Ballyhoo Hospitality  hiring Sommelier in Chicago, IL

Ballyhoo Hospitality More Info

Full Time • Salary ($65k - $75k)
Expires: Feb 25, 2025

120 people viewed

Required Years of Experience

3 years


Job Details
Ballyhoo is currently seeking a well rounded Sommelier with a passion for wine to join our talented team! We are a growing restaurant group and the ideal candidate is someone who wants to grow with us. The Sommelier will be responsible for the wine needs of one specific restaurant, not the entire group. The Sommelier will assist in selecting new wines for our menus, scheduling tastings and cultivating relationships with vendors, and leading lessons for the FOH team.

With their combined 35 years in the hospitality business, husband-and-wife partners Ryan and Anna O’Donnell created Ballyhoo Hospitality, which champions the qualities that make a neighborhood restaurant great. The heartfelt greeting when you walk in the door, service that makes you feel cared for and a warm ambiance that encourages you to relax. Ballyhoo restaurants offer thoughtful, inspired food and drinks that satisfy in memorable ways again and again.


OVERVIEW:

The Sommelier trains and assists in the operations of Ballyhoo Hospitality. Oversee and coordinate the planning, organizing, training and leadership necessary to achieve stated objectives in sales, costs, employee retention, guest service & satisfaction, food quality, cleanliness and sanitation.
 


GENERAL EXPECTATIONS:

Act with integrity, honesty and knowledge that promote the culture, values and mission of Ballyhoo Hospitality and our Partners.
Ensure that all guests feel welcome and are given responsive, professional and gracious service at all times
Perform all aspects of the position with efficiency, respect, professionalism, teamwork, knowledge, patience, awareness, compassion, courtesy and initiative.
Collaborate with the management team to create a culture and restaurant work environment based upon respect; foster opportunities for the team to learn, grow and develop their abilities.
Understand all programs, procedures, standards, specifications, guidelines and training protocols.
Offer positive solutions to problems or issues and be a voice that is part of the decision-making team.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Create and update wine list in coordination with General Manager and Ownership.
Maintain proper inventory levels of wines, other beverages and supplies.
Direct and engage in wine service during restaurant service hours.
Maintain knowledge of the particular characteristics and description of every wine/champagne by the glass and major wines on the wine list.
Maintain appropriate wine costs by negotiating purchase prices with vendors.
Train employees on wine service and knowledge.
Maintain complete knowledge of all menu items, liquor brands, beers and non-alcoholic selections available in the assigned outlet.
Participate in floor management duties, which include opening and closing shifts, as well as other additional duties assigned.

Maintain complete knowledge of correct maintenance and use of equipment.
Anticipate guests' needs, respond promptly and acknowledge all guests.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, the Sommelier must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

A minimum of 3 years of supervisory or management experience.
2 year sommelier experience at a fine dining establishment.
Must be able to communicate clearly, both verbal and written.
Must possess a genuine love of people and hospitality.
Must be a solutions-oriented leader who loves to train and motivate a team
Must have experience with Resy and Toast
Good food and wine knowledge with the desire to learn in detail about French Cuisine, wine, beer and spirits.
Passion to teach and learn constantly about classic cocktails and wine. 
Dedication to hospitality and building a great guest experience.
Leadership quality and a drive to cultivate a hospitality culture in service.
Desire to lead team training and development.
Be able to work in a standing position a minimum of 8 hours a day.
Be able to reach, bend and frequently lift up to 50 pounds.

COMPENSATION DETAILS:

We offer competitive pay, medical, dental, and vision insurance to full time employees, and 401(k) with generous employer match to all employees! Managers' schedules follow a five-day workweek with two consecutive days off each week.

Compensation Details

Compensation: Salary ($65,000.00 - $75,000.00)

Benefits & Perks: Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, 401k


Required Skills

Knowledge of Wine Selection and Pairing

Inventory Management

Wine Service

Training and Development of Employees

Menu Knowledge

Vendor Negotiation

Hospitality and Guest Service

Supervisory or management experience

Communication Skills

Experience With Resy and Toast

Food and Wine Knowledge

Leadership qualities

Team training and development

Physical Stamina to Work on Feet for Long Hours and Lift Heavy Objects

Read more


American

Restaurant Group

Part of Ballyhoo Hospitality

Ballyhoo Hospitality, founded by hospitality industry veterans Ryan and Anna O'Donnell, is a destination for exceptional dining experiences.

Gemini (2009) Lincoln Park
Coda Di Volpe (2016) Lakeview
Old Pueblo Cantina (2019) Lincoln Park
Sophia Steak (2020) Wilmette
Pomeroy (2021) Winnetka
Buck Russell's Sandwich Shop & Bakery (2022) Wilmette
Sophia Steak (2022) Lake Forest
Pizza by Sal (2023)
DeNucci's (2023)
Gemini Grill (2024)

Open Jobs From Ballyhoo Hospitality
General ManagerBeverage Manager

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