Lead Bartender

About Us:

16 On Center Chicago owns and operates several live music venues, third-party production, restaurants, bars, and food halls across Chicago and New York. Join the team of one of the country's leading independent promoters.

Our most effective service to our community comes from a team with a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds, and experiences. 16 On Center actively seeks a diverse applicant pool and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Position Summary

As the Lead Bartender at Bar Avant, located in Olly Olly Market, you are responsible for leading all aspects of the bar program, ensuring consistency, quality, and creativity in execution. You provide guidance and hands-on support to the bar team while also maintaining a strong understanding of food hall operations, partnering closely with management to support overall business needs and create alignment between the bar and other vendors. In this role, you are focused on building engaging, collaborative, and profitable programs that enhance the guest experience through thoughtful curation and activations.

Additional Responsibilities Include but Are Not Limited To:

• Be the guiding force behind the bar staff, offering mentorship when possible and direction when necessary to keep the team on task and continue developing skills
• Maintain a professional presence at all times, serving as an example for the team and championing 16 On Center’s guiding principles
• Support the food hall management team and serve as a resource for vendors when needed
• Act as the primary point of contact for closing the food hall five days per week
• Guide event execution teams, fostering a culture of collaboration and creativity while ensuring consistency in setup, service, and guest interaction
• Drive hospitality standards in alignment with 16 On Center’s Mission Statement, creating positive guest experiences and encouraging the team to go above and beyond
• Review financial data and adjust menu offerings based on trends, while maintaining overall bar profitability
• Manage ordering, receiving, and inventory procedures, involving the GM when appropriate, and maintain organization of liquor rooms, coolers, and bar areas
• Work to maintain cost of goods sold, comp/shrinkage, and inventory levels within established targets
• Oversee prep programs to improve efficiency, consistency, and product quality
• Ensure complete and efficient opening and closing procedures, with team accountability across all duties
• Keep all SOPs and training documents up to date
• Attend weekly manager meetings and follow through on assigned tasks and projects
• Work directly with the Private Events team to execute events and support overall event operations
• Create and execute activations using beverage programming to build brand integrity and drive revenue (e.g., holidays, menu placements, takeovers, themed series)
• Manage end-of-night 7shifts log notes to ensure consistent and accurate reporting
• Continuously identify areas of improvement and implement changes as needed

About You

• 3+ years of bartending experience in a high-volume or craft cocktail environment
• Natural leader who leads by example and supports team development
• Strong communication skills and ability to work across teams during service
• Consistent, reliable, and accountable in both performance and attitude
• Strong sense of hospitality and ability to connect with guests in a genuine way
• Comfortable handling guest concerns and making decisions in the moment
• Organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities during service
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and lift up to 25 pounds, with reasonable accommodation

Position Details & Benefits

• Job Type: Full-time, Hourly
• Compensation: $27 - $30/hour + Tips -- $30/hour Admin
• Paid safe and sick leave in accordance with New York City requirements.
• Health insurance with employer contribution, plus voluntary dental, vision, life, short term disability, accident, and hospital coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match, once eligibility requirements are met.