Catering and Event Bartender

Join Our Event Bar Team

At Catering by Michaels, we believe an event is more than food on a plate. The bar is an important part of the guest experience, and a great bartender does more than pour a drink. They create a welcoming atmosphere, provide knowledgeable service, and help keep the event running smoothly.

Founded in 1980, Catering by Michaels is a full-service catering and events company based in Morton Grove, Illinois. We produce events throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, ranging from weddings and galas to corporate events, festivals, private parties, and everything in between.

We are looking for professional, energetic, and hospitality-driven Event Bartenders who take pride in their work, understand the importance of responsible beverage service, and recognize that exceptional service comes down to the details.

About Catering by Michaels

For more than four decades, we have built our reputation as one of Chicago's leading catering and events companies through quality, creativity, and exceptional service.

• Scratch kitchen with a commitment to culinary excellence
• Sustainability leader, certified by both Green Restaurant and Green Seal
• Experience executing major events including Lollapalooza, the NFL Draft, the Black Creativity Gala, and the University of Chicago Alumni Weekend
• Preferred caterer at many of Chicago's most iconic venues
• Full-service catering and event production throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs

We are passionate about creating experiences that exceed expectations and leave a lasting impact.

Why This Role Matters

Our Event Bartenders are often at the center of the guest experience. You are responsible for creating a welcoming bar environment while providing efficient, professional, and responsible beverage service.

Event bartending is different from working behind a restaurant bar. Our bartenders work in ballrooms, private homes, museums, corporate venues, outdoor events, and some of Chicago's most iconic locations. Every event is different. You must be comfortable adapting to the venue, guest expectations, beverage menu, equipment, and event timeline while maintaining Catering by Michaels standards.

Our bartenders are also part of the overall event service team. This means being comfortable stepping away from the bar when needed to assist with guest service, serving, setup, breakdown, and other event responsibilities. We are looking for team members who understand that everyone's contribution matters to the success of the event.

Your Role

• Set up and break down bar areas by unloading product and rentals from truck, and set up according to Catering by Michaels standards
• Prepare and serve beer, wine, spirits, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages as directed
• Follow event-specific beverage menus, recipes, and service instructions
• Provide friendly, professional, and attentive service to guests
• Maintain a clean, organized, and properly stocked bar throughout the event
• Demonstrate knowledge of beer, wine, spirits, cocktails, and other beverage offerings
• Monitor guest consumption and follow all responsible alcohol service procedures
• Verify identification when required and refuse service when appropriate
• Communicate professionally with guests, Event Captains, Function Directors, chefs, servers, venue staff, and other event partners
• Assist with event setup, service, serving responsibilities, and breakdown as needed
• Maintain control of bar inventory, equipment, glassware, and supplies
• Follow all company policies, food safety requirements, sanitation standards, and responsible alcohol service procedures
• Represent Catering by Michaels with professionalism, courtesy, and hospitality at all times

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years old
• Previous bartending, catering, restaurant, or hospitality experience preferred
• Strong knowledge of beer, wine, spirits, and basic cocktail preparation
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Professional appearance, grooming, and demeanor
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure service environment
• Ability to remain calm, courteous, and professional with guests
• Ability to follow recipes, service standards, and direction from event leadership
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to responsible alcohol service
• Willingness to assist with serving and other event responsibilities as needed
• Reliable and dependable attendance
• Reliable transportation is required. Catering by Michaels events take place throughout Chicago, the surrounding suburbs, and other areas of Illinois. Many event locations are not accessible by CTA alone
• Flexible availability, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Spanish language skills are a plus. If you speak Spanish, you will be working alongside team members who do as well

Physical Requirements

This is an active, physically demanding position. Candidates must be comfortable with the following:

• Standing and remaining active for extended periods during events
• Lifting and carrying bar equipment, cases, supplies, and other items weighing up to 50 pounds
• Setting up and breaking down bar areas and event equipment
• Bending, reaching, carrying, and moving throughout event spaces
• Working in a variety of environments, including indoor and outdoor venues

Scheduling

This is a part-time, event-based position with flexible scheduling.

Available shifts are communicated through our scheduling platform, and team members can accept or decline events based on their availability. You will work as a W-2 employee at events throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.

Most events take place during evenings, weekends, and holidays, so availability during these times is essential.

Why Work With Catering by Michaels

We have been doing this since 1980 because we care about doing things the right way. Our clients trust us with some of their most important moments, and our bartenders play an important role in creating the atmosphere and experience our clients expect.

You will have the opportunity to work at weddings, corporate events, galas, private celebrations, and some of Chicago's most exciting events and venues while building your hospitality experience.

If you know your way around a bar, enjoy working with people, adapt well to different environments, and take pride in providing exceptional service, we want to meet you.

Join Catering by Michaels and help us create events that leave a lasting impression.