expected on Friday and Saturday evenings of Aronoff shows and during large community events and festivities in the downtown area

· Also, working off-site events may also be requested

Primary Responsibilities:

• Ensure efficient, friendly service while adhering to policies and regulations
• Be a part of a cohesive team through direct, transparent and frequent communication
• Ensure proper use of bar supplies and portioning
• Collaborate with ownership and managers to bring forward creative drink and experience ideas
• Guest Service
• Carry out high service standards, create a welcoming atmosphere, and promptly address guest feedback to maintain a positive reputation
• Ensure compliance with licensing laws, health and safety regulations, and responsible alcohol service practices
• Quality Assurance
• Exceed guests’ expectations for service, quality, safety, and cleanliness
• Perform all other related duties as assigned

This job description is not intended to be all inclusive. The employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by ownership and senior management, as required.

Qualifications, skill and/or specialized knowledge:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Previous experience in a restaurant, bar, event center preferred
• Knowledge of alcoholic beverages, mixology, and bar operations
• At least 3 years working experience
• Exceptional guest service skills and a passion for creating a memorable experience for guests
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with guests and staff
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, multitask, and make sound decisions under pressure
• High degree of integrity, professionalism, work ethic, and respect for others
• Excellent organizational skills, problem-solving skills, work habits, and consistent follow-through
• Familiar with Microsoft word products, e-mail, and restaurant computer software
• Basic math skills
• Fluent English required
• Working Conditions/Physical Demands
• Able to stand for 6 or more hours at a time
• Able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
• Able to work an average of 50 hours per week (according to business demand), including most every Saturday (our busiest day)
• Typically works five days per week, but occasionally works six days per week
• Must be available to work days, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed and required
• Available to travel for events

This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. It is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or work conditions associated with the job. Furthermore, the employer reserves the right to revise or change the job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

Job Type:

· Part-time

Benefits:

• Paid training
• Competitive pay based on experience and qualifications
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement
• A dynamic and supportive work environment
• Employee discount
• Paid training

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From $13.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount

Work Location: In person