How to Be Lead Bartender - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 9, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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When a bartender is in charge of a bar, they have a great deal of responsibility. They must ensure that drinks are prepared correctly and that guests are served quickly and efficiently. Furthermore, they are responsible for maintaining the bar's atmosphere and ensuring that customers are treated with respect.

As a result, when a bartender is leading their team, they must have a great deal of knowledge about the bar's offerings and be able to effectively manage their staff. they must be aware of food and beverage laws and regulations, which can vary greatly from state to state. The lead bartender is ultimately responsible for the success of the bar and must ensure that all policies and procedures are followed.

Steps How to Become

Obtain prior experience in the bartending field. Most lead bartenders have at least two to three years of experience working in a bar setting.
Learn the standard bar operations and the different types of drinks that are served in the bar. This includes learning how to properly mix and serve drinks, as well as understanding the various types of alcohol and their uses.
Become familiar with the local laws and regulations regarding the serving of alcohol.
Develop good customer service skills. Lead bartenders must be friendly, approachable, and able to handle customer complaints and requests in a professional manner.
Take courses or attend seminars related to the bartending profession. This can include courses in mixology, customer service, and responsible alcohol service.
Obtain a bartenders license if required by your state or jurisdiction.
Gain experience in supervising other bartenders and servers. Lead bartenders must be able to manage and delegate tasks while maintaining the highest standards of service and quality.
Get certified in responsible alcohol service (RAS). RAS certification is required in many states and jurisdictions and can make you more attractive to employers.

Efficient bartending is essential to a successful establishment. When bartenders are organized and efficient, they can serve customers quickly and accurately, resulting in increased customer satisfaction and better tips. To ensure reliable and efficient bartending, it is important to have an organized bar area, with all necessary tools and supplies within easy reach.

bartenders should have a comprehensive knowledge of the menu, including cocktail recipes and ingredients. Finally, bartenders should practice proper bar etiquette, such as greeting customers promptly and taking time to get to know regulars. When bartenders understand and adhere to these principles, they will be able to provide a reliable and efficient service that leads to a positive customer experience.

You may want to check Pub Bartender, Brewery Manager, and Bartender/Cashier for alternative.

Job Description

Prepare alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for guests
Check identification to verify guests are of legal drinking age
Maintain bartending inventory and supplies
Ensure bar area is kept clean and organized
Collect payment for drinks served
Create drink recipes and present new drinks to customers
Provide excellent customer service to guests
Resolve customer complaints in a professional manner
Follow all safety and sanitation regulations
Monitor guests consumption of alcohol and intervene as necessary

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
Knowledge of bartending tools and techniques
Ability to follow recipes accurately
Ability to interact professionally with customers
Ability to manage a bar, including stocking, inventory and ordering supplies
Ability to multitask and prioritize
Ability to handle money accurately and responsibly
Knowledge of health and safety regulations
Knowledge of local, state and federal alcohol laws
Good communication and organizational skills

Having the right skill set as a bartender is essential to ensure the success of any bar. One of the most important skills a bartender can possess is excellent customer service. When customers have a pleasant experience, they are more likely to come back, bringing in more revenue for the bar.

Another key skill is knowledge of different cocktails and their recipes. Knowing how to make drinks quickly and efficiently, while also being able to recommend new drinks to guests, can help keep customers happy and encourage them to buy more. Its also important to be able to maintain organization behind the bar.

Having the ability to keep track of orders and ingredients so nothing gets wasted is a great way to save money for the bar. Finally, bartenders need to be able to accurately calculate tabs and collect payments from guests, as this is one of the most important aspects of the job. With these skills, bartenders can provide an unforgettable experience for customers while simultaneously helping the bar make more money.

Beverage Cart Attendant, Bottle Service Attendant, and Beer Pourer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in bartending and leading a team?
How would you handle a difficult customer or situation while on the job?
Describe your approach to training and mentoring new staff.
What strategies do you employ to ensure customer satisfaction?
How do you stay up-to-date with current trends in mixology?
What safety protocols do you have in place for all bartenders?
Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision while on the job.
What techniques do you use to manage bar inventory and supplies?
How do you motivate your team when things get busy?
What makes you the best candidate for this role?

Common Tools in Industry

Bar Spoon. Used to mix drinks (eg: stirring a martini)
Bottle Opener. Used to open bottles (eg: opening a beer bottle)
Corkscrew. Used to open wine bottles (eg: opening a bottle of Merlot)
Muddler. Used to crush ingredients (eg: muddling mint for a mojito)
Jigger. Used to measure liquids accurately (eg: measuring out 1oz of vodka)
Ice Scoop. Used to scoop ice from an ice bin (eg: filling a glass with crushed ice)
Cocktail Strainer. Used to strain cocktails into glasses (eg: straining a margarita)
Citrus Juicer. Used to extract juice from citrus fruits (eg: squeezing lemons for a lemon drop)
Shaker Tin. Used to shake and chill cocktails (eg: shaking a cosmopolitan)
Mixing Glass. Used to stir cocktails (eg: stirring a Manhattan)

Professional Organizations to Know

United States Bartenders Guild
National Bartenders Association
International Bartenders Association
The American Distilling Institute
Brewers Association
American Craft Spirits Association
Society of Wine Educators
National Restaurant Association
National Association of Professional Bartenders
Bar and Beverage Management Association

We also have Craft Beer Specialist, Taproom Manager, and Head Bartender jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Barback. A barback is a person who assists the bartender by stocking and organizing the bar area, preparing garnishes, refilling ice bin, and helping to keep the bar clean.
Cocktail Menu. A cocktail menu is a list of drinks offered at a bar or restaurant. It usually includes the name of each drink, its ingredients, and its cost.
Tending Bar. Tending bar is a term used to describe a bartenders job duties. This includes taking orders, mixing drinks, serving customers, and handling payment.
Bottle Service. Bottle service is the practice of ordering alcoholic beverages in bottles rather than individual drinks. It is typically offered in upscale bars or nightclubs.
Liquor Inventory. Liquor inventory is a term used to describe the amount of alcoholic beverages stocked in a bar or restaurant. The bartender is responsible for tracking and managing the liquor inventory.
Mixology. Mixology is the art and science of creating cocktails and other alcoholic drinks. It involves knowledge of ingredients, techniques, and equipment used to make different types of drinks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What duties are expected of a Lead Bartender?

A Lead Bartender is responsible for managing the bar staff, maintaining an adequate inventory of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, ensuring customer satisfaction and enforcing safety and security protocols.

What are the qualifications for becoming a Lead Bartender?

The qualifications for becoming a Lead Bartender typically include a high school diploma or equivalent, at least two years of experience as a bartender or barback, a valid driver's license, and ServSafe Alcohol certification.

How much do Lead Bartenders typically earn?

Lead Bartenders typically earn between $13 and $17 per hour, or between $27,000 and $35,000 annually.

What is the typical job outlook for Lead Bartenders?

The job outlook for Lead Bartenders is expected to remain steady over the next decade as the demand for bartenders is projected to remain relatively consistent.

What safety protocols must a Lead Bartender be familiar with?

A Lead Bartender must be familiar with local regulations regarding alcohol service, as well as any safety protocols required by the employer. This includes ensuring that all bartenders are properly trained in the responsible service of alcohol.

Web Resources

Lead Bartender job in Phoenix, AZ with Grand Canyon University jobs.gcu.edu
Lead Banquet Bartender (Part-Time, Regular) Ecampus Career careers.ecampus.oregonstate.edu
What is a bartender? - EHL hospitalityinsights.ehl.edu