OVERVIEW

Leadership position within an industry-leading cocktail company. Founded in 2017, Apologue started as a producer of all-natural liqueurs designed to elevate classic cocktails. In 2020, Apologue expanded into the “ready-to-drink” cocktail category via Big Star Cocktails, and then in 2021 released the first ultra-premium bottled cocktails under the brand Hoste.

Apologue is now embarking on the next phase of its journey. In Spring 2025, we will open the HOSTE facility in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago. Hoste will include a ~10,000 sqft. production facility, team offices, and a ~4,000 sqft. event space inclusive of a full-kitchen and cocktail bar. The goal of the event space is to be open during business day-time hours as a communal working space offering light, pre-prepared fare and a streamlined beverage program. During the evenings, the goal is to activate the 150-200 person capacity space with a variety of planned programming and private event rentals.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead the successful development, launch, and growth of HOSTE’s consumer facing programming, including:

• Work cross-functionally, including (1) overseeing the operations and staffing of the day-time space, (2) building our programming through internal brand events and external collaborations, and (3) coordinating with our private events manager and catering partners to execute rent-outs
• Help lead the development and execution of our on-site programming, expected to be a mix of brand-led events through Apologue and our brand partners, as well as external events such as curated dinners, speaker series, community events, maker markets.
  • Private event rentals will be handled in coordination with our Private Events Manager focused on special occasions (e.g., weddings, rehearsal dinners) and corporate outings

• Recruit, train, and retain a small, dynamic team to staff day-time hours and events, including lead bartender and necessary support staff
• Help implement necessary software & hardware tools including POS (e.g., Toast), reservation system, and private event rental software
• Coordinate ordering and inventory with our third-party food & beverage partners
• Establish, implement, and enforce clear employee guidelines and standards of service
• Coordinate & schedule staffing for regular service & with the private event manager for events
• One of a limited set of key holders to ensure space is properly closed out in the evenings

QUALIFICATIONS

• >7 years of hospitality experience, including managing diverse teams in a leadership capacity
• Experience with on-site food & beverage operations, event coordination, and catering

ADDITIONAL

• Compensation negotiable depending on experience. 
• Apologue is a Certified B-Corp and believes in investing in our people through mentorship, professional development, and training opportunities, as well as offering a competitive benefits package
• Role would work in close collaboration with Apologue co-founders, Jordan Tepper and Robert Haynes and be viewed as a peer from an executive team standpoint