Lead Bartender

ABOUT NEWS BAR

News Bar is a new owner-operated neighborhood tavern opening in downtown Chicago. Founded by Seth Blumenthal, co-founder and partner of Lemon, News Bar is an independent hospitality project built around classic hospitality, properly made classic cocktails, and better-than-expected bar food.

Located in the River North / Gold Coast area, News Bar will combine the warmth and familiarity of a neighborhood tavern with the standards and attention to detail of a modern hospitality program. Our beverage program emphasizes properly executed classic cocktails, thoughtful wine service, and genuine hospitality over complexity for its own sake.

Unlike many downtown bars operated by large restaurant groups, News Bar will be owner-operated and owner-led. Ownership will be actively involved in service, training, beverage development, and daily operations. During the opening years, the Managing Partner will also serve as General Manager and Beverage Director, working directly alongside the service team.

We’re currently building our opening leadership team and are seeking two Lead Bartenders / Service Leads to help establish the culture, systems, and guest experience of the bar from day one.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Lead Bartender / Service Lead is a key front-of-house leadership position at News Bar.

This is a hands-on leadership role for experienced bartenders and hospitality professionals who enjoy mentoring others, solving problems, and helping build a team while continuing to work service shifts. Lead Bartenders / Service Leads spend the majority of their time working bartender and/or server shifts while taking on defined leadership responsibilities that help ownership establish, maintain, and improve service standards, team culture, and operational consistency.

This role is designed for someone who wants more responsibility and influence than a traditional bartender or server position while remaining actively engaged with guests and participating in the tip pool, subject to applicable law and company policy.

Lead Bartenders / Service Leads work closely with ownership and the Chef to ensure service runs smoothly, guests are well cared for, staff are supported, and operational standards are consistently executed.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Hospitality & Guest Experience

• Work bartender and/or server shifts as assigned
• Deliver exceptional hospitality and memorable guest experiences
• Build relationships with regular guests and neighborhood patrons
• Maintain thorough knowledge of food, cocktails, spirits, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic offerings
• Guide guests with thoughtful recommendations
• Lead by example in professionalism, hospitality, and service standards

Service Leadership

• Serve as the leadership presence during designated shifts
• Coordinate front-of-house operations during service
• Support smooth communication between the dining room, bar, and kitchen
• Help maintain pacing, quality, and operational consistency
• Support teammates during busy services and help resolve routine guest concerns
• Act as Manager on Duty within the authority delegated by ownership

Team Development

• Assist with hiring, onboarding, and training new employees
• Help coach and mentor bartenders, servers, hosts, and support staff
• Reinforce service standards, policies, and operating procedures
• Participate in mock services, training sessions, and pre-opening preparation
• Help build a positive, accountable, hospitality-focused culture

Operations

• Serve as keyholder during designated shifts
• Assist with opening and closing procedures
• Ensure completion of sidework, cleaning, and operational checklists
• Monitor cleanliness, organization, and presentation throughout service
• Communicate maintenance, staffing, inventory, and operational issues to ownership
• Assist in refining service systems and operational procedures

Beverage Program

• Help execute the News Bar beverage program to ownership standards
• Participate in cocktail tastings, menu rollouts, and beverage education
• Maintain beverage quality and consistency
• Assist with bar setup, organization, prep, and inventory practices
• Help train staff on beverage knowledge and service standards

Leadership Participation

• Participate in leadership meetings with ownership and the Chef
• Provide feedback on service, staffing, operations, and guest experience
• Assist with implementing new initiatives and continuous operational improvements

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We’re looking for people who love hospitality first and bartending second.

You probably already have experience working in a quality bar or restaurant and have begun taking on leadership responsibilities. You’re calm under pressure, enjoy mentoring newer team members, and naturally step in to solve problems without waiting to be asked.

You understand that great neighborhood bars are built on consistency, genuine hospitality, regular guests, and a team that enjoys working together. You appreciate properly executed classic cocktails, but you care just as much about making guests feel welcome and helping your teammates succeed.

Most importantly, you’re looking for a place where you can help build something from the beginning, work directly with ownership, and grow into greater leadership responsibilities over time.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong hospitality instincts and commitment to guest experience
• Previous bartending and/or serving experience in a quality hospitality environment
• Leadership ability and interest in developing others
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to remain calm and effective during busy service periods
• Positive, team-oriented attitude
• Reliable, responsible, and trustworthy
• Attention to detail and commitment to operational excellence
• Interest in classic cocktails, spirits, wine, and hospitality

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum two years of hospitality experience
• Previous bartending experience preferred
• Previous experience as a shift lead, trainer, supervisor, lead bartender, captain, or similar leadership role preferred
• Experience in cocktail-focused bars, restaurants, or hospitality environments preferred
• BASSET Certification and Food Handler Certification (or ability to obtain)

SCHEDULE

• Full-time position
• Approximately 35–40 hours per week
• Five-day work week
• Evenings and weekends required

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Competitive hourly compensation based on experience, plus participation in the tip pool.

Benefits include:

• Medical and dental insurance (following introductory eligibility period)
• Paid Time Off
• Shift meal
• Dining discounts
• Opportunity to join the opening leadership team of an independent, owner-operated downtown Chicago bar
• Direct collaboration with ownership and meaningful influence on the development of the service program

GROWTH OPPORTUNITY

This position is intentionally designed as a leadership development role.

As News Bar grows, Lead Bartenders / Service Leads will have opportunities to take on expanded operational responsibilities, move into non-tipped management roles, and ultimately be considered for future Front-of-House management positions. We are looking for people who want to help build the business, establish lasting relationships with guests, and grow alongside the company over the long term.

HIRING PROCESS

Qualified candidates should expect the following process:

• Resume review
• Screening and interview
• Final discussion with ownership
• Offer with start date reasonably prior to opening, there will be opportunities to begin working part time during the development phase.