Barback

Hala Kahiki is a Chicagoland Icon established in 1964. We focus on our high quality tropical cocktail menu and standards of service. Check out our reviews!

Hiring for 2-4 days per week. 

Some experience is preferred, but we will train any candidate that has the right personality and customer service experience. Must be 21 years of age.

Job description: Barbacks are responsible for stocking the bar, coolers and storage areas with appropriate items. Help maintain cleanliness and sanitation standards of these areas.  Barbacks assist the Bartender with side work, are responsible for washing glassware, carrying trays of glassware, restocking glassware, carrying trays of glass bottles and will be assisting the Bussers/Host as needed.

Essential Functions

• Stock/restock appropriate areas of the bar with alcohol, juices, syrups, glassware, ice and supplies
• Available to work a variety of hours, days and shifts, weekends are mandatory
• Safely and effectively transport glassware via serving tray
• Capable of carry/lifting ice buckets and cases of liquor/beer
• Capable of carry/lifting 25-30 pounds
• Ability to safely tolerate hands being exposed to liquids frequently, including water, cleaning solutions, alcohol, various juices and other liquids
• Safely and effectively use and operate all necessary tools and equipment, including knives and blenders
• Ability to effectively communicate, perform and follow job requirements in written and spoken direction
• Ability to multitask calmly and effectively in a busy, stressful environment
• Work in a confined, crowded space of variable noise and temperature levels
• Able to move and lift up to 25 pounds, and occasionally move and/or lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to stand and walk for an entire shift and move safely through all areas of the restaurant, which may include stairs, uneven or slick surfaces

Key Responsibilities and Duties

• Ensure the overall guest experience exceeds expectations and anticipate guests’ needs
• Greet guests with a warm, sincere smile
• Use tact and good judgement when dealing with guest challenges and respond to guest needs with patience and courtesy 
• Manually wash and sanitize glassware using a three compartment sink, sanitizer, and/or a brush scrubber
• Account for and maintain the security of all bar stock and inventory
• Ability to recognize an intoxicated guest, refuse to overserve guests and seek out management with any concerns about a guest that appears intoxicated
• Understand and respond knowledgeably to questions about the restaurant and menu
• Follow all steps of service
• Understand and follow the food allergy procedure and special orders/restrictions
• Comply with all safety and sanitation guidelines and procedures
• Successfully complete alcohol awareness training
• Follow all rules, policies, procedures and conditions of employment, including those outlined in the Employee Handbook
• Get along well with others and be a team player
• Other duties will be assigned as needed

All positions offer benefits - PTO, 401k, And Most Of All Flexible Shifts. All shifts are reasonable hours, no mandatory 10 - 12 hour shifts. Closed Mondays and all major holidays (Christmas Eve & Day, NYE & NY Day, 4th of July, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Easter Sunday).

Some experience is preferred. Shifts will range from early afternoon to late late evenings (3am) when you're done with side work.

**Please understand that certain tasks that are required of a Barback/Dishwasher/Busser/Host may be irregular to that of a standard bar setting due to Hala Kahiki being a tiki-themed cocktail bar. This including certain stocking necessities (filling of many different juices, house made syrups or liqueurs) or carrying of trays of glassware, containers of bottles, trays of bottles behind bars through doorways, un/down inclines, ramps or stairs and in tight knit spaces.

Must have:

• Strong willingness to learn
• Passion for the restaurant industry
• Commitment to the highest industry standards
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule of nights, days, weekends and minimal holidays with availability for weekends being a MUST
• Great Punctuality
• Reliable transportation - We're not close to public transportation.

Must be:

-  21 years of age
- Self driven with a professional go-getter attitude
- Great communicator and aware of customer/co-workers needs

- Above all, a TEAM player