Job Description
Job Description
Job Summary
The Front of House & Bar Manager is responsible for leading all guest-facing operations in a fast-paced BBQ restaurant, with a strong focus on service quality, bar performance, and team leadership. This role oversees the dining room, bar, and service staff to ensure an efficient, welcoming, and high-energy guest experience that reflects the restaurant’s brand and standards.
This is a hands-on leadership position that requires strong floor presence, operational discipline, and the ability to motivate and develop a service team.
Key Responsibilities
Guest Experience & Service
- Ensure exceptional guest service at all times, resolving issues quickly and professionally
- Set and enforce service standards consistent with the restaurant’s BBQ-focused concept and culture
- Maintain smooth front-of-house flow during high-volume service periods
- Act as a visible leader on the floor during peak shifts
Bar Operations
- Oversee all bar operations including cocktails, beer, spirits, and non-alcoholic offerings
- Maintain bar cleanliness, organization, and presentation
- Manage bar inventory, ordering, cost control, and waste reduction
- Ensure compliance with all alcohol service laws and responsible service practices
- Collaborate on seasonal drinks, specials, and promotions as appropriate
Staff Leadership & Scheduling
- Hire, train, coach, and supervise FOH and bar staff
- Create and manage staff schedules to meet business needs and control labor costs
- Conduct pre-shift meetings and ongoing training to reinforce service and sales goals
- Foster a positive, accountable, and team-oriented work environment
- Handle staff performance issues, discipline, and recognition as needed
Operations & Administration
- Monitor labor, sales, and bar performance metrics
- Handle cash management, POS oversight, and end-of-shift reporting
- Coordinate closely with the kitchen and pit team to ensure accurate and timely service
- Maintain FOH compliance with health, safety, and sanitation standards
- Assist with opening, closing, and daily operational procedures
Qualifications
- 2+ years of management experience in a full-service restaurant or bar (BBQ or high-volume concept preferred)
- Strong knowledge of bar operations, cocktails, beer, and spirits
- Proven leadership and team development skills
- Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities
- Ability to remain calm and effective under pressure
- Familiarity with Toast POS systems and basic reporting
- Must meet all local requirements for alcohol service management
Physical & Scheduling Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
- Ability to lift up to 40 lbs (kegs, cases, supplies)
- Flexible availability including nights, weekends, and holidays
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and/or hourly pay with bonus potential
- Opportunities for growth within a growing craft BBQ concept
- A collaborative, fast-paced, and fun work environment
- Staff meals and discounts
Company DescriptionSmoke on The Water is a new craft BBQ experience opening in the spring of 2026 in Salisbury, MA. The design is fast-casual friendly service serving up some of the best scratch side dishes, desserts, and smoked meats with a central Texas BBQ inspiration. The restaurant will have a serving line that will allow customers to select their scratch side dishes and the staff will slice their smoked meats in front of them by the pound. Guests will enjoy their food family style in our welcoming dining space that includes a full service bar and indoor and outdoor dining areas. Guests will also be invited to view our all wood smokers built in Texas in our adjacent smokehouse and enjoy samples of our smoked meats.
Company Description
Smoke on The Water is a new craft BBQ experience opening in the spring of 2026 in Salisbury, MA. The design is fast-casual friendly service serving up some of the best scratch side dishes, desserts, and smoked meats with a central Texas BBQ inspiration. The restaurant will have a serving line that will allow customers to select their scratch side dishes and the staff will slice their smoked meats in front of them by the pound. Guests will enjoy their food family style in our welcoming dining space that includes a full service bar and indoor and outdoor dining areas. Guests will also be invited to view our all wood smokers built in Texas in our adjacent smokehouse and enjoy samples of our smoked meats.