Bartender/Server Job Description

The Bartender/Server is responsible for ensuring that every guest who dines or visits the bar/bar lounge at The Cake Bake Shop experiences “a magical and one-of-a-kind experience” that reflects our brand’s elevated standards. Bartenders/Servers must maintain expert-level knowledge of all beverages, ingredients, recipes, allergens, and presentation expectations. Bartenders/servers provide polished service to bar-top guests while efficiently executing all service-well orders for the dining room.

Bartender/Server Responsibilities – Tip-Producing Tasks

• Warmly greet all bar guests and provide a refined, exceptionally polished guest experience.

• Take and enter beverage and food orders into the POS system accurately and efficiently.

• Prepare and serve all alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages according to Cake Bake Shop recipes and standards.

• Mix ingredients such as liquor, soda, water, sugar, bitters, and juices to prepare cocktails and specialty drinks. 

• Serve wine, bottled beer, and draft beer with correct presentation.

• Serve snacks, bar food items, appetizers, desserts, and beverages to bar guests.

• Collect payment for beverages served; manage bar tabs, balance cash receipts, process payments, and provide receipts.

• Check customer identification to verify age requirements for alcohol service.

• Monitor alcohol consumption and take appropriate steps to limit liability related to excessive drinking, including refusing service and assisting with arranging transportation for intoxicated guests.

• Engage guests using brand-appropriate, elevated language and polished communication.

• Provide guests with basic local information or directions upon request.

• Perform suggestive selling, offer beverage pairings, and make knowledgeable product recommendations.

• Monitor bar-top guests, anticipate needs, and respond to requests promptly.

• Deliver bar food items, desserts, and beverages with correct presentation and timing.

• Maintain awareness of allergen and dietary accommodations for all guests.

• Arrange bottles, glassware, and bar displays in an attractive and organized manner.

• Manage bar tabs, process payments, provide receipts, and thank guests for visiting.

• Ensure bartop cleanliness, polished bar tools, and professional appearance at all times.

• Greet guests warmly and maintain a polished, professional dining or bar experience.

• Present menus and answer questions regarding food and beverage offerings.

• Make menu and beverage recommendations and explain preparation methods, ingredients, and pairings.

• Take food orders from guests seated at the bar and ensure accurate delivery.

• Check with guests to ensure satisfaction and resolve issues immediately.

• Prepare checks that itemize meal and beverage costs and applicable taxes.

• Process rewards or loyalty redemptions when applicable.

• Escort guests to seats at the bar when needed.

• Serve ice water, coffee, bread, or other table items in support of guest service.

• Garnish and decorate drinks or dishes prior to service.

• Communicate guest concerns, product shortages, or service issues to management immediately.

• Uphold all Steps of Service: greeting, timing, presentation, glitter, celebrations, and retail engagement when applicable.

Sidework Responsibilities – Tip-Supporting Tasks

Tip-supporting work is secondary to tip-producing tasks and must be limited in time. These tasks directly support guest service but do not generate tips by themselves.

• Stock and prepare fruit garnishes, syrups, mixes, juices, and bar ingredients.

• Restocking linens from the shed.

• Slice, pit, and prepare fruit for garnishing beverages.

• Prepare batches, flavored syrups, whipped creams, and specialty beverage mixes following recipes.

• Restock liquor, wine, beer, sodas, glassware, ice, and bar tools.

• Clean glasses, bar utensils, and bar equipment used for drink preparation and service.

• Polish glassware and bar utensils used for guest service.

• Clean and maintain bar equipment such as shakers, strainers, soda machines, and espresso tools.

• Organize the bar top, bar shelves, underbar coolers, and service-well area.

• Refill napkins, straws, stirrers, to-go containers, and bar service items.

• Wipe down bar-top surfaces, chairs, and nearby décor areas.

• Maintain bar cleanliness and readiness throughout the shift.

• Perform limited sweeping or spot mopping in the immediate bar area.

• Prepare simple bar snacks or cold appetizers such as pickles, cheese, or cold meats in support of bar service.

• Remove used glassware, dishes, and utensils from bar-top or service areas.

• Clean and reset guest seating areas at the bar.

• Stock service stations with necessary supplies.

• Roll silverware or assist with light service prep when supporting overall guest flow.

• Assist servers or food runners with tray carrying or clearing during peak service.

• Refill syrups, sanitizer bottles, and essential service supplies.

Excluded Tasks (Non-Tipped Work)

These activities are not part of the tipped occupation and must be paid at full minimum wage if assigned.

• Deep cleaning (scrubbing floors, walls, drains, equipment, or restrooms).

• Full dishwashing or back-of-house prep unrelated to immediate drink production.

• Moving furniture, large event setup, maintenance, or non-service-related tasks.

• Administrative, marketing, clerical, or inventory paperwork.

• Supervising or managing bar staff in a managerial capacity.

• Ordering or requisitioning liquor, supplies, or inventory counts beyond shift-level restocking.

• Planning, organizing, or controlling overall bar operations beyond the bartender’s/server’s shift responsibilities.

• Creating or planning bar menus or drink programs.

• Any extended prep or cleaning work that does not directly support active guest service.

Timekeeping and Pay

• Bartenders/servers must accurately record all hours worked using the timekeeping system.

• Time spent on non-tip-producing or non-tip-supporting tasks must be clocked separately and paid at full minimum wage.

• Off-the-clock work is strictly prohibited.

• Manager approval is required for any extended sidework, prep, or shift extensions.

• The Company may take a lawful tip credit for hours worked in the tipped occupation where permitted by applicable law.

• Bartenders/servers may participate in an approved tip pool according to Company policy.

• Overtime is paid at the applicable regular rate with the correct tip credit applied as required by law.

Position Requirements

• Minimum of 1 year of bartending or beverage-focused hospitality experience strongly preferred.

• Must possess a valid state-issued alcohol service permit or certification as required by local law.

• Strong communication, multitasking, and guest service abilities.

• Ability to prepare beverages accurately and consistently according to recipes.

• Professional appearance and adherence to grooming standards.

• Basic math skills and accuracy when handling money, tabs, and POS transactions.

• Ability to stand for extended periods; repetitive bending, twisting, lifting up to 50 lbs, and climbing stairs as needed.

Other Duties

This job description outlines the general expectations of the position. Management may assign additional related duties as long as they comply with all tip credit and wage regulations.