Job Description
About Us
The Popal Group is an award-winning boutique hospitality group in Washington D.C. deeply committed to delivering exceptional dining experiences rooted in authenticity, hospitality, and operational excellence.
We are currently seeking an experienced General Manager to lead our flagship operation, Lapis Bistro (Michelin Bib Gourmand awardee). Lapis is our largest operation and celebrates homestyle Afghan cuisine prepared with local, seasonal ingredients and inspired by generations of family recipes. We are looking for candidates with management experience, attention to detail, and motivation to excel in a dynamic restaurant group.
Position Overview The Bar Manager is responsible for the overall leadership and performance of the bar program in restaurant, including team development, financial oversight, guest experience, and operational execution. T
Key Responsibilities
Operational Oversight ● Serve as the shift leader for the bar team, ensuring smooth operations and timely execution of
service.
● Ensure all bartenders properly set up and break down their stations before and after service.
● Maintain oversight of batched cocktails and prep items, ensuring all necessary ingredients are
available and prepared to spec.
● Ensure bar tools, glassware, and supplies are adequately stocked and properly maintained.
● Coordinate with Lapop floor staff to ensure seamless communication between the bar and
front-of-house teams.
● Develop and implement bar opening and closing checklists, ensuring accountability and
consistency across shifts.
● Act as the primary decision-maker for bar-related issues during service.
● Monitor guest flow and adjust bar staffing levels in real time to maintain efficient service.
● Collaborate with floor managers to align bar pacing with overall dining room operations.
● Ensure all bar promotions and specials are executed according to plan.
● Assist in overall floor management during service periods, supporting managers in monitoring
guest flow and pacing of tables.
● Jump in to support floor staff when needed, including running drinks, bussing glassware, and
guest support, to maintain service standards.
● Serve as a visible leader on the floor, checking in with guests, addressing service issues, and
ensuring smooth coordination between bar and FOH teams.
● Actively communicate with servers and managers during service to ensure that cocktails and
beverage orders are delivered in line with pacing of courses.
● Support resolution of guest complaints or concerns in real time, maintaining professionalism and
hospitality.
Stock & Inventory Management ● Enforce all health and safety standards in line with company policies and local regulations.
● Oversee the cleanliness and organization of the bar area, including fridges and liquor storage.
● Ensure that bartenders unbox liquor and wine deliveries and complete this task before leaving
(either during shifts or when the bar starts to slow down).
● Coordinate with floor staff to ensure that delivery boxes are properly brought to storage areas.
● Notify the team of any low-stock items or out-of-stock (86’d) products during pre-shift meetings.
● Accurately report order needs to the Beverage Director using provided pars.
● Ensure that bartenders are properly communicating prep needs to prep staff.
● Ensure that the bar team is communicating with the kitchen regarding produce order needs.
● Assist management in monthly inventory counts.
● Conduct regular inventory checks of spirits, beer, and wine in Lapis and Lapop.
● Place orders with approved vendors to ensure timely restocking.
● Maintain vendor relationships for pricing and deliveries, monitor product usage to control costs.
● Keep accurate records of inventory and orders for compliance and analysis.
● Forecast beverage needs based on seasonality, events, and guest trends to minimize shortages and
overstocking.
● Implement systems to reduce waste and track pour costs, reporting findings to the Beverage
Director.
● Negotiate with vendors for pricing incentives and new product trials.
● Introduce cost-control measures by monitoring over-pouring, spoilage, and comp usage.
● Ensure storage areas are organized with a FIFO (First In, First Out) system for accuracy and
product quality.
Quality Control & Training ● Oversee the quality control of cocktails during service, ensuring that drinks are balanced,
accurate, and visually appealing.
● Help introduce new products and cocktails to the team, providing guidance on their preparation
and presentation.
● Assist in training new staff members on bar operations, cocktail preparation, and customer service
standards while coaching and providing feedback.
● Evaluate the skills of staff members, ensure adherence to the training schedule, and report
performance to the Beverage Director and General Manager.
● Assist in ensuring that all team members are equipped with the necessary knowledge to perform
their roles effectively.
● Create and maintain updated recipe and spec sheets for the bar program.
● Lead regular bar tastings, technique workshops, and service refreshers to improve team skills.
● Provide structured coaching and progressive discipline when staff do not meet service or
performance standards.
● Actively mentor high-potential bartenders for leadership roles.
● Maintain consistency across all shifts by ensuring cocktail specs, garnish standards, and
glassware are followed.
● Collaborate with the Beverage Director on seasonal cocktail development, ensuring menu
innovation while balancing cost and feasibility.
● Hold bar staff accountable for following recipes, service standards, cleanliness, and
professionalism, addressing issues immediately and consistently.
● Set and enforce clear performance expectations for bartenders, barbacks, and support staff,
ensuring consistency across all shifts.
● Run regular bar-specific trainings and collaborate with management on company-wide training
initiatives.
● Lead pre-shift bar meetings, communicate daily priorities, and align the team with service
expectations and specials.
Leadership & Administrative Responsibilities ● Schedule and manage the bar team, balancing labor costs with operational needs.
● Approve bar staff time-off requests and coordinate coverage.
● Act as the main point of contact for bar staff concerns, fostering a positive and professional work
environment.
● Collaborate with the Beverage Director and General Manager on bar programming, promotions,
and seasonal menu changes.
● Track bar sales performance, identify trends, and propose strategies to increase revenue.
● Ensure compliance with all alcohol service laws and maintain required certifications for the bar
team.
● Conduct regular one-on-one check-ins with bar staff to review performance, goals, and career
development.
● Maintain accurate records of schedules, labor costs, staff certifications, and disciplinary actions.
● Support recruitment and hiring efforts by interviewing bar staff candidates and providing input on
hiring decisions.
● Participate actively in all pre-shift meetings, management meetings, and weekly leadership
check-ins.
● Collaborate with the events and operations teams on the planning, staffing, and execution of
events at 1819.
● Assist in coordination and execution of internal staff events, group trainings, and seasonal
rollouts.
● Contribute to long-term bar program strategy, including product selection, menu development,
and brand positioning in collaboration with senior leadership.
● Act as a bridge between ownership/leadership and the bar team, communicating strategy,
changes, and initiatives clearly.
Guest Experience & Brand Representation
● Act as a hospitality leader by engaging with guests at the bar, resolving complaints, and ensuring
exceptional service.
● Educate guests on cocktails, spirits, and wine, enhancing the overall dining and drinking
experience.
● Promote and uphold The Popal Group’s values of hospitality, service excellence, and cultural
authenticity.
● Assist in marketing initiatives by collaborating with the Marketing team on bar-focused events,
specials, and social media features.
● Represent the bar and restaurant at industry events, tastings, and networking opportunities when
requested.
● Act as a hospitality leader by engaging with guests at the bar and in the dining room, building
relationships and elevating the guest experience.
● Anticipate guest needs and step in proactively to resolve service issues before they escalate.
● Assist floor managers in leading pre-shift meetings when service has heavy bar features (e.g.,
special menus, events, or large parties).
● Support execution of promotional and marketing-driven events by ensuring bar staff are prepared
and service aligns with brand standards.
Compensation Details
Compensation: Salary ($70,000.00 - $75,000.00) plus bonus.
Benefits & Perks: Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Paid Time Off, 401k, Commuter Benefits, Potential Bonuses, Dining Discounts
Job Tags
Full time, Local area, Immediate start, All shifts, Shift work