Bartender

Bear's Smokehouse - Hartford; Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 935,000 - 1,332,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee discount

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Flexible schedule

Paid training

Job summary

Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ is seeking bartenders to create a vibrant, welcoming bar experience, follow recipes, and provide exceptional hospitality. The role emphasizes safety, teamwork, and high service standards in a fast-paced environment.

The position is part-time with a flexible schedule, offering opportunities to train, advance, and contribute to a positive team atmosphere while serving alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages to guests in a busy setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• 1-2 years restaurant/bar experience.
• Excellent communication and friendly demeanor.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration.
• Compliance with alcohol service policies (TIPS preferred or required within 8 weeks).

Responsibilities

• Input orders into the system and handle transactions.
• Interact with guests and maintain a welcoming bar environment.
• Maintain a clean, organized bar and prep for shifts.
• Ensure accurate orders and guest satisfaction through teamwork.
• Prepare and serve beverages per recipes.
• Check IDs and follow responsible alcohol service policies.
• Maintain bar display and hygiene; wash glassware.
• Assist in training new staff and support promotions.
• Open and close bar area as needed.
• Stay informed about current promotions and menu items.

Skills

High school diploma

Restaurant/bar experience

Excellent communication

Team-oriented

Customer service

Education

High school diploma

Tools

POS system

Combi oven

Cash handling

Job description

Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ is hiring bartenders who bring positive energy, reliability, and pride to everything they do.

We are a family-owned and operated restaurant group that believes great food starts with a great team. At Bear’s, we work hard, support one another, and have fun along the way—while delivering high-quality BBQ and genuine hospitality to every guest.

We are deeply committed to creating a safe, healthy, and inclusive workplace where all team members are treated with respect and feel valued. We set clear expectations, prioritize teamwork and communication, and foster an environment where everyone can do their best work.

JOB SUMMARY

The Bartender creates a vibrant, welcoming bar environment that elevates the guest experience. They follow company recipes and policies to ensure consistent, high-quality beverages, demonstrate thorough knowledge of the bar and food menus, represent the company brand, deliver exceptional customer service, and maintain a positive atmosphere.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Accurately inputting orders into the system, handling money, processing transactions, and making change.
• Interacting with guests in a friendly manner, managing crowds, and ensuring guests feel at ease.
• Maintaining a clean and organized bar and ensuring backups are ready for the next shift.
• Communicating with team members to ensure order accuracy and guest satisfaction.
• Preparing and serving alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages according to company recipes.
• Checking guest identification and adhering to responsible alcohol service policies.
• Keeping an attractive bar display by arranging bottles and glasses per Bears Restaurant Group standards.
• Washing and sterilizing glassware.
• Anticipating guest needs and offering assistance proactively.
• Monitoring and replenishing stock levels, including beverages, garnishes, and other bar supplies.
• Cleaning and maintaining bar equipment, tools, and areas to ensure functionality and hygiene.
• Recommending drink pairings to guests.
• Handling guest concerns or complaints professionally and efficiently.
• Performing opening and closing duties, including setting up and breaking down the bar area.
• Maintaining knowledge of current promotions, seasonal specials, and new menu items.
• Assisting in training new bar staff and contributing to a collaborative team environment.
• Practicing safe food handling and maintaining cleanliness at all times.

WORK SCHEDULE

The Bartender’s schedule is determined by the business’s needs and is adjusted on a weekly basis. Flexibility is essential, as evening, weekend, and holiday availability are required to meet the demands of the restaurant. Additionally, Bartenders must ensure their availability aligns with and supports the operational success of the restaurant.

SKILLS REQUIRED

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred, and/or at least 1 year of experience in a related industry.
• 1-2 years of previous restaurant or bar experience
• Excellent communication abilities with a friendly and polite demeanor.
• Solid understanding of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a restaurant environment.
• Strong interpersonal abilities with a collaborative, team-oriented mindset.

CERTIFICATIONS/TRAINING REQUIRED

• Successful completion of company training program.
• TIPS alcohol certification – must have or obtain within 8 weeks of start date and maintain certification throughout the course of employment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Prolonged periods of standing, walking, bending, and twisting while managing and executing restaurant operations.
• Ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds, including tables, equipment, food and event supplies.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers is required for various tasks essential to restaurant operations, such as handling knives, operating a combi oven, and other related duties.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, essential for interacting with staff, guests, and event partners.
• Strong visual acuity for reading and analyzing data on computer screens, event layouts, or printed documents.
• Sharp hearing acuity to communicate and respond effectively in loud environments with significant background noise, typical of restaurant and event settings.
• Withstand exposure to possible food allergens including but not limited to; meats, fish, nuts, dairy, and oils.
• Withstand exposure to and work with cleaning chemicals.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the

individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of individuals in this position. This position description is subject to change by the Company as the needs and requirements of the position change.

Job Type: Part-time

Benefits:

• Employee discount

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Ability to Relocate:

• Windsor, CT 06095: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Pay: From $8.23 per hour

Expected hours: 20.0 — 29.0 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid training
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person