We are seeking a Lead Bartender who understands that great beverages are only part of the guest experience. The right candidate will be passionate about creating memorable moments, building relationships with guests, and helping turn first-time visitors into regulars.
Our bar is not a separate destination hidden from the dining room. It is an eight-seat bar that sits at the heart of service. As a result, our Lead Bartender is an integral part of the front-of-house team and is expected to participate in all aspects of service as time allows. We believe the best leaders are the people willing to jump in wherever they are needed.
The Lead Bartender oversees all individually served beverages outside of wine service, including cocktails, beer, house-made sodas, non-alcoholic beverages, tea, and coffee. Technical skill and beverage knowledge are important, but they exist to support hospitality rather than replace it.
Above all, we are looking for someone who understands that the purpose of the bar is not simply to serve drinks—it is to create an experience that guests want to return to again and again.
Responsibilities
Lead bar service with professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail.
Build meaningful relationships with guests and create regulars.
Develop and maintain cocktail, beer, coffee, tea, and non-alcoholic beverage programs.
Uphold standards for beverage quality, consistency, and presentation.
Manage inventory, ordering, and beverage cost controls.
Assist with dining room service and support fellow team members whenever needed.
Train and mentor bar staff while helping elevate service throughout the restaurant.
Work collaboratively with management and the culinary team to create a seamless guest experience.
What We're Looking For
A genuine passion for hospitality and taking care of people.
Strong beverage knowledge and a desire to continue learning.
The ability to create welcoming, engaging experiences for guests.
A team-first mentality.
Confidence leading by example rather than by position.
The ability to remain calm, organized, and gracious during busy services.
Someone who sees every guest interaction as an opportunity to build a lasting relationship.
Our Philosophy
At Gander & Ryegrass, teamwork is not a slogan—it is a way of life. No position is above helping another team member. We believe the strongest leaders are the ones who step in, support the team, and make the entire restaurant better.
We care deeply about craft, but we care even more about hospitality. The drinks matter. The people matter more.
If your idea of success is creating regulars, building relationships, and helping guests feel genuinely cared for, we'd love to meet you.
Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.