Bartender
Hard Shake Bar, New York Tender
22 West 32nd Street, New York, NY
2224 people viewed
Required Years of Experience
0-1 years
Job Details
About Tender Bar NYC
Opening in partnership with the 2-star Michelin restaurant Joo Ok, located in the restaurant's intimate back space, Tender Bar NYC is a craft cocktail destination exploring the historical journey of cocktails from the US to Japan, and back to New York through a contemporary lens.
The program is spearheaded by Head Bartender Kwangjin Yang, the sole Korean disciple among the 12 direct students of the legendary Japanese bartender Kazuo Uyeda—creator of the foundational "Hard Shake" technique and founder of Ginza Tender in Tokyo.
We focus deeply on technical precision, classic cocktail philosophy, and a profound commitment to hospitality. At Tender Bar, a cocktail is not just a drink; it is an art form that carries the bartender’s soul. We are looking for disciplined individuals who respect this craft and are ready to immerse themselves in true bartending mastery.
Our Philosophy & Training Commitment (Must Read)
At Tender Bar NYC, we believe that true excellence cannot be rushed. Because our cocktails are crafted with soul and absolute precision, behind-the-bar execution requires a flawless foundation.
- The Apprenticeship Period (Minimum 8 to 12 Months):
Selected candidates will dedicate their first 8 months to 1 year strictly to mastering the core fundamentals of our craft. This comprehensive, paid immersion covers ice execution, bar mechanics, ingredient theory, hospitality mindset, and the philosophy of the Hard Shake. - Transition to Active Bartending:
Only after demonstrating complete mastery of these basic disciplines will you step into active cocktail preparation for our guests.
Shared Responsibility & The Guest Experience
At Tender Bar NYC, there is no hierarchy when it comes to maintaining our space. Every single team member—regardless of seniority—shares all tasks equally. From heavy cleaning and polishing to preparation, we build and run this bar together as one unified team.
- The Beginning of the Experience:
For our guests, the Tender Bar experience does not start at the bar counter; it begins the moment they arrive at the building's 1st-floor entrance. - Elevator Hospitality:
One of our most unique, shared responsibilities includes going down to the ground floor to personally greet our guests, operating the manual freight elevator, and escorting them up to our intimate space.
Every detail, from the ground floor elevator gate to the final sip, is a curated part of a completely new experience we offer to New York City.
Key Responsibilities
- Mastering the Fundamentals: Dedicate yourself fully to the rigorous daily training, repetition, and study of Japanese and Classical bartending techniques.
- Elevator & Reception Hospitality: Manually operate the freight elevator to greet, welcome, and guide guests from the 1st floor to the bar.
- Equal Bar Operations: Share all side-work, including meticulous deep cleaning, custom ice carving, heavy lifting, bar setup (mise en place), and cleanup duties.
- Quality Preservation: Uphold the integrity of our menu and recipes without shortcuts or unauthorized substitutions.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Mindset: Extreme discipline, humility, patience, and a "no job is too small" attitude.
- Experience: Minimum of 1–2 years of experience in hospitality, fine dining, or a premium beverage environment (willingness to unlearn and relearn is highly valued).
- Physical Capability: Ability to safely operate a manual freight elevator and comfortably handle the physical demands of daily bar setups and maintenance.
- Communication: Excellent verbal communication skills to engage with an upscale, international clientele.
- Legal Status: Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Compensation & Benefits
- Pay Rate: $11.35 / hour + pooled tips (Fully compliant with New York State cash wage standards for tipped food service workers). Fully paid training from Day 1.
- Mentorship: Unparalleled, direct mentorship from Head Bartender Kwangjin Yang, a direct lineage bearer of Kazuo Ueda's legendary bar philosophies.
- Career Growth: Exclusive exposure to elite F&B networks through our partnership with Joo Ok Restaurant.
Compensation Details
Compensation: Hourly ($11.35) plus tips
Required Skills
Attention to Detail
Teamwork
Adaptability
Customer Service Orientation
Time Management
Problem Solving
Culinary Knowledge
Cultural Awareness
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Kazuo Uyeda’s bartending philosophy and approach were first introduced to New York through a 2010 seminar celebrating the publication of Cocktail Techniques. Following a journey that began in Seoul in 2016, his vision returns in 2026 at Tender Bar.
Named directly by Kazuo Uyeda, Hard Shake Bar Tender carries forward his craft and dedication. Here, guests can experience the authentic Hard Shake through the hands of his disciples, who uphold his technique, philosophy, and spirit.
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