ASH Hotels designs, develops, owns and operates a very special collection of properties. In our world, a hotel is much more than a destination to meet, dine, or sleep. Rather, it is a dynamic site of imagery and emotions, interactions and sensations manifesting within the walls of a beautifully restored local legend — a living movie set. An ASH hotel is a connection to the past and a beacon for the future, layered in nuanced storytelling that invites exploration time and again.

Opening Fall 2026, our jewel box of a hotel stands on the iconic Venice Beach boardwalk, a lively stretch of California culture where a seemingly endless beach meets the dreams and schemes of this great city. Venice, CA was born from a grand vision, the ancient and hauntingly beautiful most serene republic reborn for pleasure on the wild pacific coast, where the spirit of spectacle, entertainment, and countercultural pursuits are as palpable as the salty air.

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are seeking a Lead Service Bartender to set the standard for our bar and café program and to anchor the team that brings it to life. This role crafts cocktails, pours wine and beer, and delivers full food service — while also training service bartenders, setting the pace and tone behind the bar, and acting as the point person for the shift when a manager isn't on the floor.

The ideal candidate is part craftsperson,  host, server, and mentor. They take pride in a perfectly balanced cocktail and hold the rest of the team to that same standard. They understand that the drink is only part of the job, and that guiding a guest through the food menu — and coaching a newer bartender through a rush — matters just as much.

Confident behind the bar during a Friday night rush, they also bring the operational discipline to manage pours, plate food to standard, own inventory and ordering, and uphold responsible service while ensuring the rest of the bar team is accountable.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Team Support

• Act as shift lead behind the bar, setting priorities, delegating stations, and stepping in to support the team during peak volume
• Train and mentor service bartenders and on cocktail specs, service standards, and house procedures
• Serve as the primary point of contact for bar-related questions or issues when a manager is not present, escalating appropriately
• Provide input to management on scheduling, staffing needs, and team performance
• Lead pre-shift briefings to align the team on specials, VIPs, 86'd items, and service priorities

Bar & Beverage Program

• Own inventory management for the bar program: conducting counts, placing orders with vendors, and controlling costs and pour waste
• Maintain and help evolve the cocktail, wine, and beer program in partnership with management, including recipe consistency and seasonal updates
• Ensure all bartenders are pouring, batching, and garnishing to spec through regular quality checks
• Maintain relationships with beverage vendors and reps

Food & Beverage Service

• Serve café menu items (e.g., sandwiches, salads, small plates, shared appetizers) to presentation standards
• Deliver full food and beverage service from order to table, ensuring accurate timing and course sequencing between kitchen and bar
• Communicate food allergies, modifications, and special requests clearly to kitchen staff via POS or verbally
• Maintain expert knowledge of the full food and beverage menu, including ingredients, preparation methods, and allergen information, to confidently answer guest questions and train others to do the same
• Follow and enforce proper food handling, storage, and temperature protocols in accordance with health department standards
• Supervise  opening and closing bar procedures, including cash drawer accuracy and end-of-night reconciliation

QUALIFICATIONS

• 2+ years of bartending and serving experience in a restaurant, bar, or hotel setting, with prior lead, trainer, or supervisory experience preferred
• Advanced working knowledge of classic and contemporary cocktails, wine, and beer, with the ability to teach recipes and technique to others
• California RBS (Responsible Beverage Service) certification and Food Handler's certification required, or obtained upon hire
• Experience with POS systems, cash handling, and basic inventory/ordering software
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a team in a high-volume, fast-paced environment
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to multitask under pressure while keeping others calm and on track
• Flexible availability, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Passion for hospitality, craft beverages, mentorship, and guest experience

Compensation: $28.00/hr plus tips

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

Primarily kitchen-based, with a mix of hands-on prep and cooking, some desk work, and meetings across departments. Some evenings or weekends may be needed around key team milestones, events, or employee relations matters. Ability to sit, stand, walk, and lift up to 50 lbs as needed.

Legal Notices

Equal Employment Opportunity: We are an equal opportunity employer and make hiring decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age (40+), disability, medical condition, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under California or federal law, including the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).

Reasonable Accommodations: We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please contact us during the application process.

At-Will Employment: Employment with this company is at-will, meaning either the employee or employer may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, to the extent permitted by law.