Bar Manager, The Victorian

Description

At McGuire Moorman Lambert Hospitality, we create memorable experiences through thoughtful food, service, and design. Led by Larry McGuire, Tom Moorman, and Liz Lambert, MML is known for refined hospitality rooted in storytelling, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence. We proudly own and operate our properties, selecting only projects that reflect our vision and values.

We’re honored to welcome The Driskill Hotel into the MML family—revitalizing Austin’s most iconic hotel while honoring its storied past. Within The Driskill, we operate three unique concepts:

• 1886 Café & Bakery, a charming nod to European coffee houses, offers French-inspired pastries and Texan favorites in a grand Victorian setting.
• The Victorian, a reimagined Western pub, features a two-level barroom, mezzanine lounge, live music, and bold, elevated fare.
• The Driskill Bar & Grill brings a fresh take on the classic American steakhouse with timeless design, impeccable service, and a menu built for both business and celebration.

What We Are Looking For

MML Hospitality is seeking an experienced and passionate Bar Manager to oversee the bar program and daily bar operations at The Victorian.

This is a hands-on management position responsible for leading the bar team, maintaining exceptional service standards, managing beverage inventory and costs, and ensuring the bar operates efficiently and profitably. The ideal candidate has previous bar management experience, strong beverage knowledge, and the ability to lead a high-volume operation that includes live music, private events, and late-night service.

The Bar Manager will also help develop a thoughtful beverage program featuring signature cocktails, spirits, craft beer, and wine that complements The Victorian’s identity and showcases the best of Austin’s beverage scene.

What MML Offers

• Competitive salary
• Bonus potential
• Paid time off
• Beverage education reimbursement
• Advancement and promotion opportunities
• Community service opportunities
• Relocation assistance
• Medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and pet insurance
• Retirement benefits
• Parental leave

What You’ll Do

Bar Leadership and Team Management

• Oversee the daily bar operations at The Victorian, including opening, closing, shift execution, staffing, and service standards.
• Recruit, train, schedule, coach, and develop bartenders, barbacks, and other bar team members.
• Provide a visible management presence during service and lead the team through high-volume periods, live music programming, and special events.
• Establish clear expectations and hold the team accountable for performance, professionalism, attendance, and responsible alcohol service.
• Conduct pre-shift meetings and provide ongoing education related to cocktails, spirits, beer, wine, and service standards.
• Partner with restaurant leadership to foster a professional, collaborative, and guest-focused culture.

Guest Experience

• Maintain an active presence on the floor and behind the bar to ensure timely, knowledgeable, and engaging service.
• Build relationships with guests and create a welcoming neighborhood bar experience.
• Address guest feedback and resolve service issues promptly and professionally.
• Ensure the bar team consistently follows responsible alcohol service practices.

Bar Operations and Financial Performance

• Manage beverage inventory, purchasing, receiving, storage, transfers, and monthly inventory counts.
• Monitor beverage costs, sales, waste, comps, and product usage to improve profitability.
• Establish and maintain appropriate par levels, ordering procedures, and inventory controls.
• Review beverage sales and performance data to inform menu development, pricing, and purchasing decisions.
• Oversee cash-handling and point-of-sale procedures related to bar operations.
• Maintain a clean, safe, organized, and fully stocked bar that meets all health and safety requirements.
• Develop and uphold standard operating procedures for bar setup, service, breakdown, and closing.
• Coordinate with culinary, events, music, and restaurant leadership to support seamless daily service and event execution.

Beverage Program Management

• Develop and maintain a dynamic beverage program featuring signature cocktails, spirits, craft beer, and wine.
• Update beverage menus seasonally and introduce creative offerings that align with The Victorian’s identity.
• Maintain consistent recipes, specifications, presentation standards, and pricing.
• Build strong relationships with beverage vendors and negotiate pricing when appropriate.
• Stay informed about industry trends, emerging products, and guest preferences.
• Lead beverage tastings and ongoing product education for the team.

Requirements

• Minimum of two years of bar supervisory or bar management experience in a full-service, high-volume restaurant, bar, hotel, or entertainment-driven venue.
• Demonstrated experience directly managing bartenders and barbacks, including scheduling, training, coaching, and performance management.
• Strong knowledge of spirits, classic and contemporary cocktails, beer, wine, and responsible alcohol service.
• Experience managing beverage inventory, purchasing, cost control, and sales performance.
• Ability to lead a fast-paced bar operation during evenings, weekends, live music, and special events.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, develop, and hold a team accountable.
• Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Working knowledge of restaurant health, safety, and sanitation requirements.
• Current TABC certification and Texas Food Manager certification, or the ability to obtain both upon hire.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and late-night shifts as required.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here represent those an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this position successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, talk, and hear. The employee must frequently use their hands or fingers to handle objects, tools, or controls and may be required to reach, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb, or balance. The employee must occasionally lift and move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, as well as the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment may be moderate to loud.

Background Check

If an offer is extended, the candidate will be required to complete a comprehensive background check. This process may include verification of employment history, education credentials, criminal records, and other relevant information. By applying for this position, candidates acknowledge and agree to the background check process as a condition of employment.

MML Hospitality is an equal-opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants, with selection decisions based on job-related factors.