Example Barback Job Description for 2022

Free barback job description. A barback or sometimes referred to as a “runner” or “bar runner,” is a bartender’s assistant. The barback can be found in restaurants, bars, nightclubs, catering halls, and other establishments serving alcohol. A barback is equivalent to a busser for the bar. The barback oversees the bar area. Ensuring that clean cups, cocktail mix, ingredients, liquor, garnishes, glasses, ice cubes, and other supplies are readily available for the bartender or mixologist.

The barback duties can vary depending on the time of day. For example, a barback has duties during the restaurant opening, hours of operation, and after closing that are specific to the establishment's requirements. For example, after closing, a barback may need clean glasses, restock bottles, and empty trash. While during the hours of operation, a barback can be seen cleaning up spills, restocking glassware, and ensuring bar equipment is cleaned. And that all equipment is ready to be used by the mixologist or bartender.

Barback Job Description Sample

Our bar establishment is seeking a bar back or “barback” to assist our bartenders in providing patrons with an optimal experience. The barback will assist the bartender and other restaurant staff in ensuring a clean bar area ready for a new patron. This includes preparing garnishes, emptying trash receptacles, checking each beer keg, and cleaning glassware for the next patron.

Barback Duties and Responsibilities

Sample job duties and barback responsibilities include the following:

• Assist the bar staff members with delivering an optimal experience for each customer and guest.
• Ensure that napkins, straws, clean towels, menus, and other supplies are ready for each customer.
• Empty trash receptacles (trash cans), clean empty glasses, and ensure a clean bar area or bar top.
• Ensure a well organized and clean storage area for kegs.
• Periodically be checking taps for empty beer kegs.
• Take inventory of each bottle of liquor and replace inventory as needed from the storage area.
• Ensure each beverage or mixed drink is made to order.
• Oversee clean glassware and empty mixed drinks from the soiled glassware before cleaning.
• Ensure the restaurant is operating in the most efficient manner, providing an optimal guest experience for each patron.
• Bring food out to the patron from the kitchen and answer questions about menu items if a patron has questions.
• Work closely with the bartender and other restaurant staff (including the bar manager).
• Ensure each garnish is prepared according to the bartender’s requests.
• Organize liquor bottles and check contents.
• Serve alcohol to patrons that are of age.
• Practice bar opening and bar closing duties & procedures.
• Be responsible for keeping the bar stocked.
• Serve drinks in a timely fashion.
• Practice a friendly and positive attitude behind the bar as a restaurant employee.

Barback Requirements

Qualified candidates should have the following:

• May be required to be 21 years of age depending on state requirements.
• A high school diploma or equivalent is preferred.
• Previous experience in the hospitality industry is a plus.
• Previous bartending experience is a plus.
• Be available for early morning and late night shifts as these hours are typical for the restaurant and bar industry.

Barback Salary

According to Salary.com a barback salary and pay looks like the following:

A barback on average earns within the range of $17,300 to $25,300 per year. Depending on the number of hours the barback works, they might be able to make it on the higher end of that scale. The average barback will be paid hourly versus on a salary basis.

Barback Skills

A barback should have the following hard and soft skills to be considered a top candidate in the barback position:

• Ability to prepare a bar set up and break down a bar.
• Ability to focus on cleaning and polishing glassware.
• Running dishes from the kitchen to bar patrons.
• Maintaining the bar during a working shift.
• Pouring beer or wine if the bar team is occupied with customers.
• Managing inventory and restocking a bar.

Barback Job Boards

When hiring a barback, it's recommended to use an industry-specific job board rather than a national job board. Additionally, employers should use the local village and city Facebook groups to post available jobs. Many bartending and barback jobs are filled on a local level.

Top barback job boards

• PoachedJobs.com
• Sirvo.com
• Culinary Agents
• HCareers
• Restaurant Careers

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