What is a Barback? Description, Duties & Roles in the Hospitality Industry.
A barback is part of the bar or restaurant team. They stock the bar, prep ingredients and keep the bar area clean and tidy.
Barbacks are the behind-the-scenes heroes of the bar, working hard to make sure the bartenders have everything they need to make great drinks and keep the customers happy.
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Barback duties
Barback duties vary depending on the size and type of venue but generally:
- Stock the bar with ice, glassware, mixers and other bits
- Prep ingredients for drinks, juicing fruits or making syrups
- Keep the bar area clean and tidy, washing glassware and wiping down surfaces
- Assist the bartenders with drink prep and service, garnishing drinks or running food
- Monitor inventory and order supplies as needed
- Set up and break down for events or special occasions
What Skills Does a Barback Need?
Barbacks work in a fast paced, high-pressure environment with tight time limits and demanding customers. Often this role requires long shifts, including evenings, weekends and public holidays, standing for long periods, lifting heavy ice bags and working in a loud environment like a bar or pub.
To be a barback you need a combination of hard and soft hospitality skills like:
– Physical stamina: A barback will be on their feet and moving around for long periods and may have to lift heavy ice bags or beer crates.
– Organization: A barback needs to keep the bar tidy and be able to make quick decisions and think on their feet.
– Attention to detail: A barback must pay attention to the details and make sure the bar is always stocked with products and ready for customers.
– Customer service: Although a bar back may not have as much direct customer interaction as a bartender, they are still front-of-house staff and need to be able to provide good customer service and be friendly and approachable.
How much do barbacks get paid?
Barbacks are usually paid an hourly rate which varies depending on the location and type of venue. According to Salary.com, the national average hourly rate for a barback is $10-$12. However, some barbacks in high end or busy venues may earn more and tips can add to their income.
Career progression and advancement opportunities
Being a barback can be a stepping stone to a career in the hospitality industry. Many barbacks want to become bartenders and work their way up by proving themselves and showing their commitment to the role.
Others may look to explore other industry opportunities, like being a manager or working in a different field altogether, like events or advertising.
Types of Bars and Restaurants
Barbacks can work in many different types of bars and restaurants:
– Fine dining restaurants: In fine dining venues barbacks will stock the bar, prep garnishes and ingredients and assist the bartenders with drink orders. They will also keep the bar area clean and tidy.
– Nightclubs and music venues: In these types of venues barbacks will stock the bar and prep ingredients or help with bottle service. They will also keep the area safe and tidy and help control the crowd.
– Sports bars and pubs: In sports bars and pubs barbacks will stock the bar, prep ingredients and help the bartenders with drink orders during busy periods. They will also clean and tidy the bar area.
– Hotels and resorts: In hotels and resorts barbacks will stock and tidy the bar, prep ingredients and assist the bartenders with drink orders. They will also keep the bar area clean and tidy.
How to become a barback
Getting into the hospitality industry as a barback is a great way to start and there are many ways to do it. Here are some:
– On the job training: Some bars and restaurants will hire people with no experience and train them on the job. This is a great way to get a head start and learn the basics.
– Bartending school or classes: Bartending schools and online classes will give you the basics to get a job as a barback, especially if you’re working your way up to a bartender. Taking classes is a great way to learn everything you need to know to be a barback and make industry connections.
– Hospitality degree: Some may choose to get a degree in hospitality management which will give you more knowledge of the business and possible career advancement opportunities.
Here’s a great article from bevspot.com on skills every barback should have.
What to look for in a barback
When looking for a barback you want to find someone who:
- Is reliable and always on time
- Can handle a high-pressure environment
- Will take instructions and wants to learn
- Is physically strong and can lift heavy loads
- Can use their hands to prep ingredients quickly and efficiently
- Has a positive attitude and is a team player
How to hire a barback
When hiring a barback you should:
- Post the job on multiple job boards that reach a wide audience.
- Read through resumes and cover letters.
- Conduct phone or in-person interviews to get to know the person and their previous work history.
- Check references for their work ethic and achievements.
- Consider having them do training and mentoring so they can do the job.
FAQs
Can a barback become a bartender?
Is a barback only responsible for stocking and cleaning?
Is experience needed to become a barback?
Conclusion
A barback is a behind the scenes staff member of the bar or restaurant, working out of sight to make sure the bar runs smoothly. Their job is to stock the bar, prep ingredients and keep the area tidy.
When looking for someone to fill this role it’s good to target reliable people who can perform under pressure and are team players. With the right barback on board you’ll know your bar will run efficiently and your customers and business will be happy.
