Bar Associate

Michter's Distillery - Louisville, KY

Full-time - Entry Level

Louisville, KY

About the position

Michter's Distillery is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Bar Associate to join our team at the Fort Nelson Distillery located in Louisville, KY. This full-time position offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the bourbon industry, one of Kentucky's most cherished traditions, while contributing to a world-class cocktail bar program. As a Bar Associate, you will report directly to the Head Bartender and play a crucial role in delivering an exceptional educational and hospitality experience to our guests. In this role, you will be responsible for a variety of tasks that ensure the smooth operation of the bar. Your primary duties will include greeting guests, managing reservations, and supporting bartenders and cocktail servers. You will act as a concierge, welcoming guests by name and escorting them to their tables, while also managing the flow of guests into the bar. Your responsibilities will extend to bar backing, which involves cleaning, restocking glassware, and maintaining a tidy bar area. You will also be tasked with ensuring that guests receive timely service, including providing water, menus, and snack trays, as well as answering inquiries about Michter's spirits and cocktail offerings. The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication skills, a hospitality-focused mindset, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. You will be expected to provide world-class service, build strong relationships with colleagues, and assist with opening and closing activities. Compliance with local, federal, and state laws is essential, and you will be expected to report any issues or needs to bar staff or management promptly. This position requires a proactive attitude, good organizational skills, and the ability to multitask effectively while maintaining a positive influence in the workplace.

Responsibilities

• Act as the concierge; greeting guests by name and escorting them to tables.
• Manage reservations system (RESY) and coordinate door and guest flow into the bar.
• Support bartenders and cocktail servers by cleaning, polishing, and restocking glassware.
• Buss and reset tables, restock ice, and stock supplies for the bar.
• Communicate with bar staff about new guests and deliver snack trays.
• Refill guest waters and snack trays, keeping the bar area clean.
• Maintain cleanliness of tables, menus, and the bar area.
• Handle a fast-paced environment while serving guests.
• Greet guests in a timely manner with water, menu, coasters, and snack trays.
• Provide recommendations and answer guest inquiries related to Michter's and the cocktail menu.
• Check in and follow up with guests to ensure a high-quality experience.
• Process payments and close out with customers, evaluating their experience.
• Assist with opening and closing activities and advise management of any issues.

Requirements

• Knowledge of serving, bar backing, and bartending is preferred.
• Excellent communication skills are essential.
• Previous experience in the spirits industry is a plus.
• Knowledge of the bourbon industry is preferred but not required.
• Must be professional, practice good hygiene, and be punctual.
• Must be hospitality-focused and able to create memorable experiences for guests.
• Ability to work weekends and extended hours is required.
• Must be a team player and able to work well in a team environment.
• Ability to prioritize and manage deliverables effectively.
• Good organizational skills are necessary.
• Must have a proactive, pleasant, and positive attitude.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-energy environment and multitask effectively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel is required.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in the spirits industry
• Knowledge of the bourbon industry

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Paid training
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance