Bar Manager

Virgil's Real BBQ is one of New York City's most iconic barbecue destinations - high-energy, high-volume, and built on serious hospitality. We're looking for a Bar Manager who leads from behind the stick and the floor, runs a fast-paced, high-volume bar program, and genuinely loves taking care of people.

As Bar Manager, you'll own the full bar operation: driving beverage sales and profitability, curating and executing our drink program, managing inventory and cost controls, ensuring compliance, and building a bar team that performs at the highest level. This role calls for a hands-on leader with a sharp eye for detail and a real passion for hospitality.

What You'll Do

• Lead the bar team to deliver an exceptional guest experience, every shift, every day.
• Oversee all bar operations during opening, mid, and closing shifts - guest relations, team supervision, bar ambiance, and quality assurance across beverage service.
• Manage weekly and monthly liquor, beer, and wine inventory; control pour costs and minimize waste/shrinkage.
• Develop and update cocktail menus, seasonal drink specials, and beverage pairings that fit Virgil's brand and high-volume service style.
• Build and maintain relationships with distributors and vendors; negotiate pricing and manage ordering.
• Ensure full compliance with all NYC/NY State liquor laws, responsible alcohol service, and Company policies (TIPS/SIPS certification knowledge a plus).
• Execute and enforce Company standards and policies, continuously raising the bar on quality, service, and operations.
• Schedule, coach, and develop bartenders and barbacks - setting clear expectations and holding the team accountable.
• Partner with the Restaurant Manager and culinary team to support banquet, private event, and marketing initiatives requiring bar service.
• Work with urgency and efficiency - prioritizing, delegating, and empowering your team to get things done right.

What You Bring

• 2-5 years of bar management experience, ideally in a high-volume casual or fine dining environment ($10M+ preferred).
• Deep knowledge of spirits, beer, wine, and cocktail technique, with a track record of building profitable, guest-loved drink programs.
• Proficiency with Toast, OpenTable, Excel, Word, and timekeeping systems.
• Strong judgment and the ability to make sound decisions quickly under pressure.
• A genuine passion for service and exceeding guest expectations.
• Excellent communication skills across all levels - management, bartenders, servers, team members, and guests.
• Strong interpersonal and people-management skills.
• A reliable, dependable, guest- and team-focused approach to the job.
• Fluency in English.
• Flexibility to work varied shifts, including nights and weekends.
• Valid NY food/alcohol service certifications as required by law.

Virgil's Real BBQ is an equal opportunity employer.