Lead Bartender

About Us:

16 On Center Chicago owns and operates several live music venues, third-party production, restaurants, bars, and food halls across Chicago and New York. Join the team of one of the country's leading independent promoters.

Our most effective service to our community comes from a team with a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds, and experiences. 16 On Center actively seeks a diverse applicant pool and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Position Summary

As the Lead Bartender at Snorkelbox located in From Here On Food Hall , you serve as the champion of all elements of the bar program. You provide guidance and hands on support to the bar team whenever needed, leading by example and maintaining high standards of service, quality, and hospitality. You are well versed in the systems and operations of the food hall as a whole, working closely with the management team to ensure alignment between the bar and other vendors. You help create continuity across the space, supporting collaboration and smooth day to day operations. In this role, your goal is to build an exciting, collaborative, profitable, and culture rich bar program for our guests through careful curation, thoughtful activations, and a strong commitment to the Snorkelbox experience.

Additional responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Leadership & Hospitality

• Serve as the lead on shift, providing guidance, direction, and support to the bar team.
• Model professionalism, accountability, and strong hospitality standards at all times.
• Support food hall leadership and act as a resource to vendors when needed.
• Lead and support event execution from a bar perspective, ensuring smooth service and strong guest experiences.
• Encourage collaboration and maintain a positive, high performing team culture.

Operations

• Work 4 bar shifts per week and 1 administrative shift, with additional admin time as needed for inventory and planning.
• Support ordering, receiving, and inventory processes, partnering with the GM as appropriate.
• Assist with maintaining inventory levels, cost awareness, and minimizing comp and shrink.
• Ensure clean, organized, and well stocked bar, liquor storage, and cooler areas.
• Maintain and uphold opening and closing procedures, including serving as primary closer for the food hall Monday through Friday.
• Oversee prep standards to ensure consistency and efficiency.
• Maintain accurate end of night 7Shifts log notes.
• Attend manager meetings and complete assigned follow ups in a timely manner.
• Partner with the Private Events team to execute events and activations.
• Support the creation and execution of bar activations such as themed nights, brand partnerships, and seasonal programming.
• Identify operational improvements and collaborate with leadership to implement changes.

About You

• Minimum of 2 years of bartending experience in a full service, high volume environment. Lead or key holder experience preferred.
• Strong spirits knowledge with a genuine interest in cocktail history, technique, and evolving beverage trends.
• Experience working in high volume craft cocktail service while maintaining consistency and speed.
• Demonstrated ability to guide or mentor other bartenders and barbacks in a supportive, team focused way.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to give direction clearly and professionally during service.
• Comfortable taking ownership of inventory organization, prep standards, and opening or closing procedures.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to balance service with operational responsibilities.
• Comfortable standing and moving for extended periods, including lifting and carrying up to 40 pounds as needed

Position Details

• Job Type: Full-time, Hourly
• Compensation: Hourly rate ranges from $14 to $20 per hour + tips based on shift timing and administrative responsibilities.

Benefits & Perks

• Paid leave and paid sick leave in accordance with Chicago requirements.
• Health insurance with employer contribution, plus voluntary dental, vision, life, short term disability, accident, and hospital coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Dining discounts at 16 On Center properties and complimentary or discounted tickets to shows at 16 On Center venues, including Salt Shed, Thalia Hall, SPACE, and Empty Bottle, subject to availability.