Job Description
Essential Responsibilities
Bar Operations & Guest Service
- Lead daily bar operations to ensure consistent, high-quality beverage service.
- Maintain and enforce Southern Kitchen’s standards for cocktails, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Ensure bartenders and barbacks deliver fast, professional, and friendly service.
- Collaborate with management on promotions, happy hours, and special events (e.g., live music).
- Resolve guest complaints related to bar service promptly and professionally.
Staff Management
- Recruit, hire, train, and mentor bar team members.
- Create and manage schedules to ensure coverage for daily service and events.
- Conduct performance evaluations and provide coaching when needed.
- Lead training programs in cocktail preparation, responsible alcohol service, and upselling.
- Build a positive, team-oriented bar culture.
Beverage Program Development
- Design and update cocktail and beverage menus in collaboration with ownership and management.
- Stay current with industry trends while keeping with Southern Kitchen’s brand.
- Develop seasonal features, specialty cocktails, and signature drinks.
- Balance profitability with guest value through thoughtful pricing strategies.
Financial Management & Inventory Control
- Oversee ordering, receiving, storage, and reconciliation of bar inventory.
- Minimize waste and control beverage costs through proper systems.
- Review invoices and maintain vendor relationships.
- Track sales and profitability, reporting to the General Manager.
- Assist in strategies to grow bar revenue.
Compliance & Safety
- Ensure compliance with Virginia ABC laws and regulations.
- Maintain all bar licenses, permits, and inspection documentation.
- Train staff on responsible service and enforce ID-checking policies.
- Oversee safe handling of equipment, glassware, and alcohol storage.
Qualifications
- 3–5 years of bar management or lead bartender experience in fine dining or upscale restaurants.
- Strong leadership and team management abilities.
- Advanced knowledge of cocktails, wine, beer, and spirits.
- Experience with bar inventory systems and cost control.
- Excellent guest service and conflict resolution skills.
- Knowledge of Virginia ABC laws required.
- ServSafe Alcohol or equivalent certification strongly preferred.
Work Schedule
- Full-time role with flexible availability.
- Nights, weekends, holidays, and special events required.
- On-call availability for urgent staffing or operational needs.
Do you want me to also add a short opening and closing statement (something like “Join our team at Southern Kitchen where we pride ourselves on fine dining with elegance” + “Apply today to become part of our growing team”) to make it more inviting on Indeed?
🍽️ Welcome to Southern Kitchen Restaurant – Where Soul Meets Service
At Southern Kitchen, we don’t just serve food — we serve warmth, community, and tradition. Located in Stony Point Fashion Park in Richmond, VA, our restaurant is known for authentic Southern cuisine, heartfelt hospitality, and a dining experience that feels like home.
Whether it’s our perfectly fried catfish, creamy mac & cheese, or sweet tea served with a smile, everything we do is rooted in family, flavor, and pride.
We’re building a team of passionate, reliable, and energetic individuals who love great food and great people. If you're looking to grow in the restaurant industry, be part of a team that supports one another, and work in a fast-paced, guest-focused environment — you’re in the right place.
👨🏾🍳 What We Offer:
A welcoming and supportive team culture
Opportunities to grow within the company
Flexible scheduling and competitive pay
Training and development from experienced leaders
A chance to be part of something special in RVA
🌟 Join Our Story
We’re more than a restaurant — we’re a family. If you bring hustle, heart, and hospitality, we’d love to have you at our table.
Job Tags
Full time, Seasonal work, Flexible hours, Night shift, Weekend work,