Head Bartender
About Class Act
Who We Are, What We’re Building, and Why
Class Act is a new fine dining restaurant and speakeasy concept in Chicago that combines the revelry of a friend’s dinner party with mind blowing avant garde cuisine. Class Act aspires to become a world class dining destination and to earn the industry’s highest honors. Currently, Class Act operates as a regularly sold out monthly popup dinner series. The team is working tirelessly to bottle the magic we’ve created in the popups and unleash it into a newly opened permanent brick and mortar home in 2025. The food and beverage programs will push boundaries. The environment will be exuberant, joyful, fun. While our ambitions are grand, the vision is humble – create a better world by bringing together people through food.
The Guest Experience
The experience will start with intrigue and excitement as guests learn about the secret location via text and email. Upon arrival, guests will enter a dreamy welcome lounge where they will be greeted with beverages and be encouraged to mingle with other guests. Then guests will proceed to the dramatic dining room with an open kitchen where they will enjoy an unforgettable multi-course ever evolving family style feast with wine and beverage pairing options. Guests will be seated at a communal table designed to spark authentic connection. The food and beverages will be inspired by all facets of life from childhood memories to creative philosophies. After dinner, guests will move to the intimate speakeasy to imbibe on world class cocktails and late night bites. The speakeasy will also be open to non-dinner guests.
The Team
Class Act is founded and led by Chef Nicolai Mlodinow and Tech Executive & Entrepreneur Shreena Amin. Chef Nicolai has trained and worked at some of Chicago’s top Michelin Star restaurants (Alinea, Smyth, Oriole, Temporis, Sepia, Schwa, Blackbird and more) and hosted the popular Class Act popup out of his home for over 2 years. Shreena is a seasoned business professional and former founder with 10+ years of early stage & growth tech experience and 3 successful exits. Chef Nicolai and Shreena combine culinary excellence and creativity with business discipline and entrepreneurial acumen.
The Role
The Head Bartender will build a dynamic and talented team to create an innovative speakeasy cocktail program. We are looking for a passionate and creative bartender who can inspire and guide a team. The Head Bartender should show respect for the history of cocktails while pushing the boundaries of flavor, technique, and presentation with the aim of delivering an exceptional guest experience.In addition to crafting unique and extraordinary cocktails, the head bartender will be responsible for overseeing inventory, supply chain, cost tracking, and vendor management.
What You’ll Do
Take ownership over the beverage program, bar set-up, guest experience, and standard of excellence.
Recruit, develop, and lead a team of talented and creative individuals.
Lead the team during service ensuring our standards of quality are being met or exceeded.
Develop a cocktail program that emphasizes delicious, innovative, and playful cocktails.
Standardize recipes and systems for the full operations of the bar.
Supervise and train the bar team setting the highest of standards.
Track and review performance for the cocktail program and bar team.
Develop standard operating procedures for beverage RnD processes.
Lead research and development for new beverages.
Create a cohesive, fun, and hard working environment with a tight knit team.
Identify and source high-quality, unique ingredients (kitchen team can help with this as well).
Work with the kitchen team to develop remarkable beverage and N/A beverage pairings.
Engage with guests making them feel warm and welcomed while in a lively fun atmosphere.
Monitor and manage inventory levels and ordering.
Help track budget and cost management.
Find exciting partnerships with other bars, restaurants, and brands to collaborate with.
What We’re Looking For
Qualifications
Proven track record creating and leading top-tier bar programs
Experience working in world class cocktail bars.
Experience building, mentoring, training, and inspiring world class bar teams.
Expertise in interpersonal skills and delivering exceptional guest experiences.
In-depth knowledge of cocktail history, techniques, ingredients, and innovations.
Proficient in inventory management, cost control, POS systems, and other logistical necessities.
Strong bar, restaurant, and hospitality network to cultivate collaborations
Personal Characteristics
Creative. You enjoy making novel boundary pushing cocktails.
Passionate. You love the art and craft of cocktails. You love providing exceptional service to guests.
Self-starter. You don’t need to be told what to do. You figure out what needs to be done and get to it.
Strong work ethic. You are willing and excited to go above and beyond to deliver top tier hospitality.
Hustle & grit. You’re undeterred by unpredictability and demands of working in a kitchen and bar. You can adapt or persevere through any situation.
Leadership. You set the culture. You set the example.
Problem solver. You figure it out.
Collaborative. You work with your team to make the magic happen. You actively seek and incorporate the input. You shine when everyone else shines.
Hospitable. You love building rapport with guests and making them smile. You’re thoughtful and charismatic.
Excellent communication skills. You communicate effectively with your team, the restaurant team, and the leadership team.
Exceptional attention to detail. You notice and sweat the small stuff.
Exceptional organizational skills. You develop systems and processes that make the bar run smoothly.
Work Hours
The restaurant and speakeasy will be open 5 days a week from 5pm to Midnight. The role will work pre-service, service, and post service. The restaurant and speakeasy will be closed 4 weeks per year.
Compensation
$70-$90k annual salary plus healthcare benefits. Potential for equity (ownership in the restaurant and bar) for exceptional candidates.
How to Apply
Complete this form and send your resume to talent@classactdining.club.