Bartender

SOHO SUSHI KENNEDY, LLC; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee dining privileges

Career growth in premier venue

Job summary

Nagi by SoHo Sushi in downtown Tampa is seeking experienced bartenders to join our opening team. As the centerpiece of our Japanese whiskey lounge, you will craft high-level cocktails, guide guests through an extensive spirit and sake collection, and deliver seamless hospitality.

The role requires 2+ years of upscale bar experience, strong knowledge of Japanese spirits, and the ability to work quickly under pressure.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of high-volume, upscale or craft cocktail bartending in an elevated dining or lounge.
• Strong knowledge of Japanese spirits (whiskey, shochu), cocktails, wine, and sake, with willingness to expand.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, polished presence, and ability to pace under pressure.
• Flexible schedule including nights, weekends, holidays, and pre-opening training over 30 days.

Responsibilities

• Spirit & Cocktail Execution: craft signature cocktails with precision and technique.
• Beverage Storytelling: advise guests on Japanese whiskey, gin, sake, and wine with tasting notes.
• Izakaya & Sushi Pairing: suggest small plates and sushi pairings for bar/lounge guests.
• Bar Operations & Opening Launch: participate in tastings, setup, and launch prep.
• Bar Cleanliness & Organization: maintain cleanliness, inventory, and safety compliance.

Skills

High-volume bartending

Upscale cocktail service

Professional grooming

Guest rapport

Job description

About Nagi by SoHo Sushi

Opening its doors in 30 days, Nagi is an elevated dining concept brought to you by the creators of SoHo Sushi. Nagi blends an authentic izakaya experience and precision sushi bar with a dedicated Japanese whiskey lounge. We deliver high-energy yet polished service, pairing artisanal spirits, rare whiskeys, and handcrafted cocktails with a sleek, design-forward atmosphere.

Position Summary

We are seeking experienced, refined, and passionate Bartenders to join our opening team. As the centerpiece of our Japanese whiskey lounge and bar program, you will craft high-level cocktails, guide guests through an extensive spirit and sake collection, and deliver seamless, engaging hospitality.

Key Responsibilities

• Spirit & Cocktail Execution: Prepare signature cocktails, classic builds, and precise spirit serves with speed, accuracy, and strong attention to technique (e.g., ice management, dilution, and presentation).

• Beverage Storytelling: Act as an authority on Japanese whiskey, Japanese gin, artisanal sake classifications, and curated wine, offering tailored recommendations and tasting notes.

• Izakaya & Sushi Pairing: Maintain deep food knowledge to suggest small plate and sushi pairings for guests seated at the bar or in the lounge area.

• Bar Operations & Opening Launch: Participate in pre-opening menu tastings, recipe mastery, bottle organization, and bar setup prior to our grand opening.

• Bar Cleanliness & Organization: Uphold rigorous standards of cleanliness, inventory management, station organization, and compliance with all food and alcohol safety regulations.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience: 2+ years of high-volume, upscale, or craft cocktail bartending experience in an elevated dining or lounge environment.

• Product Knowledge: Strong foundational knowledge of Japanese spirits (whiskey, shochu), cocktail balance, wine, and sake styles; eagerness to continuously expand product expertise.

• Polished Presence: Exceptional interpersonal skills, professional grooming, and the ability to build rapport with guests while maintaining speed under pressure.

• Availability: Flexible schedule including nights, weekends, holidays, and full attendance at pre-opening training modules over the next 30 days.

What We Offer

• High earning potential in a premiere downtown dining destination.

• In-depth pre-opening training covering Japanese whiskey, sake certification basics, and advanced mixology.

• Career growth potential within the Burton Holdings / SoHo Sushi restaurant family.

• Employee dining privileges and a collaborative, high-standard team culture.