OVERVIEW
FareStart invites local chefs to work alongside our students to prepare a three-course meal for gusts. Proceeds and donations from Guest Chef Night support FareStart’s programs, student services, and training.
The Bar Captain leads Guest Chef Night beverage operations and supports the volunteers assigned to the bar. This role works closely with the Event Captain, Floor Captain, Wine Stewards, beverage volunteers, and service team to ensure beverages are prepared and served safely, accurately, and efficiently.
DUTIES
Before Service
- Review the run of show, bar sheet, beverage menu, recipes, and anticipated service needs with the Event Captain.
- Brief bar volunteers on their assignments, beverage service procedures, and closing responsibilities.
- Set up and organize the bar, including:
- Stocking wine, beer, pre-batched cocktails, and nonalcoholic beverages
- Checking and preparing cocktail garnishes
- Staging glassware at the bar and preparing backup glassware
- Setting up bar tools and equipment
- Preparing coffee machines for service
- Confirm that beverage products, supplies, glassware, ice, garnishes, trays, and equipment are ready before guests arrive.
- Ensure alcoholic beverages are stored and handled according to FareStart procedures.
During Service
- Oversee beverage preparation and service throughout the evening.
- Assign and direct Wine Stewards, beverage servers, bar backs, and other bar volunteers.
- Monitor:
- Beverage inventory
- Bar stock
- Glassware
- Ice and garnishes
- Beverage tickets and service times
- Provide knowledgeable guidance to volunteers about the evening’s wine, beer, cocktail, and nonalcoholic selections.
- Ensure beverages are prepared and poured accurately and served to the correct tables.
- Restock products and glassware before supplies run low.
- Help troubleshoot beverage delays, missing tickets, equipment concerns, and point-of-sale issues in coordination with the Event Captain.
- Communicate with the Floor Captain and Section Captains about beverage needs or service delays.
- Ensure all alcohol-service policies and procedures are followed.
- Support volunteers by answering questions, redirecting work, and coordinating breaks.
- Confirm program timing and adjust bar service as needed during the evening’s program.
End of Service and Closing
- Lead bar side work and closing tasks, including:
- Recorking and properly storing opened wine
- Returning unused products to the appropriate storage area
- Placing rental glassware in the designated racks and area
- Returning beverage trays
- Polishing and storing glassware
- Cleaning and sanitizing bar surfaces
- Emptying trash and recycling
- Breaking down and storing bar equipment
- Oversee bar service while volunteers take their dinner break.
- Ensure volunteers complete assigned side work before leaving.
- Confirm that alcohol, equipment, and supplies are properly secured.
- Check in with the Event Captain before the end of the shift to confirm that all closing responsibilities are complete.
TIME COMMITMENT & LOCATION
· Thursday, approximately 4:00–10:00 p.m.
· FareStart, 700 Virginia Street, Seattle, WA 98101
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
· At least 21 years of age.
· Current Class 12 MAST Washington alcohol server permit submitted through the volunteer portal before the shift and available for verification at check-in.
· Previous bartending, beverage-service, Wine Steward, or Guest Chef Night bar experience.
· Knowledge of basic wine, beer, cocktail, and nonalcoholic beverage service.
· Strong communication, organization, and customer-service skills.
· Comfortable leading and providing direction to a team of volunteers.
· Able to remain calm, flexible, and solution-focused in a busy service environment.
· Able to stand for most of the shift and safely lift and carry cases, glassware, ice, and beverage supplies.
· Must agree to follow FareStart’s volunteer alcohol-server policies, procedures, and volunteer expectations.
ATTIRE
Sturdy, closed-toe, non-slip shoes are required. Clothing must be appropriate for food and beverage service, with no exposed underarms or midriffs. Skirts and shorts may be no shorter than six inches above the knee.
GET INVOLVED
1. Email volunteer@farestart.org
2. Create a user account on the Volunteer Portal
