Seasonal Lead Bartender

LEAD BARTENDER

Direct Reports: Bar Staff About Us: Sonico will be a new upscale dining concept from the Avondale Hospitality team. Our cuisine combines traditional Japanese techniques with modern, globally inspired flavors, creating a dining experience that is both unique and unforgettable

We are currently seeking an experienced, service-driven Lead Bartender to join our team. Our restaurant is built on thoughtful hospitality, precision, and a commitment to creating memorable guest experiences, with the ambition of redefining “the night out” in Los Angeles. We are seeking a candidate who brings both exceptional bartending ability and leadership presence to help drive an elevated beverage program through the final steps of our opening process.

This role is ideal for a highly skilled bartender who is ready for their next step towards directing a beverage program: someone who thrives in service, immerses in craft and creativity, and is equally excited about building systems, and helping shape the direction of the program. The Lead Bartender is not a manager, but this position carries meaningful responsibility and influence. You will act as a key leader within the bar team and a trusted partner to restaurant leadership.

The Lead Bartender is responsible for supporting the overall success of the beverage program through cocktail development, bar organization, staff education, recipe documentation, production systems, and leadership on the floor. This individual will serve as a standard bearer for service, execution, and professionalism while remaining highly active in day-to-day operations.

The right candidate is both creative and disciplined: someone who can develop an outstanding cocktail, communicate it clearly to the team, organize the systems needed to execute it, and lead busy services with confidence and composure while holding themselves and our team of bartenders to the high standards we've set for ourselves.

They will report to the GM and management staff regarding any issues, operational ideas & staff concerns.

Beverage Program Support

Contribute to the development and evolution of the cocktail program, including signature drinks and seasonal offerings

Document recipes, preparation methods, glassware, garnish standards, and cocktail descriptions with clarity and consistency

Help plan and execute new menu rollouts, including recipe testing, staff education, and operational readiness

Stay current on beverage trends, spirits knowledge, cocktail techniques, and developments within the hospitality community

Training and Team Development

Lead by example behind the bar through strong technique, urgency, cleanliness, and hospitality

Conduct staff tastings and help train bartenders and service staff on new cocktails, spirits, beer, wine, and beverage standards

Create and maintain training tools, recipe guides, prep documents, and sidework materials

Support the development of a knowledgeable, confident, and consistent bar team

Help build a culture of accountability, professionalism, and pride in the beverage program

Operations and Systems

Help organize and improve day-to-day bar systems, including prep lists, checklists, pars, ordering sheets, and production guides

Assist in monitoring inventory levels and communicating product needs in a timely and organized manner

Support ordering processes, vendor communication, and product sourcing as needed

Help maintain clean, efficient, and well-stocked bar stations at all times

Identify opportunities to improve workflow, consistency, and bar execution during service and prep

Act as the lead bartender during high-volume shifts, peak service periods, and private events

Set the tone for professionalism, hospitality, and teamwork during service

Serve as a key point of communication for bar-related needs, updates, and standards

Uphold all health, safety, sanitation, and responsible alcohol service standards

Minimum of 3-4 years bartending experience in a high-volume, craft cocktail, fine dining, or upscale hospitality environment

Strong spirits, classic cocktail, beer, and wine knowledge

Experience training or mentoring other bartenders and service team members strongly preferred

Comfortable using spreadsheets, inventory systems, and digital tools for communication and operations

Passion for hospitality, education, and continuous improvement

Ability to reach, bend, stoop, and move quickly in a busy bar environment

Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as business demands require