Description of Position

The Director of Beverage will be the key operational leader of the $25mm+ beverage program for the Barcelona Wine Bar & Bartaco concepts. There are currently 22 locations across five (5) regions. More specifically the Beverage & Bar Manager will be responsible for:

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

A. Lead Bartenders 

• Work with Restaurant management team to identify and develop Lead Bartender 
• Lead Bartender will aid in any new beverage implementation
• Train and develop all bar staff while doing bar operational visits

B. Managers

• Work on-site with managers to teach them bartender managing tactics and best practices.
• Train new managers (BT) on inventory and ordering routine and rules.
• Roll-out drink changes with managers.
• Meet with all incoming MIT’s to taste cocktails and go over the program.

C. New Store Opening Staff

• Conduct full staff classes on spirits and cocktails
• Oversee the set-up of the bar training teams and monitor progress of new bartenders 

D. Other 

• Update and maintain bar training materials (recipes, etc) working with brand training Directors 
• Participate in rotation of beverage training classes in Gretchen’s FOH training calendar as needed.

BAR FUNCTIONALITY

• Assist design team with new store bar design.
• Set-up new locations’ storage and bar during openings.
• Design and maintain workstation setups when specialty cocktails change
• Work on site with bartenders to implement better practices in set-up

Cocktail & beverage development and implementation (Encompass all beverage sans wine) 

• Standardization of call drinks, recipes, and pricing
• Monitor cocktail creation and consistency with current bartenders (random checks)
• Assist with new beverage items roll out
• Review and select local beer/craft beer selections for all restaurants. 
• Manage/Develop/Implement Non Alcoholic beverages

The Director of Beverage is the ultimate advocate and ambassador of Barcelona Wine Bar and understands the critical role that  exceeding expectations play in regards to the success of the operation. 

Why work with Barteca?

• Working with one of the fastest growing restaurant brands as noted by Restaurant Business Online. This position will be a true partner to and instrumental in the growth of the brand nationwide. 
• Be a part of a restaurant brand that has stellar reviews in all markets
• Operational ownership of a 25mm+ and growing beverage program in multiple markets
• Working with proven hospitality visionaries who are quality focused - will never ask Chef's or Bar Management to downgrade their standards 
• Location flexibility as the company continues to grow

Reporting Structure

The Director of Beverage will report to Gretchen Thomas, Wine & Spirits Director and work alongside the Operations Directors.

ABOUT THE CHEFS

Barcelona Wine Bar has attracted top Chef's from a wide range of backgrounds. The team is a closely knit group of culinarians that have found a home with the Barcelona Wine Bar Concepts. Some notable chefs with links to their interviews include:

Christopher Lee, Culinary Director (2 Michelin Stars)

Frank Proto, Executive Chef New Haven

Steven Brand, Executive Chef Brookline

Emilio Garcia, Sous Chef Brookline

qualifications

• Leadership positions overseeing a large beverage program with a focus on training and mentorship. 
• In depth knowledge of wine and spirits and the ability to balance operational efficiencies with creativity and client experience. 
• Ability to travel more than 50% of the time
• Ability to interact positively with supervisor, management, coworkers, members, and the public to promote a team effort and maintain a positive and professional approach.
• Ability to produce a high volume of work in a timely manner, which is accurate, complete, and of high quality.
• Passion for the concept, cuisine and success of the brand in the given market.

Interested in learning more or know the right person? Email mandeep@hhcsearch.com

About the Company

Since 1996, Barcelona Wine Bar & Restaurant co-owners Sasa Mahr-Batuz and Andy Pforzheimer have been entertaining diners with flavorful small plates, daring design, and a welcoming atmosphere. 

At Barcelona, we pride ourselves in preparing tapas both simple and elegant using the finest seasonal picks from local markets and unusual specialties from Spain and the Mediterranean. The flavors are bold and the ingredients speak for themselves. Barcelona also offers an extensive selection of wines from Spain and South America and is one of the largest importers of Spanish wines in the United States. Barcelona serves 40 wines by the glass and we are constantly expanding and refining our wine offerings.

Today, we are the largest Spanish restaurant group in the United States with six locations in Connecticut: Greenwich, Stamford, South Norwalk, Fairfield, New Haven, West Hartford as well as locations in Atlanta, GA, Brookline, MA, South End Boston, MA Washington, DC and Reston, VA.

Notable PR

The Wall Street Journal

Restaurant News

instant interview

If you are excited about the position and know that you are right for the role, the easiest way to get to the top of the list is to submit a video interview. By clicking on the link below, you will be taken to a series of questions that will take less than 15 minutes to complete. It is a great way to stand out beyond your resume!

Up to $500 for referrals!

If you are not interested in this particular role but have people in your network that could be a good fit, we would love to help them. For any person we place at any of our clients that you refer to us, we send you a check for $500.

Each person is limited to only 3 referrals maximum so please only refer your best and help continue to build the best culinary network.