How much do barbacks make and how do they make it?
Getting a job as a barback is one of the most common ways to get into a bartender position if you have no experience.It is an important position and is sometimes called a bar backer, bar runner or just a runner.
I think of the barback as the person bailing water out of a cruise ship.The barback is trying to keep the ship afloat by bailing out water while the guests are having a great time.A good barback will keep the ship afloat and nobody will ever know there was a problem.A bad barback will cause the ship to sink fast.
The barback supports the bartender.Core tasks are usually the same for each bar or restaurant.The barback's job is all about working ahead, managing your time well and anticipating the needs of the bartender you are working with.
The barback is the bartender's sidekick.It could be described as the bartender's lifeline.The bar and bartender are able to do their job quickly and efficiently if the barback does all of the invisible little tasks.
They have to get the bar ready for service before the shift starts.The barback is putting away the liquor and beer delivery that came in during the day, stocking each bar station with straws, napkins and coasters.They work with the bartender to make sure the bar is ready to open.
The barback position is one of the busiest in the restaurant.The barback is most likely a young person that is constantly moving behind the bar and rarely interacting with guests.They are usually responsible for cleaning and refilling glassware, changing kegs, and cleaning the bar top during their shift.Rarely will you see them mixing drinks.
The barback will work with the bartender to break down the bar at the end of the night.This could include taking out the trash, refilling bottles, and cleaning glassware.
In the USA, barbacks are usually paid minimum wage but will often get a portion of the bartender's tips.You will usually receive a percentage of the total tips or total sales.Barbacks can make a lot of money.Many bar backs make more money at nightclubs than at restaurants.It is not uncommon to make between 80 and 200 a night in tips as a bar back.
It is possible that salary and wage reports for the barback do not include tipped earnings, as they vary dramatically by market.For a good baseline, consider the local minimum wage.
It is very likely that you won't be working a full 40 hours a week, so the above numbers are likely a bit on the high side.
It is difficult to estimate tips since tip-out policies differ by market and restaurant.You can estimate around 1-2% of total sales.
Outside the USA, most bar backs are paid an hourly wage.You should not dip below the legal minimum wage in your area.
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If you want to become a bar runner, there are a few things to consider.
Do you want to knock a barbacking job out of the park?There are some characteristics of a great barback.If you follow this example, you might even get the chance to work your way up to a waiter or bartender position.
Do you still want to try it?Great!It is important to get a sense of the place before applying to a bar.
A few visits and a few conversations with the people at the bar can tell you a lot about the place.
Chances are good that you took the barback job because you want to work your way up to bartender.Good call!This is one of the most effective ways to break into a bartender role in a competitive market.How do you get promoted to a barback job?
If you want to get a bartending shift, you have to be a bad barback.Why would someone who can't succeed at a simpler job be promoted to journeyman?Click here to get some tips on what makes a great barback.
positioning yourself for a shift is the next step.Baby steps are opportunities to learn individual pieces of the bartender's job, even before you get a full shift.This proves to the team that you can do it.
You are not going to get very far if you want a bartending shift.Make sure your manager is aware of your long-term goals.Ask what skills you think I need before I can be eligible for a Bartending shift.
Finally, offer to take on the shift that nobody wants.This will be a very slow shift, like Monday lunch or Sunday afternoon.The manager should be more comfortable giving it to a new bartender since it is likely to be slow.
Someone called in sick or you got a Monday lunch shift.Either way, you are in!If you are not working with a more seasoned bartender, here are a couple things to keep in mind.
Barbacking is a tough job.It is essential to our industry and any high volume bar.It is a great stepping stone to work your way up to a job as a bartender.You will make a fantastic barback if you work hard, pay attention, and try to get better every day.
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What is the email you signed up for?What do you want to do?I want to be able to make better drinks, learn more about cocktails, and make more money as a bartender.How would you prefer to learn about cocktails and mixology?What's the most frustrating thing about mixing drinks?Leave this field blank if you are a human.You can submit.