#barback

[fitgothgirl]

Ok so I feel like this might be one of my random crazy things I get super excited about that doesn't end up coming to fruition for one reason or another buuuuuut...

In terms of side gigs and the like to catch up on my debt, I've often been thinking about bartending. Now I've never done that at all and I don't know drinks so I'm fully aware I'd need to barback for a while, which I'm cool with. I'd just want to work at a place that pools its tips though lol.

Honestly I'm drawn to it because I really do like to go out and I like night life and the energy and all that. I feel like most people think this is common but idk, with what I hear from my circle of friends and people I'm friends with online, it seems like I'm kind of the odd one out haha (I feel like the MO of the current generation of young adults is a little different overall). And I definitely do appreciate being home more often the last few years, don't get me wrong; but I crave going out more often than anyone I know and sometimes I feel kinda like the party girl lol. But I can't always just go out because then I'd be drunk and even more broke all the time. 🙃 But I feel like this kind of job would help satisfy that aspect (even though I wouldn't be drinking, but just being in the vibes), while also satisfying the part of me that misses getting into the physical flow state of fast-paced food & drink service. Plus it's a different kind of relationship between employees and customers than your average food/drink service. Overall this just seems like it would be the best money for the most fun kind of work - I've been attracted to bartending for a while regardless of financials. I just want to soak up the liveliness and provide a fun environment.

Not only am I tired of being in debt and paying so much toward credit card bills etc., but what hurts the most is holding back my bf from fun stuff. We have so many trips we want to go on and music festivals we want to try out and stuff, but we never do these big ticket items because of me. I've realized he's been paying for things for me more and not asking me to Venmo him back and it can be such a major relief (and I'm not gonna lie it does make me swoon a bit lol), but I hate the fact that that it's such a major relief like that... I hate my how my stomach turns every time we want to do any little thing at all. But worse is the stuff that isn't even brought up, knowing he doesn't do so because he knows I can't.... This is his life too, and I'm making us both miss out.

Thinking about that stuff lights a fire under me more than any amount of debt would. Although with the way I'm lagging with side gigs/applying to second jobs, one might doubt that... But I want to be better. 😭 Brain is stupid.

(Anyone who has been a barback or a bartender before, please feel free to send me any tips on getting into the industry or about starting out at one's first job)

[tarer-offs]

[restaurantify]

How to Excel as a Barback: Understanding the Roles and Duties

The Key Player: What Exactly is a Barback?

When we think of a bar's service, bartenders often come to mind first. Their role involves chatting with customers, taking orders via the point-of-sale system, and crafting drinks. However, equally crucial to a smooth bar operation is the barback. This guide unfolds the essence of a barback, their tasks, required skills, and tips on hiring the right one.

What Is a Barback?

A barback is akin to a busser in a bar setting. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that the bartender has everything essential during service to maintain seamless operations: clean glasses, ample garnishes, stocked liquor, beer and spirits, ice cubes, and more. Barbacks, much like bussers, keep the service area clean, addressing spills and broken glass, and restocking from the walk-in.

For many, working as a barback is the initial step toward a bartender career. Their goal is clear: make the bartender's life easier, ensure smooth service, and enhance the overall guest experience. Barbacks are the catch-all problem solvers, whether addressing visible customer needs or resolving behind-the-scenes issues.

Responsibilities and Duties of a Barback: A Comprehensive Overview

Barback responsibilities vary before, during, and after shifts and can differ among establishments. Tasks are often prioritized daily based on urgency and specific zones of the restaurant. Here's a detailed breakdown:

Before Service Barback Tasks:

Arrive on time and clock in.

Put on the barback uniform.

Prepare clean rags for service.

Check and restock liquor bottles, mixers, and bar essentials.

Juice citrus, label, and date squeeze bottles.

Fill containers with garnishes.

Fill ice bins.

Replace beer kegs.

Restock counter items and clean surfaces.

Polish wine glasses.

Manage bar inventory.

During Barback Service Tasks:

Refill liquor and wine bottles.

Replace coasters and wipe down counters.

Manage dirty glasses and dishes.

Clean and polish wine glasses.

Fill water glasses for customers.

Run drinks to tables.

Clean used glasses.

Address spills and broken glass.

Assist bartenders as needed.

Inform security of issues.

Assist with POS system.

Pour drinks during peak hours.

Engage with customers.

Take out the trash.

After-Service Barback Tasks:

Wipe down counters.

Take out the trash.

Clean furnishings.

Polish glasses and dishes.

Set up and tear down the bar.

Restock for the next shift.

Unclog sinks.

Mop behind the bar.

Clean non-slip mats.

Organize alcohol deliveries.

Monitor liquor inventory.

Collect and handle dirty rags.

Coordinate with team members for closing tasks.

Hiring a Barback: The Key Steps

Given the odd hours of bar operations, barback positions are suitable for individuals with other daytime commitments or those aspiring for a bartending career. Hiring a diligent barback can alleviate pressure on bartenders, leading to better income and customer retention. Consider the following steps in the hiring process:

Type of Barback:

Determine whether you need a full-time, freelance, part-time, or contract barback.

Method of Recruitment:

Experiment with various hiring techniques, from online postings to industry contacts.

Job Description:

Craft a detailed job description outlining tasks, responsibilities, and required skills.

Interviewing Candidates:

Conduct interviews to understand candidates' skills, accomplishments, and objectives.

Training A Barback: Nurturing the Backbone of the Bar

Even experienced barbacks benefit from a thorough training program. This is an opportunity to introduce them to the business and the bartending team. Key steps in training include:

List essential products to keep on hand.

Introduce the barback to the team.

Educate on regular cleaning tasks.

Provide health and safety training.

Encourage questions and inquiries.

Familiarize with the beverage menu.

Assign a mentor for ongoing guidance.

A formal training program ensures that barbacks feel valued, crucial in a role often characterized by behind-the-scenes, thankless work. The job is fast-paced, physically demanding, and requires multitasking.

Conclusion: The Crucial Role of Barbacks

Working as a barback is often a stepping stone for aspiring bartenders. It offers valuable training, allowing individuals to grasp the fundamentals and intricacies of bar functions. Barbacks, the silent contributors to a bar's success, play a pivotal role in maintaining the bar's rhythm and ensuring a positive customer experience. Cheers to the unsung heroes of the bar—barbacks!

Get in touch with Restaurantify for more insightful blogs.

[davetada]

Bartenders at High Tide (I wish i didn't forget their names)

Downtown, LA, CA

[fitness-trending-content]

T bar back workout 💪 backthrowbackfitnessyoutubeshortstrending 🎯 https://newsinfitness.com/t-bar-back-workout-backthrowbackfitnessyoutubeshortstrending/

[eggwhiteswithspinach]

👏 Barback

[donaldtiki]

[edee954]

Your favorite bartender

[cm-barman-photographer]

Ripercorriamo la strada dei ricordi. Trittico 3/3. Tutto iniziò da qui. @_pergoladreamvillage_ Un lavoretto estivo vicino a casa. Avevo iniziato come lavabicchieri e poi sono finito a fare il back e col passare del tempo sono diventato Barman. Ma ci credete che tutto era iniziato come "gioco", doveva essere un lavoro estivo che mi facesse passare la voglia di lavorare e mi facesse tornare la voglia di studiare. Quando iniziai questo percorso studiavo all ITIS a. Volta a Lodi come PERITO INFORMATICO. MA POI mi innamorai di questo mestiere. Iniziai nel 15 Giugno del 2009 (Comunque era già un sacco gnocco 😂😂ed ero sicuramente molto più magro) #ricordi #ricordidiviaggio #viaggiodeiricordi #barman #barback #back #passato #2009 #2021 #barmanitalia #barmanlife #piccolo #piccino #makeathome #drinkme #pergoladreamvillage #pergola #lodi #sanmartinoinstrada (presso Lodi, Italy) https://www.instagram.com/p/COCxcXPrW9w/?igshid=nwp6og5n7cso

[badsciencejokes]

I’ve been seeing this a lot lately in my area. 

Bar owners are posting their employee’s pictures to the company page telling their clientele who is bartending that evening. 

This is a major threat to your bartender’s safety!!! Here’s why...

Feel free to share when you see it happen. 

[blackcoffee-and-a-cigarette]

It’s becoming crystal clear why people who work in the nightlife/bar scene usually don’t have partners and usually do drugs

[thousandmovieproject]

somebody stole nachos and i took it personally

somebody stole nachos and i took it personally

At the bar tonight a server comes out from the kitchen and sets a burger beside me and tells me to enjoy it and walks away.

            I didn’t order a burger.

            The dude moves so quickly I’ve gotta lurch outta my seat and flag him.

            “Not mine.”

            He takes it away.

            Reminds me; I was working at Cheesecake Factory a couple years ago,…

[mattattridge-smith]

#barback (at PureGym Manchester Urban Exchange) https://www.instagram.com/p/BymXyq3lnS_/?igshid=1meig8kevh88v

[conversaliquida]

Sem ego elevado e sem mimimi! 😎🥃 . . . Já se ouvia falar em mixologia em 1850! O termo foi citado por Jerry Thomas em seu livro chamado "The Bartender's Guide" em 1862. Nos anos 90 o termo foi retomado quando os grandes bares do mainstream da coquetelaria mundial elevaram o nível de suas produções. Atualmente nota-se um choque de egos com vários novos "mixologistas" atrás de balcões. Bartenders insatisfeitos com o título que têm quando na verdade se trata desse mesmo! O que na verdade não os diminui em nada, afinal nós todos fazemos parte do processo de propiciar uma experiência incrível a quem degusta. Cada um na sua função e sem egos aflorados! Barback sempre! ___________________________________________________________________ #coquetelariabrasileira #bartenderlove #barlife #bartenderslife #barback (em Fortaleza, Brazil) https://www.instagram.com/p/BxtPKdIlXiS/?igshid=usfb84n1c7zj

[glopspalau]

Nous Romano, bourbons I licors arriben al #barback de #glopspalau (en Glops Palau) https://www.instagram.com/p/BtmEwICl3Pi/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1vswtqwowo8d5

[rodriserrano-blog1]

#TheMaiKai #BehindTheStick #KitchenBar #BlenderBartender #Barback #BehindTheBar #MolokaiBar #GreatMemories #SpeedRack #Training I’m Still missing this #beautiful and #Wonderful #Place #TheLittleIsland #ThePolynesianRestaurant #PinCollector #PinLover #IheartBitters #TikiCocktails #TropicalCocktails #TheMotherShip it was one of my last days over there I had a great Team work that I miss them a lot!! #TikiEnthusiast #IndustryLife #IHeartRum #RumAlways @the_maikai_restaurant (at Mai-Kai Restaurant and Polynesian Show) https://www.instagram.com/p/BrGThvKlYkK/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=9r4zfcdwjcpd