Company description

Our mission is to develop and create food and beverage experiences that excite and move people and communities to a joined experience.

We seek to positively impact communities by contributing to local events, charities, and by offering opportunities.

Spending the time and resources to bring people along on the journey.

Ensuring fairness in wages, treatment, and the “people” journey that creates our products.

Sustainability

Company-we metric our landfill diversion, recycling and composting to ensure we always are using "best practices".

Partners—vetted integrity and doubling back. It’s easy to use companies that have their own proven transparency. As we grow the vendors and partners we will seek, and maintain relationships it will be with people who share our ethos. Irrespective of price, the determining factors of establishing meaningful partnerships will be consistent adherence to the terms, quality, and purpose of our mission.

Job description

Lead Bartender — Ryebird | Fairfield, CT

Job Type: Full-Time
Pay: $25–$50/hr (Competitive, commensurate with experience)
Schedule: Days, Evenings, Weekends & Holidays Required
Location: Fairfield, CT (In Person)

Who We Are

Ryebird is a neighborhood joint where friends, families, and solo flyers all feel at home. We’re a welcome break from the day-to-day — for any occasion, or no occasion at all.

Our New American menu offers something for everyone: right portions, right price, best quality. Simple dishes prepared expertly. Classics done well. Daily prix fixe specials. And at the heart of it all — a great drinks program and an awesome cocktail experience. Curated music and lighting set the mood from the first afternoon guest to the last energetic evening crowd. Bar seats are first come, first served. The vibe is comfortably chill, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

We’re looking for a Lead Bartender who gets it — someone who can carry the energy of the bar from a quiet solo sip at noon to a full house buzzing by 9pm.

Why Ryebird?

Be part of a growing neighborhood concept with real community roots in Fairfield, CT
Collaborate on a creative, evolving cocktail program — your voice matters here
Work in a space where the music is curated, the lighting is intentional, and the vibe is always on point
Competitive hourly pay plus tips in a high-volume environment
Employee discounts on food & beverage
Growth opportunities as Ryebird continues to expand its footprint (including The Reserve Room upstairs and an active private events & catering program)
A team that takes hospitality seriously — and has fun doing it
A Note From Us

Ryebird isn't trying to be the fanciest place in town. We're trying to be the best version of a neighborhood restaurant — the kind of place people come back to because the food is solid, the drinks are great, and the people behind the bar make them feel like they belong. If that sounds like the kind of bar you want to lead, we want to hear from you.

The Role

As Lead Bartender, you are the face and backbone of the Ryebird bar program. You lead by example, set the standard for hospitality and execution, and take pride in both the craft and the connection. You’re not just making drinks — you’re curating the experience, mentoring your team, and helping shape what Ryebird’s bar becomes.

This is a hands-on leadership role that blends creative cocktail execution with operational ownership.

What You’ll Do

Bar Leadership & Operations

Lead day-to-day bar operations during service, setting the tone for energy, pace, and hospitality
Open and close the bar, ensuring readiness, cleanliness, and organization at all times
Support the management team in scheduling, training, and developing bartenders and barbacks
Step in as bar lead in the absence of management, keeping things running smoothly
Cocktail Program & Beverage Execution

Execute Ryebird’s cocktail program with consistency, precision, and genuine enthusiasm
Bring your creative input to seasonal menu updates, specialty cocktails, and daily features
Demonstrate deep knowledge of spirits, classic and contemporary cocktails, wine, and beer
Conduct regular team training on pouring technique, menu knowledge, and upselling
Guest Experience

Welcome every guest — whether it’s a table of ten or a solo guest at the bar — with warmth and genuine hospitality
Build relationships with regulars; know their names, their go-tos, and their preferences
Handle guest feedback and service recovery with confidence, care, and a good attitude
Embody the Ryebird spirit: laid-back professionalism, approachable energy, no pretension
Operations & Compliance

Assist with inventory management, ordering, and cost control in collaboration with management
Maintain compliance with all state alcohol service laws and responsible beverage service standards
Communicate seamlessly with kitchen, FOH, and events staff
Support private dining and Reserve Room events as needed
What We’re Looking For

1–5 years of bartending experience, with at least 1–2 years in a lead, senior, or supervisory capacity
Strong cocktail knowledge — classics, modern craft, seasonal builds — with a genuine passion for the craft
Experience in a full-service, upscale-casual or neighborhood restaurant environment
Ability to lead with calm confidence during high-volume service without losing the hospitality
Excellent communication and people skills — you’re a natural with guests AND teammates
Food and beverage pairing knowledge; familiarity with New American cuisine a plus
Safety Certification or TIPS certification preferred (or willingness to obtain)
Flexible availability: evenings, weekends, and holidays are part of the gig
A positive, team-first attitude and a genuine love for what you do
Ryebird is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $20/hr +

Application instructions

Deadline

April 14, 2026