Captain, Bar​/Bartender, Hospitality ​/ Hotel ​/ Catering

Chesapeake Bartenders and Events is a luxury bar and light bites catering company serving weddings, private celebrations and corporate events across the Mid Atlantic. Since 2019 we have built our reputation on a standard of service that our clients and their planners request by name.

The Event Bartender Captain is the senior bartender on site. The Captain directs bar service for the event, works the bar throughout, and serves as the company representative to the client, the planner and the venue. Captains receive full training in company standards and procedures. Instruction in bartending fundamentals is not provided, as candidates are expected to arrive with substantial professional experience.

One to two Captains will be selected, and the selection process for this position is more rigorous than for other positions within the company.

• Directs the setup, styling and presentation of the bar in accordance with company standards.
• Mixes and serves a wide range of cocktails, wine, beer and non alcoholic beverages, including specially requested and custom signature preparations.
• Serves as the on site point of contact for the client, the event planner and venue personnel.
• Directs bartenders and bar back staff assigned to the event and ensures service is delivered in a timely manner.
• Responds to guests with attentiveness and sensitivity regarding their requests, preferences and allergen concerns.
• Transports and delivers equipment, supplies and inventory to the event site and returns them at the conclusion of service.
• Maintains accountability for all inventory issued for the event.
• Executes proper and timely setup, breakdown, cleanup and load out.
• Reports service outcomes, equipment issues and any incidents to company leadership following the event.
• Prolonged standing, walking and reaching is required, along with frequent lifting of objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

$250 to $450 per event. Base bartending compensation is $250 per standard event, with an additional $150 paid for service as the Captain on site. Weddings and larger events are compensated above base, scaling with the size and complexity of the event. Guest gratuities are retained in full by staff, automatic gratuity is paid where applicable, and delivery is compensated separately from event pay.

Every event is quoted in advance of acceptance.

This position is scheduled on a flexible, as needed basis. Weddings and private events fall primarily on weekends with occasional Friday evenings, and corporate events fall on weekdays. The business is seasonal, and spring and fall are the heaviest periods. No employee is scheduled for an event they have not accepted.

Must be at least 21 years of age and reside on the Eastern Shore or in the Annapolis area within reasonable distance of the Stevensville office, as all equipment and supplies are loaded there. Must own and operate a reliable vehicle capable of transporting two six foot folding tables, coolers and bar equipment, as delivery is a required function of this position.

Must hold a valid driver license, maintain a clean driving record and pass a background check, as certain venues require the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance. TIPS Certification and Serv Safe Food Handler Certification are required within two weeks of hire, and the company pays for the Serv Safe course and examination. Must maintain professional appearance standards and remain responsive to company communications during business hours.

Substantial professional bartending experience in fine dining or upper tier restaurants, hotel banquet and event departments, country clubs, catering companies or high volume cocktail programs. Demonstrated ability to execute high volume beverage service without compromising quality, accuracy or presentation. Experience working within established sanitation and food handling standards. Ability to lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds. Must be at least 21 years of age.

Valid driver license, clean driving record and clean background check. Reliable vehicle capable of transporting two six foot folding tables, coolers and bar equipment. TIPS Certification and Serv Safe Food Handler Certification within two weeks of hire.