Bartender & Mixologist - Junior

Job Description - MELD - Bartender & Mixologist

An Overview:

We are seeking an innovative, passionate, and detail-oriented Bartender & Mixologist to join our Front of House team at MELD, our hyper traceable bakehouse & restaurant. In this role, you will craft seasonal cocktails, low-ABV drinks, artisanal mocktails, and botanical infusions that celebrate local, sustainable ingredients with complete traceability. You will bridge our kitchen, bakehouse, and bar operations, communicating farm-to-glass traceability stories to guests while delivering an exceptional hospitality experience in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Core Responsibilities

Beverage Craft, Mixology & Menu Execution

●    Design and execute inventive, seasonal cocktails, zero-proof beverages, and house-made syrups/tinctures that showcase local provenance and seasonal botanicals.

●    Articulate farm-to-glass traceability details, ingredient origins, and flavor profiles engagingly and accurately to guests.

●    Maintain meticulous preparation and presentation standards, ensuring balance, proper glassware, garnish integrity, and temperature for every serve.

●    Collaborate closely with the culinary and bakehouse teams to repurpose kitchen and bakehouse ingredients (e.g., spent grains, citrus peel, herb stems) to minimize bar waste.

Bar Service, Hospitality & Guest Engagement

●    Deliver warm, attentive, and knowledgeable service across the bar counter and to dining room orders.

●    Provide tailored beverage recommendations and pairings that complement MELD's artisanal bakery and dining menu.

●    Manage bar tabs, accurately process transactions, and maintain an organized POS flow.

●    Maintain a polished, inviting bar environment that reflects MELD's elevated aesthetic and values.

Bar Station Management, Cleanliness & Setup

●    Oversee opening and closing bar setup, including juicing, batching, ice preparation, and cutting fresh garnishes.

●    Maintain spotless workstations, bar surfaces, speed rails, and display shelves throughout the shift.

●    Ensure proper care, cleaning, and sanitization of barware, draft lines, espresso machines, and delicate glassware in adherence to health and safety regulations.

Inventory, Sourcing & Stock Upkeep

●    Monitor daily bar stock, spirits, wines, beers, and fresh produce; flag low-stock items and assist with weekly inventory audits.

●    Ensure proper storage, rotation (FIFO), and labeling of perishable syrups, fresh juices, and dairy alternatives.

●    Assist management in liaising with local craft distilleries, breweries, and sustainable beverage purveyors.

Operational Compliance & Safety

●    Adhere strictly to alcohol service regulations, verifying legal drinking age and practicing responsible beverage service.

●    Maintain a secure, compliant, and hygienic bar environment meeting all health code standards.

●    Immediately address spills, report equipment malfunctions, and share customer feedback with the Restaurant Manager.

Required Qualifications

●    2–4+ years of professional bartending and mixology experience in high-volume, craft cocktail, or farm-to-table hospitality concepts.

●    In-depth knowledge of spirits, classic cocktail architecture, modern mixology techniques, wine, and craft beer.

●    Passion for sustainable sourcing, zero-waste practices, and hyper-traceable ingredients.

●    Strong multitasking, communication, and interpersonal skills with an ability to stay composed under high volume.

●    TIPS, ServSafe Alcohol, or equivalent state/local alcohol server certification required.

●    Physical stamina to stand for extended periods, lift heavy kegs/cases (up to 40–50 lbs), and work dynamic shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays.