Food Service & HospitalityDining, Bar & Counter Service
About the job
Requirements
A high school diploma or equivalent is preferred.
Ability to identify and resolve issues and alert leadership when needed.
Ability to function independently and intuitively in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to interact with diverse groups and foster a cooperative work environment.
Ability to communicate with guests.
Ability to maintain and express a positive customer service attitude.
Ability to properly pin tables and fold napkins to company standards in a timely manner.
Proficiency in English (reading, writing, and speaking) is required.
Ability to stand, walk, sit, use hands to feel, reach with hands and arms, and stoop, kneel, or crouch for 6 to 8 hours at a time.
Ability to regularly lift and/or move up to 90 pounds.
Ability to work in conditions that may include extreme heat, wet conditions, and proximity to moving or mechanical parts.
Responsibilities
Arrive at the venue on time, dressed according to professional uniform standards, and prepared to create an exceptional bar experience.
Check in with the supervisor to receive bar setup details, special drink requests, and event service expectations.
Set up bar stations according to event needs, ensure they are stocked, prepare garnishes, and keep equipment clean and organized.
Familiarize yourself with the drink menu, including specialty cocktails, wine pairings, and non-alcoholic options, and know ingredients, preparation methods, and guest preferences.
Prepare and serve beverages accurately and efficiently according to the supervisor-designated service style, recipes, and proper pouring techniques while maintaining portion control.
Monitor alcohol consumption, check identification when necessary, and follow responsible service guidelines to ensure guest safety.
Welcome guests professionally, respond promptly and respectfully to their needs, and answer questions about the drink menu, wines, and the event.
Participate in breaking down bar stations, following supervisor assignments to pack up and leave the venue spotless.
Follow safety and sanitation procedures.
Regularly check the scheduling system to confirm or deny shifts and stay current on schedule changes before each shift.
Perform other relevant tasks assigned by management.
Desired Qualifications
1–2 years of prior bartending experience is preferred.
Bilingual skills are a plus.
Description
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Department: Guest Services Reports to: Director of Guest Services and/or Event Supervisor
Customary Days: Sunday through Saturday Customary Hours: Varies to include evenings, holidays and extended hours as needed.
Are you passionate about creating unforgettable experiences? Do you thrive in the fast-paced energy of Chicago's event scene, where every moment and every detail are an opportunity to create something special? If this sounds like you, then Blue Plate is where you belong!
Position Summary: At Blue Plate, a staple in Chicago's catering industry, we believe in creating extraordinary experiences that resonate with our guests long after the event. As an Event Bartender, you’ll play a key role in making these moments come to life, ensuring every guest leaves with a smile and a story to share.
Essential Functions of your Role:
Arrive Ready: Show up at the venue on time, dressed according to our professional uniform standards, and fully prepared to create an exceptional bar experience.
Get Your Assignment: Check in with your supervisor to receive your bar setup details, special drink requests, and service expectations for the event.
Set the Bar: Ensure bar station(s) set up, according to event needs and expectations, and make sure the bar is fully stocked, garnishes are prepped, and all equipment is clean and organized to meet Blue Plate’s high standards.
Master Your Craft: Familiarize yourself with the drink menu, including specialty cocktails, wine pairings, and non-alcoholic options. Be knowledgeable about ingredients, preparation methods, and guest preferences.
Deliver Exceptional Service: Prepare and serve beverages accurately and efficiently, following service style designated by supervisor, recipes, and proper pouring techniques while maintaining portion control.
Mix with Precision: Monitor alcohol consumption, check IDs when necessary, and follow all responsible service guidelines to ensure guest safety.
Be a Star: Welcome guests with professionalism, responding promptly and respectfully to their needs, answering questions about the drink menu, wines, and the event itself.
Wrap It Up: Participate in the breakdown of the bar station(s), following the assignments given by your supervisor to ensure everything is packed up and the venue is left spotless.
Be a Team Player: Work both independently and as part of a cohesive team, all striving towards the common goal of delivering exquisite service.
Be safe: Follow all proper safety and sanitation procedures.
Stay Connected: Regularly check Blue Plate’s scheduling system to confirm or deny shifts and keep up to date with any changes to your schedule before your shift begins.
Perform other relevant tasks assigned by management.
Requirements
Education and Experience: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
1-2 years prior bartender experience preferred.
High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
Essential Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Ability to demonstrate strong affinity for Blue Plate’s mission: Our mission is to “care more” for others through food and service experiences that turn our partner’s vision into reality.
Ability to identify and resolve issues and alert leadership when needed.
Ability to function independently and intuitively in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to interact with diverse groups and foster a cooperative work environment.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Ability to communicate with guests.
Maintain and express a positive customer service attitude.
Ability to properly pin tables and fold napkins to company standards in a timely manner.
Language Skills: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Proficiency in English (reading, writing, and speaking) is required.
Bilingual skills are a plus.
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, taste and smell.
The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to feel; reach with hand and arms, and stoop, kneel or crouch for 6 to 8 hours at a time.
Regularly required to lift and/or move up to 90 lbs.
Specific vision requirements include the ability to see at close range, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
May work in extreme heat (non-weather and weather).
May work in wet conditions (non-weather and weather).
Noise level is low to moderate.
Will work near moving or mechanical parts.
Compensation and Benefits:
Hourly Wage Range: $18.00 - $23.00 per hour, based on experience and qualifications
Benefits Overview: At Blue Plate Catering, we live our core values: Happy, Joyful & Fun; We Care More; Humbly Confident; Genuine & Authentic; Goes Beyond. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects our commitment to supporting our team’s well-being and growth. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k)-retirement plan, and paid time off (PTO) with sick leave. Additional perks such as commuter benefits, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), free meals, and pet insurance options ensure our team feels valued. We also offer wellness rewards, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and resources to help you thrive in work and life.
DEIA at Blue Plate: At Blue Plate, we are committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA). Our core value, "We Care More," guides us in creating an environment where all individuals are respected, valued, and empowered to thrive. We believe in intentional recruitment practices, partnering with community organizations, diverse job boards, and attending job fairs at schools that reflect a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Our hiring and selection processes are designed to be equitable, focusing on skills, potential, and minimizing bias, ensuring opportunities are accessible to everyone. From onboarding to ongoing development, we provide tailored resources, mentorship, and training programs to support our team members and cultivate an inclusive culture. We actively measure and analyze diversity metrics, using these insights to continuously improve and hold ourselves accountable in our DEIA efforts.
Blue Plate’s mantra, "Happy People Making People Happy," extends to our employees, clients, and partners. By honoring differences and listening thoughtfully, we build meaningful relationships and ensure everyone feels welcome and valued. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and walks of life to join our team in shaping memorable food and service experiences. Together, we are dedicated to going beyond to make a difference. Blue Plate Catering complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment, including protections related to race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, or pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.