Barback

About this position

Cha Chín is part of Éxodo Hospitality Group, a Chicago-based hospitality group bringing together diverse cultures, culinary traditions, and unique dining experiences. Rooted in a celebration of culture, community, and connection, we believe hospitality is about more than great food and service. It's about bringing people together and creating meaningful experiences.

Inspired by the belief that true prosperity is found in the moments we share, Cha Chín celebrates good fortune, community, and togetherness. Our culinary concept brings together Chinese and Peruvian influences, highlighting the ingredients, traditions, and cooking techniques of both cuisines.

Through food, drinks, and genuine hospitality, we strive to create an environment where every guest feels welcomed, valued, and part of something special.

We are seeking organized, dependable, and proactive Barbacks who understand that a successful bar depends on preparation, consistency, teamwork, and attention to detail.

The Barback is responsible for maintaining the organization, cleanliness, inventory readiness, and operational flow of Cha Chín's bar. This position supports Bartenders through glassware management, ingredient preparation, restocking, equipment maintenance, and opening, running, and closing responsibilities.

Cha Chín features a preparation-intensive beverage program incorporating specialty teas, house-made syrups, infusions, garnishes, and other carefully prepared ingredients. Barbacks play an important role in supporting this program by completing assigned preparation tasks accurately, following established recipes and procedures, and maintaining proper labeling, dating, storage, and product rotation.

Our bar operates within a confined workspace with high glassware turnover and limited room for unnecessary movement or disorganization. Successful Barbacks must maintain an exceptionally clean, organized, and functional environment while anticipating the needs of Bartenders before supplies run low or service is interrupted.

This position requires a strong sense of urgency, physical stamina, and the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities during high-volume service. The ideal candidate takes initiative, recognizes what needs attention, and understands that small operational details directly affect beverage quality, ticket times, and the guest experience.

Every guest is our guest, and every space is our responsibility. Barbacks are expected to contribute to the overall hospitality experience, support teammates beyond immediate assignments when appropriate, and take shared ownership of the restaurant's cleanliness, presentation, and operational readiness.

All Barbacks are expected to uphold Éxodo Hospitality Group's established Hourly Position Standards, including The Main Six and the company's non-negotiable requirements for every position.

• Maintain exceptional organization and efficiency within a confined, high-volume bar workspace.

• Set up and maintain bar stations according to established opening and service standards.

• Ensure Bartenders have the necessary tools, ingredients, glassware, ice, garnishes, and supplies readily available throughout service.

• Anticipate restocking needs and replenish supplies before shortages interrupt beverage production.

• Keep workstations, service wells, countertops, storage areas, and guest-facing bar surfaces clean and organized.

• Maintain proper placement and organization of bar tools, equipment, bottles, and supplies to support efficient movement and workflow.

• Monitor ice levels, garnishes, mixers, prepared ingredients, and other frequently used supplies.

• Minimize clutter and unnecessary movement in shared work areas.

• Recognize and address operational obstacles that may slow beverage service.

• Complete assigned opening, running, and closing responsibilities accurately and on time.

• Maintain consistent readiness throughout service rather than waiting until supplies are depleted.

• Manage the continuous collection, washing, polishing, organization, and replenishment of glassware throughout service.

• Maintain sufficient quantities of the appropriate glassware at each bar station.

• Ensure glassware is clean, polished, undamaged, and ready for immediate use.

• Coordinate with Bartenders and other team members to maintain an efficient glassware rotation.

• Handle specialty and delicate glassware carefully to minimize chips, scratches, breakage, and unnecessary replacement costs.

• Follow proper washing, sanitizing, drying, and storage procedures.

• Avoid overcrowding glass racks, improper stacking, and unsafe handling practices.

• Immediately remove and report chipped, cracked, or damaged glassware.

• Keep clean and used glassware appropriately separated to maintain sanitation standards.

• Monitor glassware shortages and communicate replenishment needs before they affect service.

• Assist with beverage delivery, bar clearing, and other service support responsibilities as directed.

• Assist Bartenders with assigned daily and scheduled beverage preparation.

• Prepare garnishes, syrups, tea preparations, infusions, batches, and other house-made ingredients according to established recipes and procedures.

• Follow exact measurements, weights, ratios, temperatures, preparation times, and finished yields when completing assigned preparation tasks.

• Develop working knowledge of the specialty teas and ingredients used throughout Cha Chín's beverage program.

• Understand the importance of consistency, accuracy, and proper handling when preparing beverage components.

• Properly label, date, store, and rotate prepared ingredients according to established procedures.

• Follow first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory rotation and applicable food-safety requirements.

• Monitor freshness, quality, shelf life, and available quantities of prepared ingredients.

• Maintain clean and organized preparation areas, tools, and storage containers.

• Record completed preparation quantities, yields, and waste as required.

• Communicate shortages, quality concerns, preparation errors, and replenishment needs promptly.

• Avoid unnecessary overproduction, improper storage, and preventable waste.

• Recognize that preparation quality directly affects the consistency and execution of the finished beverage.

• Monitor and replenish spirits, wine, beer, mixers, specialty teas, prepared ingredients, garnishes, and other bar supplies.

• Maintain organized and accessible storage areas, including refrigerators, shelves, and designated stock locations.

• Follow established product rotation, labeling, and storage procedures.

• Assist with receiving, checking, and properly storing beverage deliveries as assigned.

• Participate in inventory counts and product tracking procedures.

• Monitor stock levels and communicate shortages, discrepancies, and replenishment needs to Bartenders or management.

• Handle products carefully to prevent unnecessary damage, contamination, or waste.

• Track spills, breakage, discarded ingredients, and other product losses according to established procedures.

• Maintain awareness of high-use ingredients and supplies to support efficient service.

• Follow established procedures for transferring products between storage and service areas.

• Take responsibility for accurate handling, organization, and accountability of assigned inventory.

• Acknowledge guests warmly and professionally when working in guest-facing areas.

• Maintain a positive, attentive, and approachable presence throughout service.

• Recognize guest needs and respond appropriately, assisting directly when within assigned responsibilities or communicating with a Bartender or Server.

• Support water service, clearing, and general bar guest maintenance as needed.

• Maintain awareness of guest-facing bar cleanliness and presentation.

• Avoid unnecessary interruptions, loud conversations, or disruptive movement around seated guests.

• Communicate guest concerns, requests, and service needs promptly to the appropriate team member.

• Demonstrate professionalism and courtesy during all guest interactions.

• Recognize that the Barback contributes directly to the overall guest experience, even when not preparing or serving beverages.

• Proactively support Bartenders by recognizing operational needs before being asked.

• Maintain awareness of service volume, drink production, and changing bar priorities.

• Assist with tasks that allow Bartenders to remain focused on guest service and beverage execution.

• Communicate clearly and professionally with Bartenders, Servers, Hosts, support staff, and Managers.

• Support teammates beyond the bar when appropriate and when bar responsibilities remain covered.

• Assist with clearing, resetting, stocking, cleaning, and other front-of-house responsibilities as needed.

• Remain flexible and responsive to management direction and changing service demands.

• Recognize that no reasonable service-related responsibility is beneath any team member.

• Maintain a collaborative and solutions-oriented approach during busy service periods.

• Contribute to a respectful, accountable, and supportive team environment.

• Take shared ownership of the overall integrity of the bar and restaurant, including cleanliness, organization, presentation, safety, and readiness for service.

• Maintain clean and sanitary bar stations, preparation areas, equipment, storage spaces, and guest-facing surfaces.

• Follow established cleaning schedules and sanitation procedures.

• Clean spills promptly and address potential slip, trip, or breakage hazards.

• Maintain proper separation of clean and used equipment and serviceware.

• Follow safe handling and storage procedures for food products, beverages, chemicals, and cleaning supplies.

• Properly dispose of waste, recycling, and broken glass according to established procedures.

• Maintain organized refrigerators, shelves, storage containers, and service stations.

• Recognize and report damaged equipment, maintenance concerns, and unsafe conditions.

• Complete assigned cleaning and side-work responsibilities without compromising active service needs.

• Assist with maintaining cleanliness and organization throughout the restaurant when appropriate.

• Develop working knowledge of Cha Chín's beverage program, including signature cocktails, specialty teas, house-made ingredients, and common bar products.

• Learn to identify the glassware, garnishes, tools, and ingredients required for different beverages.

• Understand the restaurant's layout, bar stations, storage areas, and operational procedures.

• Follow established preparation specifications and ask questions when instructions are unclear.

• Never guess when handling allergens, ingredient substitutions, or food-safety concerns; seek guidance from the appropriate team member.

• Communicate shortages, mistakes, delays, and operational concerns promptly.

• Take responsibility for assigned tasks and follow through until they are completed.

• Demonstrate urgency, accuracy, and attention to detail in daily responsibilities.

• Participate in training, preshift meetings, and ongoing beverage education.

• Remain receptive to coaching and demonstrate a willingness to improve.

• Maintain professional conduct, appearance, and communication throughout every shift.

• Exceptional organizational habits and the ability to work efficiently within a confined, high-volume workspace.

• Strong attention to detail and willingness to follow precise beverage preparation, labeling, dating, storage, and inventory procedures.

• Strong sense of urgency, initiative, and ability to anticipate operational needs.

• Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and remain composed during busy service periods.

• Willingness to learn specialty tea preparation, house-made ingredients, garnishes, and basic beverage production techniques.

• Ability to maintain a high volume of glassware rotation while protecting delicate and specialty items.

• Strong commitment to cleanliness, sanitation, organization, and safe work practices.

• Ability to follow recipes, measurements, instructions, and established operating procedures accurately.

• Willingness to participate in inventory counts, product tracking, restocking, and waste management.

• Positive, professional attitude and a genuine willingness to support guests and teammates.

• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with Bartenders and other restaurant employees.

• Reliability, punctuality, accountability, and willingness to accept feedback.

• Physical stamina and ability to work efficiently throughout a full shift.

• Commitment to upholding all Éxodo Hospitality Group service standards and operational expectations.

• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as scheduled.

• Valid Illinois Food Handler Training certification where applicable, or ability to obtain it within the legally required timeframe.

• Previous experience as a Barback, Server Assistant, Food Runner, Busser, or other restaurant support position.

• Experience working in a high-volume, craft-cocktail, upscale casual, or comparable restaurant or bar environment.

• Familiarity with bar organization, glassware handling, restocking, and service-well support.

• Experience with beverage preparation, batching, garnishes, syrups, or house-made ingredients.

• Basic knowledge of specialty teas, spirits, cocktails, wine, and beer.

• Experience with inventory rotation, labeling, dating, and stock organization.

• Familiarity with food-safety and sanitation procedures.

• Interest in developing professional bartending skills and advancing within a beverage program.

• Bilingual communication skills, particularly English and Spanish.

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout a full shift.

• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 lbs, with reasonable accommodations where applicable.

• Frequent bending, reaching, lifting, carrying, and repetitive hand and wrist movements.

• Ability to safely transport ice, beverage cases, glassware racks, and other bar supplies.

• Comfortable working within a confined bar workspace with limited movement and storage space.

• Ability to maintain organization and safe movement while working near other employees.

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced bar environment with exposure to noise, cold, heat, crowds, and late hours.

• Ability to remain attentive, professional, and engaged throughout scheduled shifts.

• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as scheduled.

If you take pride in staying organized, anticipate what your teammates need before they ask, and understand that exceptional service begins with preparation and attention to detail, we would love to meet you.

Éxodo Hospitality Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members. We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws.

Location and commute

Chicago, IL .

Plan your route with Google Maps. Travel times and transportation options vary; confirm the work location with the employer before commuting.

How to apply

Review the vacancy and complete the application on the employer or recruitment partner’s website. Requisition ID: WJ-3222348109.