Lead the bar, Lift the vibe, Shake up the Mission with us at the Chicken Fried Palace! Location: Mission District San Francisco About the Role: As the Bar Lead, you’re the heartbeat of our beverage program — blending creativity, leadership, and hospitality to deliver an unforgettable experience to every guest. You’ll take the stage, craft exceptional cocktails, and help cultivate the energetic, welcoming vibe that makes the Chicken Fried Palace a neighborhood favorite. Key Duties & Responsibilities: Train, mentor, and motivate bar staff on service standards, cocktail techniques, and guest engagement. Lead pre-shift meetings to communicate specials, events, and priorities. Foster a fun, inclusive, and respectful team environment that reflects our Mission District spirit. Bar Operations: Oversee daily bar setup and breakdown, ensuring cleanliness, organization, and readiness for service. Manage bar inventory, ordering, and restocking — maintain par levels and reduce waste. Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and alcohol service regulations. Maintain equipment and coordinate any necessary repairs or replacements. Guest Experience: Deliver warm, genuine hospitality to every guest, creating memorable bar experiences. Develop and maintain strong product knowledge — from cocktails and local beers to coffee and non-alcoholic offerings. Handle guest feedback gracefully and turn challenges into opportunities for connection. Creative & Program Development: Collaborate with management and kitchen leadership to develop seasonal cocktail menus and diner-inspired beverage specials. Stay current on trends and bring creative, community-minded ideas to the bar program. Support events, happy hours, and local partnerships that celebrate the Mission community. Administrative: Monitor bar performance metrics, including cost control and sales reports. Assist with scheduling, payroll input, and staff evaluations. Uphold company policies and contribute to ongoing process improvements. What You Bring: 2+ years bartending experience; 1+ year in a leadership or lead bartender role preferred. Passion for hospitality, cocktails, and community. Strong communication and organizational skills. Ability to lead by example in a fast-paced, high-energy environment. A sense of humor and love for diner culture — milkshakes included! COMPENSATION & SCHEDULING EXPECTATIONS Hourly rate of $25/hr + inclusion in tip pool for hours worked Compensation is subject to deductions for taxes and other withholdings as required by law or the policies of the company. The time commitment expected is average of 35-40 hours a week with some fluctuation taken into account. EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION Non-Exempt/Hourly BENEFITS / PERKS Access to the business’ health insurance plan which becomes available at a (average) minimum 35 hours worked per week after a 90 day probationary period. PAID TIME OFF (PTO) This position accrues PTO at an average hourly rate per company standards. EXCLUSIVITY You represent and warrant that you are not a party to any non-compete, confidentiality or similar agreement, whether written or oral, with any person or entity that would restrict or otherwise affect your scope of work with us. CONTINGENCIES Chicken Fried Palace reserves the right to conduct background investigations and/or reference checks on all of its potential employees. Your job offer, therefore, is contingent upon a clearance of such a background investigation and/or reference check, if any. For purposes of federal immigration law, you will be required to provide to the company documentary evidence of your identity and eligibility for employment in the United States. As a representative of the company, you will be expected to abide by the company’s rules and standards. Specifically, you will be asked to sign an acknowledgement that you have read and that you understand the company’s rules of conduct which are included in the company handbook.