Train Your Team With a Bartender Side Work Checklist

Bartending is a dynamic and demanding profession that goes far beyond simply mixing drinks. Bartending is a fast-growing occupation, too: the number of bartenders in the U.S. is expected to grow by nearly a third by 2030. Part of having a bar business plan is ensuring the roles of all team members are outlined. One essential aspect of a bartender's role is side work. But what is side work? It’s a collection of tasks crucial for maintaining an efficient workspace.

Rather than hire more staff (did you know it can cost $2,000 to recruit and train a new hire into the restaurant business?), bar owners can optimize the time of the team members they have. Side work can play a significant role in your bar’s bottom line. Start by creating an effective bartender side work checklist, offer tips for its successful implementation, and emphasize why this practice is essential in the industry.

The Role of Side Work in Bartending

Definition and Significance

Side work refers to the series of tasks bartenders perform before, during, and after their shifts. These tasks are typically aimed at ensuring a well-organized, clean, and fully stocked bar station. It plays a pivotal role in the restaurant and bartending industry by contributing to the overall customer experience. Side work ensures bartenders have the necessary tools, ingredients, and a clean workspace to deliver excellent service promptly. Bake these tasks into your bartender training program out the gate so bartenders are tuned into expectations. 

Benefits of Performing Side Work

Performing side work offers numerous advantages, both for bartenders and your establishment as a whole. It enhances efficiency, maintains product quality, and creates a more hygienic and visually appealing environment for customers. Bartenders can work more smoothly, which ultimately contributes to higher tips and customer satisfaction. Knowing how to train a bartender and prioritize these different aspects is crucial. 

Supplementary, Not Exclusive

Hiring the right people from the moment you open a bar can have a huge effect on its success. It's essential to emphasize to bartenders on your team that side work should complement their primary duties, not overshadow them. While it's a vital component of the job, bartenders are primarily responsible for crafting drinks and providing excellent customer service. Side work should enhance these core responsibilities, not become the primary focus. 

How to Create a Bartender Sidework Checklist

Creating a bartender sidework checklist is a game-changer. Putting side work in writing communicates clear expectations to your team and provides a tangible space to track progress, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks. It’s also one of the best ways to succeed as a bar manager.

What to Include on a Bartender Sidework Checklist

Preparing the Bar Station

• Setting up the bar station before service (organizing tools, glassware, and ingredients).

• Restocking inventory (checking and replenishing liquor, garnishes, and other supplies).

• Cleaning and sanitizing the bar station (maintaining proper hygiene and presentation). 

Pre-Service Tasks

• Checking the bar inventory (ensuring proper stock levels and rotation).

• Preparing garnishes and ingredients (cutting fruit, juicing, and making mixes).

• Restocking ice (ensuring an ample supply for the upcoming service).

• Checking and cleaning glassware (polishing glasses and removing any stains or residue).

During Service Responsibilities

• Maintaining cleanliness and organization (regularly clearing empty glassware, wiping counters, and tidying the station).

• Assisting barbacks and servers (collaborating with other staff members to ensure smooth operations). 

Closing Duties

• Cleaning and organizing the bar station (thoroughly sanitizing surfaces, equipment, and tools).

• Counting and reconciling cash drawer (ensuring accurate cash handling and balance).

• Properly storing perishable items (labeling, storing, and rotating inventory).

• Restocking inventory for the next shift (ensuring availability of supplies for the next bartender).

Tips for Effectively Implementing a Bartender Sidework Checklist

Stay Organized

Keep the checklist well-structured and easily accessible to all team members. An organized checklist allows your bar staff to know exactly what needs to be done without being told. This means they don’t need to check in before, during, or after their shifts to know what work has been completed.

Keep Things Simple

Prioritize the most crucial tasks and avoid overloading the checklist with unnecessary details. Focus on essential tasks that contribute to the restaurant's success. These might include table work like wiping down tables after use, or behind-the-scenes work like sanitizing items at the bar.

Be Open to Feedback

Encourage bartenders to provide input and make improvements to the checklist based on their experiences. Your bar staff is on the ground and amidst all the action – they are highly tuned into how your restaurant runs and they may have positive suggestions for how to make things more efficient.

Refine Over Time

Regularly review and refine the checklist to adapt to changing needs and circumstances. Take in the feedback provided by your staff, and make changes accordingly. Think of improving your side work checklist as part of your monthly side work.

Bartender side work is the backbone of a well-functioning bar. Learning how to become a bartender includes realizing the significance of side work. By recognizing its importance, creating a comprehensive sidework checklist, and effectively implementing it, bartenders can maintain an efficient workspace, deliver exceptional customer service, and ultimately elevate the overall bar operations. Embrace the power of side work and watch your bartending experience reach new heights of success.