Beverage and Floor Manager

Job Details

The Barn at Walden is a special restaurant in rural Aurora, OH serving hotel guests of our 24 room boutique inn as well as members of our 60 year old country club. The dining program has recently been taken over by a young chef with experience from NY and Miami in Michelin kitchens, seeking to elevate the food at Walden through precise local sourcing, and globally influenced flavors on the plate. We are looking for a Beverage and Dining Room Manager to help push this vision and lead the way with more professional service, food knowledge, and wine knowledge in the dining room. Enthusiasm for hospitality is a must. Our team is small but if you are willing to be hands on and involved the opportunity is massive to make an impact at this restaurant. 

Dining Room & Beverage Manager Reports to : Director of Operations

Supervisors:   Front of the house Food & Beverage Service Team at the Barn

The Dining Room & Beverage Manager is responsible for directing, managing, and supervising all operational aspects relating to the service of food and beverages at the Barn Ding Club. The primary objective is to ensure that the expectations of Club members and guests are consistently exceeded by maintaining high standards of service, bar service, cleanliness, and overall dining experiences. The position will function as a person who provides hospitality throughout the dining room. In addition this person will be the primary bartender. Our operation is small, many nights less than 20 drinks are required to be mixed. We are looking for the right person to fill this bartender role but also show commitment to improving the overall front of house experience and be a leader in the restaurant. Wine knowledge is a huge plus and the ability to curate wine dinners to match seasonal menus and private events is an area we are currently lacking in.

Key Responsibilities:   Staff Leadership & Development: Select, train, supervise, and evaluate food and beverage service staff. Coordinate staff to ensure excellent and efficient service. Develop and monitor job standards, policies, and service training programs. Lead by example and be “hands on” with a professional and enthusiastic presence. Foster an employee culture that embraces innovation, teamwork, and excellence. Mentor and encourage staff to achieve professional growth. Ensure Walden outlets have proper level of beverages and maintain par levels in all buildings while utilizing efficiencies in beverage program.

Dining & Beverage Operations:  
Ensure the bar is set up and ready for service. Maintain prep for seasonal cocktails and back bar basics. Again it is worth mentioning the bar is extremely low volume, and the true opportunity for this role to to impact the entire guest dining experience beyond the basic bar skills necessary. Additional bar help is available on busy nights.

Manage the Walden wine cellar and its curated offerings at the Walden Market, where a small retail wine program is underway. Facilitate sales of wine in the Barn dining room and Market to have a well rounded and modern wine list.

Ensure dining facilities are properly set at the beginning of each evening. Manage reservations and coordinate special arrangements as necessary. Oversee the beverage program, including inventory, selection, pricing, ordering and menu development throughout the Walden property. Partner with the Executive Chef(s) and other departments for drink menu concepts and event planning. Maintain a strong visible presence during service hours to ensure guest satisfaction. Regularly touches and engages tables and service areas for quality assurance as well as serves members and guests.

Compliance & Safety:   Adhere to all federal, state, and local regulations regarding health, safety, and alcoholic beverages. Ensure high standards of sanitation and cleanliness are consistently maintained.

Innovation & Collaboration:   Foster transparent and effective communication across teams. Attend meetings as necessary. Stay updated with industry trends by attending workshops, demonstrations, and trade shows. Seek efficiencies in production and service. Contribute to the ongoing development of training programs for staff enhancement.

Skills:  2-3 years of management or supervisory experience in an upscale hotel, country club, or restaurant. Bachelor's or associate degree in hospitality or club management preferred. Level 1 Sommelier is a plus. Exceptional member/customer service skills. Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication abilities. Able to work flexible hours, including nights, holidays, and weekends. Specifically, Tuesday through Saturday evenings during ours of operation.

Employee Benefits:   Hourly salary range based on experience. Strong Benefits Package including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance. Annual 401(k) Contribution (after 12 months). Uniform Allowance Provided. Annual CMAA National & Local Dues. Work Schedule: Walden – “The Barn” Dining Club is open 12 months a year, The dining room takes two 14 days breaks after the first of the year and late March or early April EOE: Walden is an Equal Opportunity Employer, M/F/D/V Please submit your resume and cover letter to the Director of Operations Kate Dobrzeniecki   View email address on culinaryagents.com