Main Role
As the Lead Bartender/Mixologist at Astor Club, you will lead the bar team in providing luxury service to guests at the bar and beyond. You will be expected to push the boundaries of cocktail creation, delivering unique and out-of-the-box drinks that elevate the guest experience. Your expertise and creativity will guide both guests and staff, ensuring that every beverage reflects the innovation and sophistication of Astor Club.

Compensation:
As noted in the listing, because we are a private club, compensation works differently here than at most open to the public restaurants. Member experience and satisfaction is of the upmost importance, and a consistent paycheck for our staff is equally as important. So rather than the Chicago tipped worker minimum wage plus inconsistent tips, we pay a much higher flat hourly rate to all our front-of-house staff. This ensures that all staff is working together to deliver a great experience to the members and their guests, and that our staff earns a great living wage consistently each pay-period. Servers and bartenders earn $30/hour and we charge our patrons a fixed 20% service fee. However, members can still choose to tip on top of the service fee, and that additional tip is pooled amongst FOH staff and added to your hourly pay.

Qualities Required:

• 3-5 years of bartending/mixology experience, with leadership experience preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Well-spoken, charming, and customer-focused, delivering exceptional tableside service.
• A strong sense of luxury hospitality, with attention to detail.
• Excellent time management and multitasking abilities.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to foster a positive culture and lead by example.
• Core values of honesty, a strong work ethic, and high moral integrity.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the bar team and collaborate with the Bar Director on liquor selection, cocktail development, and service standards.
• Develop creative, out-of-the-box cocktails that surprise and delight guests while complementing the overall dining experience.
• Provide evening beverage service to guests, offering personalized recommendations and ensuring an elevated experience.
• Train and mentor FOH staff, providing educational outlets to strengthen their skills and knowledge.
• Stay informed on industry trends through workshops, publications, and ongoing education.
• Ensure nightly service adheres to the world-class standards of Astor Club.
• Manage pre-service and monthly inventory, including procurement, invoice management, and bar organization.
• Innovate and maintain a cocktail menu that aligns with Astor Club’s sophisticated dining experience and reflects cutting-edge mixology trends.

Service Responsibilities:

• Ensure guest satisfaction is consistently at the highest level.
• Remember the names and preferences of regular guests, offering a personalized touch in every interaction.
• Guide guests through the cocktail menu and pairings, making thoughtful recommendations based on preferences and restrictions.
• Assist with opening and closing duties, ensuring seamless service from start to finish.
• Support FOH staff in all service-related tasks.
• Maintain strong relationships with suppliers, ensuring a smooth and reliable inventory system.
• Demonstrate extensive knowledge of classic and modern cocktails, with the ability to craft bespoke drinks for guests.
• Assist guests with special dietary requests by offering tailored beverage recommendations.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs as required.

Culture and Values:

• Reflect Astor Club’s mission and values in all interactions with both guests and team members.
• Represent the club professionally through appearance, communication, and respect for others.
• Maintain a clean, neat, and orderly work environment, reducing waste and prioritizing safety.
• Take ownership of responsibilities with a focus on elevating the guest experience.
• Act with integrity, honesty, and knowledge, striving for personal fulfillment and not just recognition.
• Collaborate with colleagues to find positive solutions and embrace necessary changes with an open mind.
• Continuously strive to improve personal performance and uphold the highest standards of quality.
• Welcome new ideas and suggestions as opportunities for growth and improvement.
• Embrace an ownership mentality, aligning your goals with those of Astor Club’s owner-operators.
• Foster a team environment, motivating others to achieve exceptional levels of service and performance.

Essential Functions:

• Prepare and serve beverages to guests following recipes and service standards.
• Ensure the bar is stocked with necessary supplies, including alcohol, glassware, ice, and other essentials.
• Be available to work varied hours, days, and shifts, including weekends.
• Effectively manage a full bar, cocktail station, and dining room orders during busy service periods.
• Safely transport food and beverages, handle exposure to liquids, and operate necessary bar equipment.
• Manage the bar in crowded or confined spaces with varying noise and temperature levels.
• Stand and walk for extended periods and safely lift up to 50 lbs when required.