Lead Bartender

Apizza Alimentari

Reports to: General Manager/Ownership

Role Overview

The Lead Bartender is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the beverage program and bar operations. In addition to bartending at a high level, this role carries operational, financial, and leadership accountability for the performance, profitability, and culture of the bar.

This position is expected to operate as a department head for the bar.

Core Areas of Responsibility

1. Beverage Program Leadership

• Develop and maintain the cocktail program, including seasonal updates.
• Create and cost all cocktail and mocktail recipes.
• Ensure recipe standardization and execution consistency.
• Maintain alignment between beverage offerings and the restaurant’s identity.
• Collaborate on wine list development and overall beverage strategy.

2. Wine Program & Education

• Oversee wine service standards across the dining room and bar.
• Train staff on wine knowledge, service technique, and pairing guidance.
• Lead ongoing wine education sessions.
• Support wine sales growth through staff coaching and guest engagement.

3. Inventory & Purchasing

• Conduct regular full-bar inventory counts.
• Maintain accurate pars and ordering systems.
• Place beverage orders and manage vendor relationships.
• Monitor product usage and prevent waste, shrinkage, or over-ordering.
• Maintain organized storage and proper rotation.

4. Beverage Cost Accountability

• Own beverage cost percentage targets.
• Track and analyze pour cost and inventory variance.
• Adjust recipes, ordering, or pricing as needed to protect margins.
• Maintain costing sheets for all beverage items. Identify opportunities to improve profitability without sacrificing quality

5. Staffing & Leadership

• Participate in hiring decisions for bartenders and barbacks.
• Lead onboarding and structured training.
• Set clear expectations for service standards and professionalism.
• Provide performance coaching and corrective action when necessary.
• Assist in creating and managing the bar schedule.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and hospitality.

6. Operational Oversight

• Ensure bar cleanliness, organization, and compliance with health and liquor laws.
• Maintain bar equipment and communicate repair needs.
• Oversee opening and closing procedures.
• Lead by example during service — professionalism, urgency, and hospitality.

Authority & Accountability

The Lead Bartender is accountable for:

• Beverage cost performance
• Inventory accuracy
• Quality and consistency of cocktails and wine service
• Bar team performance and professionalism
• Beverage program profitability

This role carries leadership authority within the bar program and works in partnership with ownership/management on strategic decisions.