Barback/Cocktail Runner

Position: Barback / Cocktail Runner
Job Type: Full-Time
Schedule: Flexible availability required, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

About the Role

We are looking for a motivated and reliable Barback / Cocktail Runner to join our team. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys working in a fast-paced restaurant environment, takes pride in providing excellent service, and works well as part of a team. The Barback / Cocktail Runner will play a key role in supporting our bartenders and front-of-house team by keeping the bar stocked, running cocktails and beverages, maintaining cleanliness, and helping ensure smooth and efficient service.

I. Job Summary

The Barback / Cocktail Runner is responsible for supporting the bar and restaurant teams by ensuring that cocktails, beverages, glassware, bar supplies, and other service items are prepared, stocked, and delivered efficiently throughout service. This position plays an essential role in maintaining a smooth and fast-paced operation while providing excellent service to guests and supporting bartenders, servers, and management.

The ideal candidate is energetic, organized, reliable, and able to work efficiently in a fast-paced restaurant environment.

II. Essential Job Functions

Bar & Beverage Support

• Supports bartenders and the bar team throughout service.
• Runs cocktails, wine, water, and other beverages from the service bar to guests and tables in a timely and professional manner.
• Ensures beverages are delivered to the correct table and guest.
• Maintains a constant flow of clean glasses, glassware, straws, napkins, and other beverage service items.
• Stocks the bar with necessary liquor, wine, mixers, juices, garnishes, ice, and other supplies.
• Prepares fresh juices, garnishes, and other items needed for bar service.
• Communicates with bartenders regarding low-stock items and replenishment needs.
• Assists with bar setup before service and breakdown after service.
• Ensures the service bar and surrounding areas remain clean, organized, and fully stocked throughout the shift.
• Removes empty bottles, dirty glassware, and other items from the bar and service areas.
• Assists bartenders with maintaining an efficient workflow during busy periods.
• Anticipates the needs of the bar team and takes initiative to keep service moving efficiently.

Cocktail Running & Guest Service

• Delivers cocktails and beverages to guests promptly and professionally.
• Confirms table numbers and orders before delivering beverages.
• Maintains awareness of the dining room and responds to guest needs when appropriate.
• Assists servers and other front-of-house team members when additional support is needed.
• Alerts servers or managers when guests require assistance.
• Provides friendly, professional, and attentive service at all times.
• Maintains a positive and professional attitude when interacting with guests and team members.
• Handles glassware and service items carefully and safely.
• Helps maintain an organized and efficient flow between the bar, dining room, and service areas.

Cleaning & Organization

• Maintains the highest standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and safety at all times.
• Keeps bar areas, service stations, floors, and surrounding areas clean and organized.
• Clears and transports dirty glassware, dishes, and service items to the appropriate areas.
• Ensures clean glassware and service equipment are available throughout service.
• Sweeps and mops floors as needed, including immediately addressing spills or broken items.
• Follows all cleaning and sanitation procedures and checklists.
• Properly handles and disposes of broken glass and other materials according to company safety procedures.
• Maintains clean and organized storage areas.

III. Restaurant & Team Responsibilities

• Works closely with bartenders, servers, runners, bussers, managers, and kitchen staff to ensure smooth restaurant operations.
• Communicates effectively with team members and management.
• Reports any guest complaints, operational issues, shortages, spills, breakage, or safety concerns to management promptly.
• Follows all company policies, procedures, service standards, and safety guidelines.
• Maintains a thorough knowledge of the beverage and food menus sufficient to answer basic guest questions and direct more detailed questions to the appropriate team member.
• Is hands-on and present throughout service.
• Remains focused, organized, and productive during busy periods.
• Assists other areas of the restaurant when needed and as directed by management.
• Performs other reasonable duties and responsibilities as assigned.

IV. Personal Competencies

The successful candidate should:

• Demonstrate a strong customer-service mindset.
• Be energetic, proactive, and willing to take initiative.
• Work effectively in a fast-paced and high-volume environment.
• Demonstrate strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Be reliable, punctual, and dependable.
• Maintain a positive and professional attitude.
• Be adaptable and willing to assist in different areas of the restaurant when needed.
• Be able to prioritize multiple tasks while maintaining attention to detail.
• Remain calm and professional under pressure.
• Demonstrate a strong work ethic and willingness to learn.
• Maintain a clean, neat, and professional appearance.

V. Education, Experience & Skill Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous restaurant, barback, food runner, cocktail runner, or hospitality experience preferred.
• Previous experience in a high-volume restaurant environment is a plus.
• Basic knowledge of cocktails, wine, and beverage service preferred.
• Ability to lift, carry, and transport beverage trays, glassware, cases of beverages, and other restaurant supplies safely.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and flexible schedules as required.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to handle stressful and fast-paced situations professionally.
• Must be able to read, write, and communicate effectively in English & Spanish.

VI. Attendance & Professional Standards

• Arrives on time and ready to work for all scheduled shifts.
• Follows company attendance, punctuality, and call-out procedures.
• Attends required meetings and training sessions.
• Treats company property, equipment, glassware, and supplies with care.
• Maintains appropriate personal hygiene and appearance and wears the required uniform.
• Follows all health, safety, sanitation, and workplace policies.
• Maintains a professional and respectful relationship with guests, coworkers, and management.
• Supports the team in maintaining efficient, safe, and profitable restaurant operations.