Founding Kavatender & Brew Master

Founding Kavatender / Brew Master | Traditional Kava & Botanical Program

• Solace: Elixir Bar & Lounge
• Lawrenceville, Pittsburgh, PA
• Pre-Opening Start Date: September 1, 2026
• Part-Time to Full-Time Path | Peak Shifts, Weekends, and Events

THE OPPORTUNITY

Solace is a small family business building Pittsburgh's first zero-proof elixir bar and lounge, with the craft and precision of a cocktail bar and the cultural grounding of traditional kava service.

The cocktail menu will be a major part of the experience, but this role exists because kava and speciosa need their own voice. The right person understands the culture, the pace, the etiquette, and the guest education that make a kava program work.

We're hiring a founding kavatender to lead the kava and speciosa side of service, guide guests through unfamiliar botanicals, and help introduce kava culture to Pittsburgh for the first time.

THE ROLE

This is a founding kavatender position for someone who knows the culture, can educate first-time guests, and can keep service moving during peak shifts.

The mixologist leads cocktail execution. The kavatender leads the kava/speciosa guest experience and supports bar flow when volume hits.

Pre-opening will include kava and speciosa service testing, batching, shell service setup, mock service, menu education, and final standards.

Once open, the role includes:

• Leading kava, speciosa, tea, and botanical service during peak shifts
• Executing kava, speciosa, tea, and simple botanical drinks consistently
• Guiding guests through unfamiliar ingredients with confidence and restraint
• Supporting bar flow with prep, restocking, drink running, POS flow, cleanliness, and station organization
• Following house portioning, education, and safety guidelines

This is a part-time role focused on weekends, events, and higher-volume service windows. Final shift times will be set closer to opening.

This chance to bring kava culture into Pittsburgh's first zero-proof botanical lounge, create regulars, and help shape how guests experience the category from day one.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Kava bar experience. Prior kava bar experience is required, with strong knowledge of traditional prep, shell etiquette, noble vs. tudei, and kava bar rhythm.

Speciosa fluency. Working knowledge of red, green, and white speciosa, including preparation, guest expectations, and responsible service.

Herbal beverage literacy. Comfort with herbs, roots, loose-leaf teas, steeping basics, ratios, flavor, and simple botanical preparations.

Execution discipline. Ability to refine a drink, make it consistently under pressure, and maintain strong prep, cleanliness, speed, waste, and close-down habits.

Botanical responsibility. Responsible and precise with kava, speciosa, herbs, roots, teas, and botanicals without exaggerating effects or making claims.

Guest confidence. Ability to make unfamiliar ingredients feel approachable without over-explaining.

Early-stage mindset. Adaptable, composed, and comfortable in a concept that is still being built.

Hospitality readiness. Comfortable with active service, full shifts, stairs, lifting up to 50 lbs, weekends, and opening/closing duties.

Local fit. Pittsburgh-based, or willing to relocate before launch.

COMPENSATION

Base Pay: $18 - $22 per hour based on experience and fit

Estimated Tips: Shared shift tip pool, with strongest upside on peak shifts

Retention Bonus: $1,500 paid after 6 months in good standing

Education Reimbursement: Up to $500 per year for professional development

Wellness Reimbursement: Up to $50 per month toward personal wellness expenses

Paid Training: Pre-opening training, mock service, and botanical education are paid

Shift Beverages: Complimentary drinks during scheduled shifts, within house guidelines

Staff Discount: Reduced pricing on additional drinks and retail items

Growth Path: Priority consideration for future leadership roles as Solace expands