Beverage Manager

Ballyhoo Hospitality; Illinois; On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Dental benefits

401(k) plan

Bonus potential

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation

Mentorship and growth opportunities

Dining incentives across 15+ concepts

Job summary

Ballyhoo Hospitality seeks an experienced Beverage Manager to oversee the beverage program for a designated restaurant within the group. The role focuses on wine and spirits leadership, cost management, and staff education.

The Beverage Manager will collaborate with the Beverage Director, train Front of House teams, and ensure service excellence while maintaining Ballyhoo standards across the concept.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of supervisory or management experience.
• Sommelier certification or equivalent experience preferred in upscale environments.
• Excellent communication skills are essential.
• Strong interest in creating exceptional guest experiences through hospitality.
• Solutions-oriented with ability to support restaurant goals.
• Experience with Toast, Resy, Hotschedules, or R365 preferred.
• Familiarity with diverse culinary styles and optimal beverage pairings.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Beverage Director on menu development.
• Conduct weekly beverage inventory and manage beverage costs within budget.
• Direct and participate in beverage service during operations.
• Serve as primary contact for wine service with deep knowledge of the wine list.
• Train and develop staff on beverage knowledge.
• Ensure proper use and maintenance of beverage equipment.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Wine & spirits knowledge

Communication skills

Hospitality mindset

Staff training

Restaurant software proficiency

Education

Sommelier certification or equivalent

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!