BAR MANAGER

Job Title: General / Bar Manager Location: 200 S. Wacker Drive – Downtown Chicago, Chicago, IL, US Salary: $70,000 Annually + Quarterly Bonus Potential Bonus: 5% of salary divided into four equal quarterly payments based on key performance metrics. Role Overview Lead the overall success of the downtown café/bar concept, overseeing both front‑of‑house and back‑of‑house operations, beverage programming, and daily service. Partner closely with culinary leadership and regional managers to execute menu initiatives, drives revenue through creative specials, and maintain profitability while ensuring exceptional guest service and staff development. Responsibilities Leadership & Operations: Oversee all daily café and bar operations during service hours. Lead, coach, schedule, and develop bartenders, servers, and support staff. Foster a culture focused on accountability, hospitality, engagement, and teamwork. Develop employee career paths, training schedules, and growth timelines. Ensure high standards for guest service, beverage quality, food presentation, and cleanliness. Measure customer satisfaction and resolve concerns promptly and professionally. Beverage & Food Program: Create and implement beverage specials and seasonal cocktail features. Collaborate with culinary leadership to execute all menu rollouts and promotional initiatives. Maintain consistency and quality of light food offerings and bar fare. Stay current on hospitality, beverage, and food trends through industry resources. Manage inventory, ordering, vendor relationships, and cost controls. Monitor Food, Labor, and Direct Costs against budgets and forecasts. Maintain all SOPs, HACCP standards, and regulatory compliance. Ensure compliance with all health department, liquor, and food safety regulations. Client & Event Coordination: Partner with Catering and Conference Center teams for flawless event execution. Act as liaison with clients to ensure expectations and service standards are consistently met. Coordinate happy hours, corporate gatherings, and downtown hospitality events. Featured Light Bar Fare Menu: Focus on elevated small plates and shareable items designed for downtown professionals and after‑work clientele. Qualifications Required Qualifications: 5+ years of food service or bar management experience in high‑volume environments. Strong knowledge of cocktails, wine, beer, and food pairings. Financial expertise managing food, labor, and operating costs. Experience managing both beverage and light kitchen service preferred. Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills. Ability to work efficiently in a fast‑paced hospitality setting. Professional appearance and guest‑focused attitude. Familiarity with POS systems, scheduling, and inventory software. Valid Food Service Manager Certification and Food Allergen Certification required. Preferred Qualifications: Knowledgeable of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership techniques, production methods, and people management. Outgoing, dependable, and able to deliver top‑notch customer service. Excellent client relations and leadership skills. Well‑versed in all aspects of food service management. Benefits & Perks Paid Time Off Health, Dental and Vision Insurance (includes spouse and domestic partner coverage) Health Provider: Blue Cross Blue Shield Dental Provider: Guardian Vision Provider: VSP Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Life Insurance Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance (AD&D) & Critical Illness Insurance Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Mental Health, Relationship Conflicts, Child and Eldercare, Substance Abuse, Grief and Loss Assistance for you and household members (in‑person sessions, unlimited phone access) Parental Leave – Equal benefits for mothers and fathers 401(k) Retirement Plan FFT University – Over 70 courses designed to enhance your skills in life and on the job. Employee Meal Plan Employee Discounts (Pet Insurance, Entertainment, Travel, Company Discounts, and more) Company Values & Culture Diverse, Inclusive, Safe, and Motivating Triple Bottom Line – People, Product and Planet Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, move, reach, grab, and stand for long periods of time, as well as stooping, kneeling, crouching, and climbing ladders. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will occasionally be required to lift and carry items of 40+ pounds for a moderate distance. EEO Statement Food For Thought provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all applicants and employees, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations. Food For Thought participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information on E-Verify, please contact DHS or the appropriate agency. #J-18808-Ljbffr