Join the iconic Santa Monica Proper Hotel, where historic charm meets contemporary luxury in the heart of Santa Monica. As a seamless merger of historic retrofit and new construction, our 267-room boutique hotel showcases stunning interior design by international style icon Kelly Wearstler, tantalizing dining options by local culinary stars, and a show-stopping rooftop lounge and swimming pool. With 16,000 square feet of sophisticated meeting and event space, we create unforgettable experiences for our guests.
Perched atop the Santa Monica Proper Hotel, Calabra offers a breathtaking rooftop dining experience with panoramic ocean views and stunning sunsets. This Mediterranean-inspired indoor-outdoor oasis features a sophisticated beach club atmosphere, combining lush greenery, natural textures, and elegant poolside seating arrangements. We're seeking a detail-oriented, energetic Barback to join our team at Calabra.
The ideal candidate prioritizes exceptional guest service while supporting our bar operations with precision and efficiency, maintaining the sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere that defines our unique coastal luxury experience. Our bar program emphasizes craft cocktails, featuring both classic preparations and creative house specialties using premium spirits and fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
Job Summary:
The Barback plays a crucial supporting role in the bar, ensuring that bartenders have everything they need to deliver excellent service to guests. You will assist in maintaining a clean and organized bar, stock supplies, and provide support to the bartenders by preparing the bar area and helping with drink orders when necessary. This position requires a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Maintain fully stocked bars by replenishing glassware, garnishes, liquor, beer, wine, and mixers throughout service
- Anticipate guest and bartender needs to ensure exceptional service delivery at all times
- Support bartenders during high-volume periods to maintain seamless guest experiences
- Prepare fresh juices, syrups, and garnishes according to Calabra's exacting standards
- Maintain immaculate cleanliness of bar areas, equipment, and glassware
- Transport and properly rotate bar inventory from storage to service areas
- Demonstrate authentic hospitality and attentiveness to guest preferences
- Participate in ongoing service trainings to continuously elevate guest experience standards
- Follow proper sanitation procedures for glassware and bar equipment
- Adhere to all health department regulations and alcohol service guidelines
- Maintain organized and clean work areas before, during, and after service
- Assist with inventory counts and communicate product needs to management
- Handle glassware and equipment with care to minimize breakage and waste
- Work cooperatively with bartenders, servers, and kitchen staff
- Communicate effectively about inventory levels and service needs
- Other duties as required
Education and/or Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- CA Food Handler's Card (Required)
- Alcohol Compliance Training (ABC/RBS) (Required)
Skills/Specialized Knowledge
- Exceptional attention to detail in presentation and cleanliness
- Strong sense of urgency while maintaining quality standards
- Ability to anticipate needs and take proactive measures
- Superior organizational skills to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
- Effective verbal communication abilities with guests and team members
- Basic knowledge of spirits, wines, beers, and craft cocktail ingredients
- Understanding of proper glassware for various beverage types
- Proficiency in maintaining bar equipment and tools
- Ability to follow precise recipes and preparation techniques
- Time management skills to ensure consistent service flow
- Strong work ethic and reliability in maintaining scheduled shifts
- Problem-solving abilities to address service challenges quickly
- Adaptability to changing priorities during peak service periods
- Team-oriented mindset with willingness to assist beyond defined role
- Genuine passion for hospitality and guest satisfaction
- Receptiveness to feedback and continuous improvement
- Basic math skills for inventory assistance and portioning
- Knowledge of health code requirements and safe food/beverage handling practices
Physical Demands
- Ability to stand for extended periods.
- Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds.
- Work in varying temperature conditions.
- Ability to transport heavy cases of beverages and supplies
- Frequent bending, stooping, and reaching
- Manual dexterity for handling glassware and bar tools
- Stamina to maintain high energy levels during peak service periods
Company Overview
Proper Hospitality is made up of a diverse group of passionate individuals who share a common love for hotels and the art of hospitality. Our philosophy is simple: There is a right way to do things and anything less just isn't proper. We are seeking out the best of the best from inside and outside of the industry to work alongside us as we grow a new kind of lifestyle Hospitality Company inspired by a centuries-old tradition. The work is challenging and fast-paced but rewarding above all.
Proper Hospitality provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other federal/state protected category.
Proper Hospitality will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with local Fair Chance Hiring Ordinances.