Bar Manager

Marlon’s Steakhouse by Meraki Group is seeking an experienced, passionate, and hospitality-driven Bar Manager to join the opening leadership team at our newest concept, located inside the Kimpton George Hotel in Washington, DC.

Marlon’s will deliver a modern, elevated steakhouse experience centered around exceptional steaks, craft cocktails, premium spirits, a thoughtful wine selection, and genuine hospitality .
Our bar will be an important part of the restaurant experience—a lively, high-volume destination serving both hotel guests and the local DC community.

As Bar Manager, you will lead all aspects of the bar operation, from developing and coaching the bar team to maintaining exceptional beverage quality, controlling costs, and creating a consistently memorable guest experience.

About the Role;

The Bar Manager is responsible for the overall success of the bar and beverage operation. This includes managing day-to-day bar service, developing and mentoring bartenders, overseeing inventory and cost controls, and ensuring that every cocktail and beverage meets Marlon’s standards for quality, consistency, presentation, and execution .

The ideal candidate is a hands-on, energetic leader, has a strong passion for craft cocktails and premium spirits, and understands the level of service expected in an upscale steakhouse and luxury hotel setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead all daily bar operations while maintaining exceptional hospitality, quality, and service standards.

• Recruit, train, coach, and develop a strong team of bartenders and bar support staff.

• Create a positive, professional, and accountable bar culture.

• Maintain exceptional standards for craft cocktails, classic cocktails, premium spirits, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages .

• Ensure cocktail recipes, techniques, garnishes, glassware, and presentation are executed consistently.

• Lead ongoing beverage education and training for the bar and service teams.

• Maintain strong standards for bar setup, mise en place, cleanliness, organization, and readiness for high-volume service.

• Oversee inventory, ordering, receiving, pars, and vendor relationships.

• Manage beverage cost, pour cost, waste, breakage, and overall bar profitability.

• Monitor product quality, storage, rotation, and availability.

• Work closely with the General Manager, Executive Chef, and leadership team to create a seamless restaurant experience.

• Manage scheduling, labor, performance, and development of the bar team.

• Be highly present and hands-on during service , supporting the team and maintaining standards during peak periods.

• Ensure compliance with all health department requirements, liquor laws, and responsible alcohol service standards.

• Handle guest concerns professionally and use every opportunity to create memorable hospitality.

• Support private events, hotel programming, special dinners, and other restaurant events.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of bar management or strong bar leadership experience in a high-volume, upscale restaurant, steakhouse, hotel, or hospitality-driven concept.

• Strong knowledge of craft and classic cocktails, premium spirits, wine, and beverage service .

• Experience leading and developing bartenders and building a strong bar team.

• Strong understanding of inventory management, ordering, beverage costing, and cost controls.

• Ability to balance speed and volume without compromising quality or hospitality .

• Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to consistency.

• Ability to remain composed and lead effectively during busy services.

• Experience with hospitality POS, inventory, scheduling, and reservation platforms is preferred.

• Beverage certifications are a plus but not required.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who understands that the bar at Marlon’s Steakhouse is more than a place to order a drink it is a major part of the restaurant experience.

The ideal Bar Manager is passionate about craft cocktails, premium spirits, quality, and hospitality , but equally passionate about developing people. You should enjoy teaching bartenders, setting clear expectations, holding the team accountable, and leading by example.