Job Summary
The Bartender plays an essential role in the operations of Ted’s Café Escondido. This position is responsible for preparing and serving beverages while providing exceptional service to guests and supporting restaurant staff. Bartenders must maintain professionalism, ensure responsible alcohol service, and follow all company policies and state regulations.
Bartenders at Ted’s combine a high level of service with a relaxed and friendly style. Maintaining teamwork, accuracy, and efficiency behind the bar helps ensure consistently superior service and an enjoyable experience for every guest.
Essential Functions
The essential functions listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to successfully perform this position. Employees must be able to perform these functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
General Responsibilities
- Maintain full knowledge of bar and food menus and be able to answer guest questions effectively.
- Maintain working knowledge of the Aloha POS system.
- Ensure Ted’s standard of service is provided to every guest, every time.
- Be punctual and in full uniform for each shift.
- Follow all guidelines, policies, and procedures of Ted’s Café Escondido Restaurants.
- Follow all health, sanitation, and food safety standards.
- Always maintain a positive and professional attitude.
- Prioritize drink preparation and drink running to support timely service.
Integrity
- Follow all cash-handling procedures.
- Follow all laws governing responsible alcohol service.
- Ensure all alcohol served is rung up at the correct price.
- Alcohol may only be served without collecting payment with manager approval.
- It is the bartender’s responsibility to ensure all drinks are properly rung into the POS and collected for.
The following actions may result in immediate termination:
- Giving drinks away without authorization
- Over-pouring alcohol
- Consuming spills
- Failing to ring drinks into the POS system
- Failing to collect the proper amount
- Consuming alcoholic beverages while on duty
Quality
- Prepare drinks according to Ted’s Café Escondido recipes and standards.
- Serve a clean beverage napkin with each fresh drink.
- Check all bar products daily for freshness, appearance, and quality.
- Always maintain cleanliness and organization of the bar area.
Consistency
- Prepare drinks accurately and consistently.
- Always maintain a clean and organized bar area.
- Maintain a positive and professional attitude during every shift.
Speed
- Maintain an efficient pace without sacrificing quality.
- Continuously improving speed and accuracy through practice and experience.
Support for Service Staff
- Assist cocktails, servers, and hosts with bar procedures.
- Support team members by providing guidance and assistance when needed.
- Communicate performance concerns or issues to management.
- Check out cocktails or bar tabs with staff at the end of shifts as required.
Inventory
- Inspect the bar thoroughly at the beginning of each shift.
- Record all empty liquor bottles and replace them after documenting on the pull sheet.
- Use the bartender log to report shortages or items that need to be ordered.
- Maintain a spill sheet throughout the shift and document if no spills occur.
Equipment
- Know how to properly operate all bar equipment.
- Report damaged equipment to management immediately.
- Document equipment issues in the bartender note log.
- Unplug damaged equipment immediately for safety.
Communication
- Advise management of any issues or concerns, regardless of size.
- Follow all setup and closing checklists to prepare for daily shifts.
- Use the bartender log to document concerns related to staff, equipment, or the facility.
Bar Cost Control
- Prepare drinks according to recipe standards.
- Ring all drinks accurately in the POS system.
- Ensure all tabs are properly collected and closed.
Responsible Alcohol Service / State Law
Employees must follow all applicable laws governing alcohol service. Policies may vary by state or local regulation.
- Follow proper comp procedures for alcoholic beverages.
- Alcohol is served for on-premises consumption only unless otherwise permitted by law.
- No alcohol may be served after legally permitted hours (typically 2:00 AM unless otherwise regulated).
- Serve only one drink per person at a time when required by law or policy.
- No person under 21 years of age may be served alcohol. Always verify identification when necessary.
- o not serve intoxicated guests. Notify the manager immediately if intoxication is suspected.
Signs of intoxication may include:
- Loss of coordination
- Slurred speech
- Loud or disruptive behavior
- Glassy or unfocused eyes
1. Assist intoxicated guests by notifying management and arranging safe transportation when necessary.
Failure to follow responsible alcohol service policies may result in disciplinary action up to and including immediate termination.
Expectations
- Ensure 100% guest satisfaction and encourage return visits.
- Always display professional conduct.
- Accept personal accountabilities for all actions and responsibilities.
- Be punctual and in full uniform for every scheduled shift.
- Follow all company policies and operational procedures.
- Attend all mandatory meetings as required.
- Comply with all federal, state, and local regulations applicable to the position.
- Treat all staff members and guests with respect.
- Contribute to a positive and team-oriented work environment.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding company information.
- Be knowledgeable of responsibilities in the event of an emergency.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
- May be required to professionally handle challenging or upset guests.
- Varied working hours may include weekends, holidays, late evenings, and early mornings.
- Must be able to stand and/or walk for extended periods (8+ hours per shift).
- Must be able to frequently lift up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
- Frequent bending, reaching, grasping, and climbing.
- Occasional squatting, kneeling, crawling, and fine hand manipulation.
1. Work environment may include exposure to heat, noise, and a fast-paced restaurant atmosphere.
Minimum Qualifications
Experience
Previous bartender experience in a high-volume restaurant environment is preferred.
Specific Requirements
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Professional attitude, demeanor, and appearance.
- Ability to multitask and perform effectively in a fast-paced environment.
