Head Bartender

HEAD BARTENDER

Lead the bar. Build the standard. Create the energy.

LOCATION

Toledo, Ohio

EMPLOYMENT

Full-Time

COMPENSATION

$16-$20/hour + tips

SCHEDULE

Flexible; nights/weekends

REPORTS TO

Ownership / Management

START

Based on availability

ABOUT AVESTRUZ

Avestruz Toledo is building more than a restaurant. We are creating a bold Mexican tapas experience centered on shareable food, crafted drinks, genuine hospitality, consistency, energy, and a culture that makes people want to come back. Every team member helps set the tone—from the first welcome to the final plate, glass, and goodbye.

THE ROLE

The Head Bartender will lead Avestruz Toledo’s beverage operation and day-to-day bar execution. This hands-on leader will set cocktail and service standards, train the bar team, manage inventory and cost controls, protect compliance, and work closely with the kitchen and front-of-house team. The right person can build a beverage program, run a clean and disciplined bar, and still connect with guests when the room is moving at full speed.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead day-to-day bar operations and set the pace for professional, guest-focused service.
• Develop, document, and maintain cocktail recipes, specifications, garnishes, and presentation standards.
• Train, coach, schedule, and support bartenders; reinforce readiness, consistency, and accountability.
• Execute cocktails, beer, wine, and nonalcoholic beverages accurately and efficiently during service.
• Manage beverage ordering, receiving, storage, rotation, inventory counts, and vendor communication.
• Monitor pour cost, product usage, comps, spills, breakage, waste, and beverage profitability.
• Maintain pars and prep systems for juices, syrups, garnishes, glassware, ice, and bar supplies.
• Create and enforce bar opening, closing, cleaning, cash-handling, and side-work procedures.
• Ensure responsible alcohol service, accurate identification checks, and compliance with Ohio liquor laws.
• Maintain a clean, organized, stocked, and inspection-ready bar at all times.
• Work closely with servers, hosts, kitchen leadership, and management to coordinate pacing and guest needs.
• Address guest concerns quickly, professionally, and with sound judgment.
• Support seasonal cocktails, specials, tastings, private events, and beverage promotions.
• Lead by example and build a bar culture centered on teamwork, urgency, respect, consistency, and hospitality.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 3+ years of bartending experience, including at least 1 year in a lead or supervisory role preferred.
• Strong knowledge of classic cocktails, contemporary techniques, spirits, beer, wine, and nonalcoholic beverages.
• Experience with beverage cost, inventory, ordering, recipe costing, cash handling, and waste control.
• Ability to train and coach others while maintaining high standards during busy service.
• Strong organization, communication, conflict-resolution, and time-management skills.
• Comfort using a point-of-sale system and completing opening, closing, and cash-control procedures.
• Must satisfy all Ohio legal requirements for mixing and serving alcoholic beverages.

AVESTRUZ TOLEDO | HEAD BARTENDER

• Alcohol-service certification and prior opening-team experience preferred.

PHYSICAL & SCHEDULE REQUIREMENTS

Ability to stand and move for extended periods, lift and carry up to 40 pounds, reach, bend, and safely handle glassware, cases, kegs, tools, and bar equipment. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals.

Availability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, opening or closing shifts, and special events as business needs require.

COMPENSATION

Hourly range: $16-$20 plus tips, based on experience, beverage knowledge, leadership background, and demonstrated ability to operate a disciplined, profitable bar.

WHO WILL SUCCEED AT AVESTRUZ

We are looking for a builder—someone who understands that a great bar is equal parts craft, systems, speed, and hospitality. The Head Bartender should take ownership, coach without ego, protect the numbers, and make every guest feel like the energy in the room was created just for them.

WHY JOIN AVESTRUZ

This is an opportunity to help shape the opening culture and future of Avestruz Toledo. Team members will help establish standards, strengthen service systems, and create a restaurant known for great food, memorable hospitality, and real teamwork.

We are not simply looking for people who want their next restaurant job. We want people who want to build something.

HOW TO APPLY

Qualified candidates should submit a resume highlighting bartending experience, beverage-program leadership, team development, inventory and cost-control experience, and schedule availability.

Avestruz Toledo is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to legally protected status.

Pay: $16.00 - $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Work Location: In person