Bartender

Bartender/Server Job Description

The Bartender/Server is responsible for ensuring that every guest who dines or visits the bar/bar lounge at The Cake Bake Shop experiences “a magical and one-of-a-kind experience” that reflects our brand’s elevated standards. Bartenders/Servers must maintain expert-level knowledge of all beverages, ingredients, recipes, allergens, and presentation expectations. Bartenders/servers provide polished service to bar-top guests while efficiently executing all service-well orders for the dining room.

Bartender/Server Responsibilities – Tip-Producing Tasks

• Warmly greet all bar guests and provide a refined, exceptionally polished guest experience.

• Take and enter beverage and food orders into the POS system accurately and efficiently.

• Prepare and serve all alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages according to Cake Bake Shop recipes and standards.

• Mix ingredients such as liquor, soda, water, sugar, bitters, and juices to prepare cocktails and specialty drinks. 

• Serve wine, bottled beer, and draft beer with correct presentation.

• Serve snacks, bar food items, appetizers, desserts, and beverages to bar guests.

• Collect payment for beverages served; manage bar tabs, balance cash receipts, process payments, and provide receipts.

• Check customer identification to verify age requirements for alcohol service.

• Monitor alcohol consumption and take appropriate steps to limit liability related to excessive drinking, including refusing service and assisting with arranging transportation for intoxicated guests.

• Engage guests using brand-appropriate, elevated language and polished communication.

• Provide guests with basic local information or directions upon request.

• Perform suggestive selling, offer beverage pairings, and make knowledgeable product recommendations.

• Monitor bar-top guests, anticipate needs, and respond to requests promptly.

• Deliver bar food items, desserts, and beverages with correct presentation and timing.

• Maintain awareness of allergen and dietary accommodations for all guests.

• Arrange bottles, glassware, and bar displays in an attractive and organized manner.

• Manage bar tabs, process payments, provide receipts, and thank guests for visiting.

• Ensure bartop cleanliness, polished bar tools, and professional appearance at all times.

• Greet guests warmly and maintain a polished, professional dining or bar experience.

• Present menus and answer questions regarding food and beverage offerings.

• Make menu and beverage recommendations and explain preparation methods, ingredients, and pairings.

• Take food orders from guests seated at the bar and ensure accurate delivery.

• Check with guests to ensure satisfaction and resolve issues immediately.

• Prepare checks that itemize meal and beverage costs and applicable taxes.

• Process rewards or loyalty redemptions when applicable.

• Escort guests to seats at the bar when needed.

• Serve ice water, coffee, bread, or other table items in support of guest service.

• Garnish and decorate drinks or dishes prior to service.

• Communicate guest concerns, product shortages, or service issues to management immediately.

• Uphold all Steps of Service: greeting, timing, presentation, glitter, celebrations, and retail engagement when applicable.

Sidework Responsibilities – Tip-Supporting Tasks

Tip-supporting work is secondary to tip-producing tasks and must be limited in time. These tasks directly support guest service but do not generate tips by themselves.

• Stock and prepare fruit garnishes, syrups, mixes, juices, and bar ingredients.

• Restocking linens from the shed.

• Slice, pit, and prepare fruit for garnishing beverages.

• Prepare batches, flavored syrups, whipped creams, and specialty beverage mixes following recipes.

• Restock liquor, wine, beer, sodas, glassware, ice, and bar tools.

• Clean glasses, bar utensils, and bar equipment used for drink preparation and service.

• Polish glassware and bar utensils used for guest service.

• Clean and maintain bar equipment such as shakers, strainers, soda machines, and espresso tools.

• Organize the bar top, bar shelves, underbar coolers, and service-well area.

• Refill napkins, straws, stirrers, to-go containers, and bar service items.

• Wipe down bar-top surfaces, chairs, and nearby décor areas.