Event Bartender - LAVO Tampa

Event Bartender

In early 2027, Tao Group Hospitality is bringing two distinct dining experiences to Hotel Cala on Tampa's waterfront. LAVO will make its Tampa debut with signature coastal Italian cuisine and hospitality, while BarOnda will bring a vibrant atmosphere to the Riverwalk with curated cocktails, bites, and waterfront views. We're building our opening teams now. Join Tao Group Hospitality and be part of bringing two exciting new destinations to Tampa.

The Event Bartender is responsible for executing elevated beverage service while creating a polished, high-energy, and hospitality-driven guest experience throughout all events and activations. This role requires advanced bartending knowledge, strong attention to detail, efficiency under pressure, and the ability to maintain exceptional service standards in high-volume environments. The Event Bartender is expected to expertly prepare cocktails, manage bar operations, maintain inventory and presentation standards, and engage guests with professionalism and confidence. Working closely with Captains, Venue Management, Culinary, and Front of House teams, the Event Bartender upholds the company's commitment to luxury hospitality and seamless event execution.

Essential functions of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Prepare and serve cocktails, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages according to company recipes and service standards.
• Execute high-volume beverage service efficiently while maintaining accuracy, consistency, and presentation quality.
• Maintain extensive knowledge of spirits, cocktail preparation, wine varietals, beer selections, and beverage pairings.
• Interact with guests in a professional, engaging, and hospitality-focused manner while providing elevated bar service.
• Set up, stock, organize, and break down bars according to event specifications and operational standards.
• Monitor and maintain bar inventory including liquor, mixers, garnishes, glassware, ice, and supplies throughout service.
• Ensure all bars and beverage stations remain clean, organized, fully stocked, and presentation-ready at all times.
• Follow standardized recipes and portion controls to maintain consistency and support inventory management.
• Manage bar flow and prioritize service efficiently during peak service periods and high-volume events.
• Maintain ongoing communication with Captains, Venue Management, Culinary, and service teams to ensure smooth event execution.
• Monitor guest alcohol consumption and ensure responsible alcohol service in accordance with company policies and local regulations.
• Operate POS systems and accurately handle beverage tracking, transactions, and cash handling when applicable.
• Assist with specialty beverage presentations, VIP service, cocktail receptions, and custom event activations as needed.
• Maintain compliance with all DOH, sanitation, and alcohol safety standards.
• Assist with inventory counts, product organization, and restocking before and after events.
• Represent the company with professionalism, polished appearance, and positive attitude at all times.
• Serve as a team player and assist in additional operational areas when needed to support overall event success.
• Assist and/ or complete additional tasks as assigned

Education/working knowledge:

• Previous banquet or event experience in a high-volume, fine dining or upscale hospitality environment is required; 2 years of related experience in catering, restaurant, or luxury event service preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of classic cocktails, spirits, wine, beer, and contemporary beverage trends.
• Ability to execute high-volume service while maintaining strong attention to detail and guest engagement.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Professional appearance and polished demeanor.
• Ability to multitask and remain composed in fast-paced environments.
• Experience with POS systems, inventory management, and cash handling procedures preferred.
• Understanding of responsible alcohol service, food safety, and sanitation standards.
• Positive attitude with a strong commitment to hospitality, teamwork, and guest experience excellence.

Skills / physical demands / work environment / schedule:

• Ability to write, read, and verbally communicate.
• Must have good positive energy throughout the day.
• Must be able to print legibly for Team Members, management, and guests to read.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to move quickly.
• Must be able to push and lift up to 75 lbs. with or without assistance.
• Work in an environment that is subject to varying levels of noise, crowds, and smoke, the severity of which depends upon the guest volume.
• May work extended hours irregular shifts, evening and/or weekend shifts, and holiday work may be required.
• Exposure to cleaning materials.
• May work extended hours irregular shifts, evening and/or weekend shifts, and holiday work may be required.
• Office, Casino, Nightclub, Bar, Lounge, and/or Restaurant working environment.
• Maintain a professional, neat, and well-groomed appearance adhering to Company standards.
• Must be effective as part of a team; ability to interact with internal and external customers, managers, and co-workers in a professional, courteous manner.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to handle a fast-paced, busy, and somewhat stressful environment.