Lead Bartender

ABOUT CHETOLA RESORT

For over 175 years, Chetola Resort has welcomed guests to a timeless mountain escape in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Serving as the gateway to beautiful Blowing Rock, North Carolina, Chetola is a luxury haven where adventure meets tranquility. The resort blends refined hospitality with immersive outdoor experiences—from Orvis-endorsed fly fishing to award-winning dining, spa indulgence, and family-friendly recreation. Under new ownership, we are entering an exciting chapter of thoughtful renewal, authentic elegance, and elevated guest service. Blowing Rock is home to some of the most luxurious residences in the Carolinas, and our year-round destination serves a discerning, affluent clientele.

THE ROLE

Chetola Resort is seeking a polished, experienced, and service-driven Lead Bartender (full-time) to elevate the bar experience at Timberlake's Restaurant and support beverage service across the resort's event venues. The ideal candidate is a hospitality leader with exceptional bar knowledge, a passion for mixology, and a natural ability to connect with guests.

This role is both hands-on and supervisory—leading bar standards, crafting outstanding seasonal beverages, driving the development of our cocktail menu and beverage program, mentoring a growing team, and ensuring smooth, consistent operations each day. It is an ideal position for a mixologist at heart: someone who loves cocktail design, flavor balance, and telling a story through every drink. As both a service professional and a key architect of our evolving bar identity, the Lead Bartender will play a vital role in shaping the next chapter of Chetola's Food & Beverage program, which is entering an exciting new era of creativity and craft.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Guest Service & Beverage Craftsmanship

• Welcome guests with warmth, personality, and genuine connection.
• Prepare and present cocktails, spirits, wine, and beer with artistry and consistency.
• Execute house recipes with precision while contributing ideas for seasonal cocktails, signature drinks, and beverage enhancements.
• Create memorable experiences by educating guests on spirits, ingredients, and the story behind our offerings.
• Maintain a clean, polished, organized bar environment that reflects the elevated standard of a luxury resort.

Beverage Program Leadership

• Support the development and refinement of cocktail menus, seasonal features, mocktail offerings, and bar enhancements.
• Maintain recipe documentation, prep standards, batching guides, and ingredient specifications.
• Oversee mise en place, bar prep, and ingredient quality—including syrups, infusions, garnishes, and juices.
• Monitor inventory levels, rotate stock, and identify opportunities for new products or improved bar efficiency.
• Uphold consistency throughout the beverage program by coaching the team on technique, flavor balance, and presentation.

Training, Mentorship & Team Support

• Train bartenders on recipes, tools, pouring accuracy, guest engagement, and speed of service.
• Lead by example, modeling elevated hospitality and mixology standards.
• Provide real-time coaching and thoughtful feedback to develop a cohesive and high-performing bar team.
• Assist with scheduling support, workflow improvements, and maintaining smooth bar operations.

Operations, Compliance & Safety

• Operate the POS system accurately and efficiently, ensuring proper cash handling and check management.
• Verify identification and uphold responsible alcohol service in accordance with ABC regulations.
• Follow strict sanitation, hygiene, and equipment safety practices.
• Report issues, guest concerns, or equipment needs promptly to management.

Event Support & Cross-Team Collaboration

• Partner with the Front of House, Culinary, and Events teams to ensure smooth coordination and exceptional service.

Requirements

ATTENTION TO DETAIL IN ACTION

At Timberlake's, the bar is a centerpiece of the guest experience—and excellence is found in the smallest details. Your leadership ensures that every pour, every garnish, and every interaction reflects the craft, care, and hospitality that define Chetola. As Lead Bartender, you'll set the tone for elevated service by ensuring:

• Glassware as a canvas: Clean, polished, flawless vessels chosen intentionally for each cocktail.
• Garnish precision: Fresh, consistent cuts; properly stored; beautifully presented; zero waste.
• Cocktail execution: Balanced flavor profiles, precise measurements, and disciplined technique—every pour, every time.
• Program consistency: Maintaining up-to-date recipes, prep standards, and batching guides for a cohesive beverage identity.
• Bar mise en place: Organized tools, labeled prep, fresh ingredients, and a bar top that is beautiful, clean, and ready for service.
• Atmosphere curation: Ensuring lighting, music, and energy contribute to an inviting and elevated guest experience.
• Team mentorship: Coaching bartenders on technique, pace, and presentation, helping them grow into well-rounded professionals.

ABOUT YOU

• A skilled mixologist who is passionate about beverage craft, flavor design, and guest experience.
• A charismatic hospitality professional who thrives in guest-facing environments.
• Experienced, confident, and able to lead by example behind the bar.
• Calm under pressure with excellent multitasking and communication skills.
• Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to consistency, cleanliness, and quality.
• A natural mentor who enjoys helping teammates grow and improve.
• A positive, collaborative team player who contributes to a fun, professional, and high-performing atmosphere.

REQUIREMENTS

• Previous bartending experience in a high-quality restaurant, resort, or craft cocktail bar required.
• Mixology, beverage program, or bar leadership experience strongly preferred.
• Must meet ABC requirements and be at least 21 years of age.
• Strong knowledge of spirits, classic cocktails, wine, beer, and bar equipment.
• Ability to stand for long periods, work nights/weekends/holidays, and lift up to 40 lbs.

WHY CHETOLA

• Join one of the area's largest private employers with ongoing opportunities for growth and advancement.
• Help shape the next era of a beloved mountain resort through exceptional service and guest experiences.
• Be part of a culture rooted in connection, craftsmanship, and care.
• Competitive hourly wage plus tips.
• Comprehensive benefits for eligible full-time employees, including health, dental, vision, supplemental coverage, PTO, and on-property perks.