Bartender - LAVO Tampa

Tao Group; Tampa, Northern (FL, KY); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Tao Group Hospitality is opening two new venues at Hotel Cala in Tampa: LAVO with signature coastal Italian cuisine and BarOnda with a vibrant waterfront experience. We’re building our opening teams now and invite you to be part of this exciting launch.

As a Bartender, you will prepare all beverages, take orders, offer expert recommendations, and ensure gracious, high-energy service for guests in both venues while maintaining safety and standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years bartender experience.
• Minimum 2 years of food & beverage experience.
• Experience in fine dining preferred.
• Experience in a high-volume restaurant/nightclub/lounge desired.
• Comprehensive knowledge of classic cocktails required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare all beverages for guests and venue servers.
• Take orders, conduct full bar service, and monitor guest experience.
• Present menus and provide recommendations for food and beverages.
• Ensure bar area cleanliness and proper setup.
• Enter orders into POS and follow cash handling procedures.
• Deliver beverages to guests at bar/lounge and maintain inventory levels.
• Maintain professional appearance and teamwork with staff.

Skills

Bartender experience

Food & beverage service

Fine dining knowledge

High-volume service

Cocktail knowledge

Team player

Customer service

Education

3+ years bartender experience

Tools

POS system

Job description

In early 2027, Tao Group Hospitality is bringing two distinct dining experiences to Hotel Cala on Tampa’s waterfront. LAVO will make its Tampa debut with signature coastal Italian cuisine and hospitality, while BarOnda will bring a vibrant atmosphere to the Riverwalk with curated cocktails, bites, and waterfront views. We’re building our opening teams now.Join Tao Group Hospitality and be part of bringing two exciting new destinations to Tampa.

Prepares all beverages for guests and venue servers. Actively takes orders, conducts full and complete food/beverage service, and monitors guests’ bar/dining experience. Interacts with the bar guests, team members, and supervisors in a polite and courteous manner to ensure gracious hospitality.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Anticipate and accommodate the needs of the guests.
• Provides professional and exceptional service.
• Presents menus, answers questions, and makes suggestions for all food and beverage items.
• Inform guests of all food and beverage specials, with prices.
• Required to solicit any allergy or dietary restrictions from each guest.
• Accurately enter all orders into the POS system and follow proper cash/payment card procedures.
• Ensures the delivery of all food and beverage to the guests at the bar and lounge (where applicable).
• Maintain general cleanliness of bar and bar area and the entire venue.
• Makes sure all liquor displays and shelving are organized, and par levels are maintained.
• Follow supervisor’s instructions, communicate with and support co-workers, and be a team player.
• Possesses in-depth knowledge of all food and beverage menus and the company.
• Serves all alcoholic beverages in accordance with all state regulations and alcohol awareness training standards.
• Complies with Department of Health and company sanitation standards.
• Accurately completes all end-of-shift financial procedures.
• Communicates the needs of the guests to Front-of-House and Heart-of-House support staff, managers, and chefs.
• Properly sets up the bar stations, performs side-work and other opening/closing procedures as directed by management, including:
• Ensures the bar and bar area is clean and free of debris
• Sets bar with proper equipment, and settings as required
• Wipes down bar-top, bar stools, lounge tables, and chairs
• Stocks bar stations with prescribed supplies
• Completes opening duties as assigned or directed.
• Completes closing duties as assigned or directed.
• Reports all breakage, and damage of equipment or furniture immediately to management.
• Attends and participates in daily pre-service meetings.
• Attends and participates in any training sessions or departmental meetings.
• Learn by listening, observing other team members, and sharing knowledge while leading by example.
• Portrays a positive and professional attitude.
• Demonstrates knowledge of Tao Group Hospitality, its partners, and supporting hotel environments.
• Works as part of a team and provides help and support to all fellow team members.
• Assist and/ or complete additional tasks as assigned

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:

• Tao Group Hospitality in-venue bartender training

EDUCATION/WORKING KNOWLEDGE:

• Minimum 3 years bartender experience or equivalent related Tao Group Hospitality experience required.
• Minimum 2 years of food and beverage experience required.
• Experience in fine dining preferred.
• Experience in a high-volume restaurant/nightclub/lounge.
• Comprehensive knowledge of classic cocktails required.
• Basic familiarity with wine varietals and classic regions around the world required.

SKILLS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT / SCHEDULE

The work environment characteristics and/or physical demands described here are representative of those a team member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions

• Ability to write, read, and verbally communicate
• Must have good positive energy throughout the day
• Must be able to print legibly for Team Members, management, and guests to read
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time
• Must be able to move quickly
• Must be able to push and lift up to 75 lbs. with or without assistance
• Work in an environment that is subject to varying levels of noise, crowds, and smoke, the severity of which depends upon the guest volume
• May work extended hours irregular shifts, evening and/or weekend shifts, and holiday work may be required
• Exposure to cleaning materials
• May work extended hours irregular shifts, evening and/or weekend shifts, and holiday work may be required
• Office, Casino, Nightclub, Bar, Lounge, and/or Restaurant working environment
• Maintain a professional, neat, and well-groomed appearance adhering to Company standards
• Must be effective as part of a team; ability to interact with internal and external customers, managers, and co-workers in a professional, courteous manner
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to handle a fast-paced, busy, and somewhat stressful environment