Bartender

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Pro Shop Pizza Co. is an upscale casual gastropub near Harlem and Irving in Chicago, offering a scratch kitchen focused on nutrient-dense ingredients, regenerative sourcing, and classic cooking techniques.

The concept blends the energy of a sports bar with the quality and integrity of a chef-driven kitchen.  Our menu showcases sourdough tavern-style thin-crust pizza, grass-finished burgers, pastured tallow-fried wings, and elevated pub fare — all made from carefully selected ingredients.

Our beverage program highlights precise, traditionally grounded cocktails made with house-prepared syrups and fresh citrus, alongside an sustainably-sourced wine list and high-quality spirits. We take pride in delivering elevated service in a warm, neighborhood setting.

We are committed to ingredient transparency, operational excellence, and hospitality that goes beyond expectations. We are a small team, and each team member plays a critical role in maintaining our standards.

POSITION OVERVIEW

We are seeking a skilled Bartender who brings refined technique, composure, and genuine hospitality to every shift.

This role is both guest-facing and production-focused, requiring accuracy in cocktail execution, deep product knowledge, and consistent alignment with our standards.

Bartenders are expected to uphold the integrity of our beverage program by preparing daily ingredients — including fresh citrus, garnishes, and house-made syrups — and by mastering our precise recipes.

Creativity is supported and encouraged : once fully trained and approved, eligible bartenders may contribute original cocktails to our Bartender Creative menu.

This position also performs key operational duties including answering phones, taking carryout orders, running food, and handling tables when a server or host is not scheduled.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain professionalism and adhere to company standards for appearance, conduct, and hospitality
• Prepare and label all bar ingredients, including fresh citrus, juices, garnishes, syrups, and related prep items
• Craft cocktails with strict recipe adherence, ensuring consistency, precision, and refined presentation
• Maintain full knowledge of all cocktails, wine, beer, and food menu items, including ingredients, allergens, and preparation methods
• Engage guests warmly and professionally; guide them through the food and beverage programs with confidence
• Articulate our culinary and beverage philosophy with each guest — ingredients, sourcing, techniques, and mission — while executing all steps of service with precision
• Present guests with menus, explain offerings, and make recommendations for pairings
• Answer phones, take carryout orders, and run food as needed; take tables when no server is scheduled
• Keep bar and service areas organized, stocked, sanitized, and compliant with all safety regulations
• Execute accurate POS transactions; handle cash and credit card payments
• Track bar inventory, restock supplies, and assist in ingredient management
• Participate in training, contribute to a collaborative service culture, and support team members as needed
• Safely use and maintain bar tools and equipment, including knives, blenders, CO₂ systems, kegs, and dish machines
• Complete all opening, side work, and closing responsibilities as assigned

REQUIREMENTS

• Must be of legal age to serve alcohol in the City of Chicago
• BASSET certification and accredited Food Handler certification required
• Minimum 2 years bartending experience in an upscale casual or full-service environment
• Strong knowledge of classic and modern cocktails, spirits, wine, and beverage fundamentals
• Ability to execute with accuracy in high-volume and time-sensitive environments
• Professional communication skills and a guest-first, team-oriented mindset
• Ability to stand or walk for extended periods; safely lift and move heavy items such as kegs, cases, and trays
• Comfortable working in crowded or confined spaces with varying noise and temperature levels
• Regular access to email and ability to use online systems for scheduling, payroll, and internal communication
• Ability to safely tolerate frequent contact with liquids including alcohol, juices, sanitizers, and cleaning agents

PREFERRED SKILLS

• Experience in upscale casual, gastropub, or fine dining environments
• Strong wine knowledge or formal beverage education (WSET, sommelier certifications, Cicerone, etc.)
• Previous experience mentoring or training staff
• Interest in nutrient-dense, scratch-made food programs and thoughtful beverage sourcing

COMPENSATION

• Tipped minimum wage for Chicago ($12.62 / hour), plus tips
• Opportunities for advancement, which includes bonus eligibility based on performance

Work Environment / Physical Demands Summary

This job operates in a fast-paced restaurant environment and may require the employee to stand for long periods of time. There is regular exposure to food allergens, high-temperature cooking equipment, chemical cleaning products, and pest / insect control substances. The employee must also safely and properly use and store provided cleaning supplies each shift. The employee must also be comfortable operating a high-temperature commercial dishwashing machine. It is the employee's responsibility to maintain proper personal hygiene at all times, wear food protection gloves and hairnets, and consistently and efficiently wash hands to prevent contamination of foods and food contact surfaces.

The role requires the employee to regularly use various kitchen tools and equipment, including those that are sharp and / or heavy. The employee must be able to operate, maintain, and appropriately clean a kegerator, coolers, blenders, dishwasher, and other commercial kitchen and restaurant machinery, including any accompanying parts. Additionally, the employee must be able to safely and properly sanitize kitchen knives and other sharp and / or heavy food and drink preparation instruments when necessary.

The noise level in the work environment is typical of that of a restaurant with an open seating floor plan. The employee may encounter frequent interruptions throughout the workday as business needs arise. The employee is regularly required to talk and hear, and the employee will need to be capable of lifting at least 50 lbs.   The employee must also have the ability to safely tolerate their hands being exposed to liquids frequently, including water, cleaning solutions, alcohol, various juices, and other liquids .

Equal Employment Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or Vietnam-era or other protected veteran. Pro Shop Pizza Co. bases all employment decisions (including the selection of employees and the job advancement of employees) on an individual’s qualifications, abilities, and experience for the position, as well as satisfactory references. This policy of equal employment opportunity applies to all policies and procedures relating to recruitment and hiring, compensation, and all other terms and conditions of employment.