Beverage Manager

Ballyhoo Hospitality; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental benefits

401(k) program

Bonus potential

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation

Career mentorship

Dining incentives

Job summary

Ballyhoo Hospitality seeks an experienced Beverage Manager to oversee the beverage program for a Ballyhoo restaurant in the Chicago area. The role emphasizes wine program leadership, beverage cost discipline, and education for the Front of House team to sustain hospitality excellence.

The Beverage Manager will collaborate with the Beverage Director on menus and training, while ensuring consistent service and adherence to Ballyhoo Hospitality Standards across the unit.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years of supervisory or management experience.
• Sommelier certification or equivalent experience in an upscale environment preferred.
• Excellent communication skills are essential.
• Interest in creating exceptional guest experiences through hospitality.
• Experience with restaurant management software (Toast, Resy, Hotschedules, R365) preferred.
• Familiarity with diverse culinary styles and wine/beverage pairings.
• Passion for training and developing staff.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Beverage Director on menu development and wine program.
• Conduct weekly beverage inventory and manage beverage cost within budget.
• Direct and actively participate in beverage service during operations.
• Serve as primary point of contact for wine service with comprehensive wine knowledge.
• Train staff on all beverage knowledge and service standards.
• Ensure proper maintenance and use of beverage equipment.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Excellent communication

Wine/beverage knowledge

Staff training

Guest hospitality mindset

Beverage service excellence

Customer service

Education

Sommelier certification or equivalent experience

Tools

Toast

Resy

HOTSchedules

R365

Job description

Ballyhoo Hospitality seeks an experienced Beverage Manager with a robust background in wine and spirits to join our organization. The Beverage Manager will be entrusted with the oversight of the Beverage Program for a designated restaurant within our group.

About Ballyhoo Hospitality: Founded in 2009 by Ryan and Anna O'Donnell, Ballyhoo Hospitality is a Chicago-based restaurant group operating 15 neighborhood-driven concepts across Chicago and the suburbs. Led today by Ryan O'Donnell and Partner Jon Farrer, Ballyhoo is built on warm, personal hospitality, honest cuisine, and deep community investment. The group expands intentionally, preserving the individuality of each concept while staying rooted in the belief that great hospitality is shaped by passionate teams, loyal guests, and the neighborhoods they serve.

OVERVIEW:

The Beverage Manager is accountable for all facets of the Beverage Menu Program, ensuring adherence to Ballyhoo Hospitality Standards. Responsibilities encompass curating wine selections, strategically managing the beverage program from both financial and creative perspectives, and leading ongoing educational initiatives for the Front of House team while cultivating hospitality service - oriented culture.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS:

• Act with the utmost integrity and professional knowledge to uphold the established culture, values, and mission of Ballyhoo Hospitality and its partner
• Ensure that all guests receive welcome, professional gracious service at all times
• Execute all job responsibilities with efficiency, respect, professionalism, teamwork, comprehensive knowledge, patience, keen awareness, compassion, and courtesy
• Collaborate closely with the management team to cultivate a positive and respectful work environment
• Possess a thorough understanding of all programs, procedures, standards, specifications, guidelines, and training protocols
• Propose constructive solutions to issues and contribute actively to the decision‑making processes.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Collaborate with Beverage Director on menu development
• Conduct weekly beverage inventory and manage the beverage cost within budgetary constraints
• Direct and actively participate in beverage service during operational hours
• Serve as the primary point of contact for wine service, demonstrating comprehensive knowledge of the wine list
• Conduct training and development for staff on all aspects of beverage knowledge
• Ensure the proper use and maintenance of all beverage equipment

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A minimum of two years of supervisory or management experience is required
• Sommelier certification or equivalent experience in an upscale environment is preferred
• Excellent communication skills are essential
• A genuine interest in creating exceptional guest experiences through hospitality
• Solutions-oriented approach with the ability to support restaurant goals and objectives
• Prior experience with restaurant management software systems (i.e. Toast, Resy, Hotschedules, R365) is preferred.
• Familiarity with diverse culinary styles and the ability to provide optimal beverage pairings
• Passion for training and developing staff and peers

Benefits & Perks:

Health, Dental, and Voluntary Benefits Package, bonus potential, 401(k) program, paid parental leave, paid vacation, career mentorship and growth potential, and dining incentives across our 15 + establishments!