Lead Bartender

WHO WE ARE

A member of Relais & Châteaux with Three MICHELIN Keys, Fogo Island Inn is a 29-room luxury hotel, built on principles of sustainability and respect for nature and culture. The Inn is a community asset, owned by the charity Shorefast, and 100 percent of operating surpluses are reinvested into Shorefast’s work to secure a resilient future for Fogo Island.

Our work has garnered significant international interest including a feature on 60 Minutes and in The New York Times’ 52 Places for a Changed World. The mission of Shorefast is to build, learn, and share economic development practices that catalyse the assets of local places, starting with Fogo Island.

Learn more about us: fogoislandinn.ca

THE OPPORTUNITY

As Lead Bartender, you bring experience in leading beverage programs, managing daily bar operations and creating memorable guest experiences. You are able to craft high-quality cocktail menus, defined by place, manage bar inventory, and provide an environment of creativity and learning for all Food & Beverage employees.  You have a detailed knowledge of Food & Beverage operations and are passionate about beverage program curation.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Build and execute a custom cocktail list, defined by seasonality, locality and shared Knowledge.
• Be an integral part of creating our sense of place through the cocktail program, and non-alcoholic program.
• Lead and mentor the bartenders, providing guidance on drink preparation, service standards, and guest interaction.
• Serve and educate guests on our Fogo beverage culture.
• Train new bar staff on drink recipes, service techniques, and safety protocols.
• Foster continuous learning by introducing new cocktail trends and drink ideas.
• Prepare and serve a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including signature cocktails, beer, and wine, according to standard recipes and guest preferences.
• Prepare and serve a variety of coffee drinks, including espresso-based beverages, lattes, cappuccinos, and brewed coffee, as well as teas and specialty drinks.
• Recommend drink pairings, upsell premium liquors, and suggest menu items to enhance the guest experience.
• Participate in dining room service as a server required.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and well-stocked bar area, including refilling supplies, restocking inventory, and cleaning glassware.
• Oversee bar inventory, including ordering supplies, tracking usage, and managing stock levels to prevent shortages or over-ordering.
• Collaborate with servers, and kitchen staff to ensure smooth operations and efficient service.
• Other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• About 4-5 years experience as a Bartender, Lead Bartender or Bar Manager in a similar establishment.
• Expertise in mixology, wine, beer, and current beverage trends.
• Experience in creating signature drinks required.
• Familiarity with classic cocktails, wine, beer, and current beverage trends required.
• Formal food and beverage training or certification from an accredited hospitality school preferred.
• Certification from a recognized sommelier program (e.g., Court of Master Sommeliers, WSET 2) preferred.
• Experience working in Michelin-starred or awarded restaurants preferred.
• Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to mentor and motivate a team.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as required by the business.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive wages
• Access to an employee work-out room, to support personal well-being
• An engaged, highly supportive, and collaborative environment that encourages creativity and curiosity
• The opportunity to work in a thriving social enterprise 
• Continued learning and professional development training
• Allowances for travel to Fogo Island may be available
• Housing/accommodations assistance may be available