Crew Member/Bartender

Overview

Milwaukee-based Bars & Recreation owns and operates a diverse portfolio of entertainment brands including Amped, AXE MKE, Game Show MKE, Nine Below, NorthSouth Club, Splash Studio, and The New Fashioned.

Amped offers private suite karaoke and event space, perfect for creative meetings and special events. AXE MKE provides a controlled environment for guests to enjoy competitive axe throwing. Game Show MKE presents a live hosted experience featuring stage show games like The Feud, 20 Second Challenge, Pop Goes the Lyric, and more. Nine Below introduces a fun, team-oriented twist on indoor miniature golf. NorthSouth Club is home to Wisconsin's first full-size deck shuffleboard facility, complete with 16 axe throwing lanes. Splash Studio is the premier “wine & paint” concept in Wisconsin – with a full bar and a great vibe. The New Fashioned offers family friendly activities like Hyperbowling, curling, and dartball in the heart of Milwaukee’s downtown Deer District.

Our guests come to us for memorable, immersive experiences, to celebrate life events or just spend time with friends, family, and colleagues. They can easily make reservations online or plan custom events with help from our dedicated in-house Sales Team. Each brand maintains its own distinct voice, target audience, and atmosphere, while all operations are centrally managed under the Bars & Rec umbrella.

At Bars & Rec, we prioritize delivering exceptional guest experiences, fostering continuous improvement, and promoting a collaborative, team-driven culture. As a rapidly growing company, we exclusively seek professionals who are energetic, hardworking, positive, and committed to taking care of each other and our guests.

About the role

Crew Members serve as the primary hospitality ambassadors for each Bars & Recreation brand’s activity-based experiences. They are responsible for ensuring that every guest enjoys a fun, safe, and memorable visit. Crew Members are assigned to different locations and must be flexible in adapting their hosting style and skill sets to meet the unique needs of each venue.

Responsibilities

• Greet guests with a smile and welcome them into the establishments
• Guide guests through each establishment’s offerings, highlighting key features and benefits tailored to their needs
• Make personal connections with guests (e.g., learn about special events, repeat visits, guest preferences)
• Take food/drink orders using customized TOAST handhelds
• Run food/drink orders to/from bars and kitchens
• Learn the steps of Quick Service (at The New Fashioned) including Expo 1, Expo 2 and Food Runner
• Maintain knowledge of facility-related technologies (power tools, pour wall, POS system, Check-In programs, hyperbowling system, Singa karaoke tablets, etc.)
• Collect payment/create credit card authorized tabs on the POS system
• Deliver activity-specific equipment in a timely manner
• Train guests in their specific activities, which may include axe throwing, deck shuffleboard, mini golf, karaoke, hyperbowling, dartball, deck curling, game show and painting
• Teach guests how to safely use their specific activity equipment
• Participate in continual training programs and training of new BAR activations/experiences (Splash Studio, Game Show MKE, etc.)
• Participate in offsite events
• Monitor safety and provide guidance for children who are participating in activities during specific business hours or locations
• Market and promote special offerings, add-ons, and upsell opportunities to guests
• Set-up/deliver special orders, upgrades and add-on orders
• Perform regular table touches and section host duties to ensure a continued positive hospitality experience
• Take guest photos at the end of their experience (where/when applicable)
• Explain and enforce house and safety rules to guests
• Report guest issues up the chain of command immediately so that they can be resolved before a guest leaves the building
• Keep track of time for each reservation
• Clear and reset lanes/courts/courses/tables/suites as needed
• Change axe targets, which requires carrying wood and using power tools
• Paint boards and maintain equipment
• Clean and maintain the facility on a regular basis including sweeping, mopping, dusting, sanitizing, bathroom cleanliness, etc.

Additional Tasks When Bartending

• Warmly greet guests and welcome them to the bar
• Maintain a fully stocked, clean, and safe bar environment
• Demonstrate knowledge of all cocktail recipes and beer, wine and spirit offerings
• Mix traditional and creative cocktails while positively engaging with the guest
• Pour accurately and serve drinks quickly while maintaining standards and quality
• Ability to properly open, date, and store wine
• Verify identification and age requirements of guests if needed for alcohol service
• Build rapport with guests to create a positive atmosphere
• Make suggestions based on guest tastes and preferences
• Follow all recommendations and requirements of the Responsible Beverage Server Course
• Perform regular bussing tasks such as stocking, trash, recycling, dishes, etc.
• Clean and maintain behind the bar area on a regular basis including sweeping, mopping, dusting, sanitizing, etc.
• Accurately test and label all sanitation products

Requirements

• Preference for candidates who are at least 21 years old (additional restrictions apply for employees under age 21)
• Must have a high school diploma or GED
• Must have some hospitality, food/beverage service, or retail experience
• Preference will go to candidates who have similar activity host experience (e.g., emcee, hotel/resort/cruise/banquet host, camp counselor, trivia master, concierge, etc.) and/or who have experience bartending in a fast-paced environment
• Must be able to carry up to 50 lbs., climb stairs, and work in a fast-paced environment
• Must be able to work at least two shifts per week, one being a Saturday shift (daytime or evening)
• Open and full availability on Saturdays is required for scheduling purposes
• Additional Thursday and Friday availability is preferred
• Must be willing to complete an online Responsible Beverage Server Course and submit proof of completion
• Must be able to hold and speak clearly into a microphone in front of small and large groups
• Must be able to facilitate activities for children at allowed establishments during specific hours
• Must be able to operate a point-of-sale system and accurately conduct credit card transactions
• Must be able to handle fast-paced shifts and be standing for 4–10 hours
• Must be able to hold an axe with one or both hands overhead
• Must be comfortable using power tools including drills
• Must be comfortable carrying, using, and standing on a 6-foot ladder
• Must be able to read, understand, and follow the Bars & Recreation Employee Handbook

Qualifications

A successful Crew Member is energetic, friendly, confident, and guest-focused. They are able to charm guests while enforcing safety rules. They are a team player who seeks out job tasks and ways to contribute. They are guest-centered driven employees who can provide guests with a hospitable experience from start to finish. They are committed to suggestive selling and upselling to help increase revenue for the company.

At Bars & Rec, we D.R.I.V.E. toward these Guest Service Pillars:

• Demonstrate expertise
• Rally the team
• Identify opportunities
• Value every person
• Exceed expectations

Benefits

• Company-sponsored 401k plan
• Paid Time Off
• Company-sponsored Employee Rewards Program
• Company-sponsored complimentary social events
• Annual charitable donation of employee’s choice
• Flexible scheduling
• Great variety of work with cross-training at all facilities
• Company-wide communication platform
• Free/discounted play, drinks, snacks and merchandise

Pay

Crew members receive a starting base rate plus share of the bi-weekly Tip Pool.

Schedule

At this time, we are seeking Crew Members who are available on Fridays and Saturdays. Full and open availability on Saturdays is required for scheduling purposes.

This position is classified as a Tier 1 On-site Employee. Bars & Rec employees rotate around the various facilities to support the overall team as needed. Reliable transportation is required.