Head Bartender (550 Madison)

COMING SPRING 2026: We are seeking to hire dynamic and experienced team members to join our award winning hospitality team as Gracious Hospitality Management expands our operations to our newest project, 550 Madison. Comprehensive on-site training provided for qualified and eager candidates!

Gracious Hospitality Management’s 550 Madison project is their most ambitious to date: a multi-level, 15,000-square-foot dining destination inside the iconic landmark Sony building. The project will bring together three distinct concepts — the second New York location of the Michelin-starred COTE Korean Steakhouse, an all-day multi-bar and dining concept- Chimera, and an intimate sushi restaurant led by Michelin-starred Chef Masahiro Yoshitake- Sushi Yoshitake . Designed by Rockwell Group, with Yoshio Itai collaborating on the sushi concept, 550 Madison is set to redefine immersive, transportive dining in Midtown Manhattan.

 

Please see below information on our hiring and interview process:

• Interview Phase: Resume screening and interviews. There will be open calls scheduled the week of 2/9/26 and 2/16/26. Selected candidates will receive an invite to attend. 
• Hiring Phase: Post-open calls, candidates will receive welcome and onboarding emails from the People and Culture team.
• Training Phase: New hires will train several weeks in advance of the anticipated opening date of 550 Madison. 
• Pre-Opening: New hires should expect the friends and family service during regular dinner hours during this phase.
• Grand Opening: The restaurant will celebrate its grand opening and transition into full daily operations.

The Head Bartender is a dynamic hospitality professional responsible for all aspects of the customer experience at the bar, seasonal cocktail development, executing beverage recipes to standard for all dining room customers, and holding the entire bar team accountable to health & safety, and product standards. They are also responsible for training and holding the entire service team accountable to service and sales standards.

 

Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities:

Job duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Manages and collaborates with the Bar Manager  to develop and drive all aspects of a seasonally rotating cocktail menu, including staff training and menu updates, at the direction of the Principal Bartender. 
• Proactively maintain a comprehensive and orderly spirits list and an evergreen database of cocktails including recipes and costing.
• Expand our contract offerings in order to effectively drive sales in conversation with the Principal Bartender and Bar Manager.
• Develop, implement, and drive beverage programs and promotions to build repeat customer business, grow word of mouth, and drive sales while effectively controlling costs.
• Develop Steps of Service and Standard Operating Procedures for the bar program in conjunction with the General Manager and Bar Director.
• Ensure, and be accountable for, profitability of the store by growing sales and controlling cost of goods.
• Orders products and other supplies to maintain the bar programs, including glassware and bar consumables. . 
• Acts as a role model for outstanding service and leads the department in preparation, execution, and breakdown. 
• Regularly reports into management on department performance including positive feedback, constructive feedback, and any issues on facilities, personnel, or product and hospitality. 
• Leading the culture of “Hellos and Goodbyes.” Welcome all customers who visit the bar or enter the restaurant’s dining area, and hold the bar team responsible to the same standards. Provides hospitality and service to all customers drinking or dining at the bar including spieling menus and upselling the customers experience. Leading the culture of “Hellos and Goodbyes.”
• Maintains responsible service of alcohol to all customers including checking identification for proof of age. 
• Makes recommendations and answers all menu inquiries. 
• Takes orders from customers and ensures 100% accuracy when entering orders into the system.
• Provides hospitality and service to all customers drinking or dining at the bar including spieling menus and upselling the customer experience. 
• Ascertains allergies and dietary restrictions and works with section management and chefs to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all customers. 
• Responsible for training new employees as assigned.
• Prepares cocktails and beverages, and pours wines for all customers at the bar and in the restaurant. Runs drinks from the bar to the customer. 
• Clear dead glassware, and makes additional beverage sales at the bar and in the restaurant. 
• Extensive knowledge and execution of classic and house beverages.  
• Handles cash, credit, and debit card transactions, ensuring charges are accurate, returning correct change to patrons, and balancing the cash register.
• Alerts management to any customer experiences that fall short of our standards of excellence. 
• Maintains inventory levels for all liquor, beer, wine, and bar items for service to customers.  
• Maintains the appearance of the bar and lounge at all times. Adheres to safety and health standards set forth by the Local Department of Health. 
• Completes all assigned side work related to set up and breakdown of bar area and restocking the bar for the next shift. 

Organizes and shelves beer and liquor deliveries.

• Prepares juices, mixes, syrups, garnishes, etc.

Ensures the bar is well-stocked with glasses, coasters, napkins, straws, ice, liquor, wine, and beer.

• Maintains a clean work and dining area by removing trash, cleaning bar top, washing glasses, utensils, and equipment.
• Updates knowledge and skills continuously by participating in staff training opportunities. 
• Assists other stations or areas of the restaurant when requested by management. 

Standards:

• Upholds GHM's mission to delight our customers. 
• Consistently performs actions that positively impact the customer experience, and identifies opportunities to delight in all planning and processes.
• Display knowledge of the brand, culture, and product.
• Demonstrate the Company’s core values of people, learning, culture, relationships, sustainability and stewardship.
• Maintain professional and respectful behavior when in contact with customers, management, and teammates.
• Present a polished personal appearance, adhering to company grooming standards outlined in the Employee Handbook. 
• Adhere to all company policies and procedures outlined in handbooks, manuals, and other company documents.
• Attend and participate in all scheduled meetings, training sessions, and continuing education activities.
• Take care of all company property.
• Maintain safety, cleanliness, and sanitation standards.
• Comply with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

 

Qualifications:

• Must have the ability to read, speak, understand, follow written directions, and verbal instructions in English.
• Must be reachable by email and able to communicate via phone as well.
• Communicates information effectively and efficiently. 
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Possesses a positive, results-oriented, team-player mentality.
• Ability to perform job duties and responsibilities well and maintain professionalism and composure under pressure and in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
• Ability to under pressure and maintain professionalism when working under stress.
• Knowledge of workplace safety procedures and local Department of Health standards.
• Food Handler’s Certification or the ability to obtain in accordance with federal, state, or local regulations and/or Company policy.
• Able to work a flexible schedule in order to accommodate business levels (weekend, nights, and holiday availability required). We will endeavor to provide reasonable accommodations for sincerely held religious beliefs.  
• Must be of legal age to serve alcohol.
• Certification for responsible alcohol service or ability to obtain within 6 months.
• Familiarity with restaurant management software such as point of sales, reservations management, inventory management, Microsoft Office, and Google Workspace. 
• Ability to execute steps of service in adherence with company policy.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent communication with management and teammates.
• Extensive knowledge and expert execution of classic and house beverages. 

 

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential job duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform those essential functions.

 

While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

• Exert well-paced mobility for periods of up to 12 hours per day and at least 60 hours per week.
• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Frequently stand, walk, reach, bend, stoop, push, pull, and kneel.
• Frequently utilize the stairs, often while lifting and carrying heavy items.  
• Occasionally crouch and climb.
• Be exposed to hazards including, but not limited to, burns, cuts, scrapes, and frequent exposure of hands to water.
• Withstand fluctuations in temperature within the work environment, from high heat to below freezing.
• Handle heavy equipment and machinery.

 

• Structured, generous compensation for all positions
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits
• Flexible Spending Account/Health Savings Account
• Commuter Benefits
• Referral Bonus Program
• Career Advancement Opportunities
• Employee Recognition Awards
• Employee Dining Discounts
• Paid Time Off

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550 Madison fully complies with all applicable federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws by providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, and genetic information (including family medical history), or any other legally protected status.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job should contact the Human Resources department at people@gracioushm.com