Bartender/ Night Lead

Lead Bartender

16 On Center Chicago owns and operates several live music venues, third-party production, restaurants, bars, and food halls across Chicago and New York. Our most effective service to our community comes from a team with a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds, and experiences. We provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

As the Lead Bartender at Bar Avant, located in Olly Olly Market, you are responsible for leading all aspects of the bar program, ensuring consistency, quality, and creativity in execution. You provide guidance and hands-on support to the bar team while also maintaining a strong understanding of food hall operations, partnering closely with management to support overall business needs and create alignment between the bar and other vendors. In this role, you are focused on building engaging, collaborative, and profitable programs that enhance the guest experience through thoughtful curation and activations.

Be the guiding force behind the bar staff, offering mentorship when possible and direction when necessary to keep the team on task and continue developing skills

Maintain a professional presence at all times, serving as an example for the team and championing 16 On Center's guiding principles

Support the food hall management team and serve as a resource for vendors when needed

Act as the primary point of contact for closing the food hall five days per week

Guide event execution teams, fostering a culture of collaboration and creativity while ensuring consistency in setup, service, and guest interaction

Drive hospitality standards in alignment with 16 On Center's Mission Statement, creating positive guest experiences and encouraging the team to go above and beyond

Review financial data and adjust menu offerings based on trends, while maintaining overall bar profitability

Manage ordering, receiving, and inventory procedures, involving the GM when appropriate, and maintain organization of liquor rooms, coolers, and bar areas

Work to maintain cost of goods sold, comp/shrinkage, and inventory levels within established targets

Oversee prep programs to improve efficiency, consistency, and product quality

Keep all SOPs and training documents up to date

Attend weekly manager meetings and follow through on assigned tasks and projects

Work directly with the Private Events team to execute events and support overall event operations

Create and execute activations using beverage programming to build brand integrity and drive revenue (e.g., holidays, menu placements, takeovers, themed series)

Manage end-of-night 7shifts log notes to ensure consistent and accurate reporting

Consistent, reliable, and accountable in both performance and attitude

• Strong sense of hospitality and ability to connect with guests in a genuine way
• Organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities during service
• Job Type: Full-time, Hourly
• Health insurance with employer contribution, plus voluntary dental, vision, life, short term disability, accident, and hospital coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match, once eligibility requirements are met.