25 Frontend and Backend Jobs: A Look into Jobs at Bars and Restaurants
Bartending, while popular, isn’t the only job you can have at a bar or restaurant. There are a ton of jobs at bars and restaurants. Each one plays a critical role in its operations.
Working In a Bar
Let’s define the front-end/front end and backend/back end. While working in a bar, you may work in the front end (also known as the front of the house), which is customer-facing, including taking orders, serving alcohol, and running a register. The backend is jobs that are not customer-facing, including running back and forth from the kitchen, cleaning, cooking, and restocking supplies.
Jobs At Bars
Here is a list of 25 frontend and backend job titles, responsibilities, and what it takes to become one.
Bartender/Mixologist
A bartender or mixologist is in charge of taking orders and making drinks. Bartending is done from behind a bar. If food is served, they may also be in charge of getting the order to the kitchen and then serving the customer. Bartenders are responsible for maintaining customer service, handling money, maintaining the cleanliness of the bar, carding customers, scanning the premises for risky behaviors, stopping over service of intoxicated customers and minors, and following alcohol service guidelines (local, state, federal, and house).
A waiter, waitress, or server is responsible for taking orders and ensuring the customer receives that order. Serving is done away from the bar and in seating areas. Along with any other requests they may have (condiments, drink refills, and additional sales). In addition, they are responsible for maintaining customer service, handling money, maintaining the cleanliness of the eating area, carding customers, scanning the premises for risky behaviors, stopping over service of intoxicated customers and minors, and following responsible alcohol service guidelines (local, state, federal, and house).
Barbacks are typically paired with a veteran server and complete tasks for them. Typically a barback will refill liquor, clean glassware, and other tools behind the bar, restock the ice
and collect things from the kitchen on behalf of the bartender. Some businesses will require you to act as a barback for a seasoned bartender for a trial period before letting you work on your own. A runner is similar but typically refers to tasks related to food. In contrast, a busser will clean off tables in between customers however they do not typically serve or sell alcohol or food. This position usually requires little to no experience and is a great way to start working in the front end.
Ready to move to bartending? Get a jumpstart with our bartender course today!
Host/Hostess
A host or hostess is typically stationed at the door. They will greet customers, answer the phone, check reservations, find a table, and provide menus. This position usually requires little to no experience and is a great way to start working in the front end.
Host/Hostess Job Outlook (2020-2030): 17% increase
Median Wage: $11.60 an hour
Education: High school diploma
Training: On the job
Executive Chef/Sous Chef/Cook/Line Cook/Short Order Cook/Prep Cook
Depending on your experience and education, there are a variety of food preparation titles. Each person completes different tasks and reports to the person one station hirer. Depending on the size of the establishment and the level of food expected, the titles may vary.
Security is responsible for the safety and wellbeing of the customers and staff. They typically ask for identification before entering, monitor the establishment for risky behavior, discontinue over service of intoxicated customers and minors, check locations that aren’t easy to get to regularly (parking lot and restrooms) and intervene with problem customers when necessary.
A Manager is responsible for overseeing the business (sometimes concerning a specific area or shift). The manager’s responsibility may include scheduling, customer service, finances, inventory, compliance with rules and regulations, and generally making sure the business runs smoothly.
There are a wide variety of jobs within a bar and restaurant. Depending on experience and education, you can make anywhere from $11 to $27 an hour. All of which will increase in demand over the next ten years. Some do require education and experience, but the company may be willing to train in many cases. Otherwise, you can take it upon yourself by enrolling in a Serving Alcohol course today!
