The Black Salt is seeking an experienced craft bartender to join our team.
We are looking for a hospitality professional who values thoughtful service, technical precision, personal accountability, and continuous learning. This position is best suited for someone who enjoys working independently, takes pride in organization, and understands that every detail contributes to the guest experience.
The Black Salt is an independently owned craft cocktail bar in Hamtramck specializing in seasonal cocktails paired with optional ritual spell work. While our concept is distinctive, our standards are rooted in traditional hospitality and craft.
Who You Are
You enjoy learning as much as serving. You notice details others overlook, take pride in maintaining an organized bar, and believe consistency is one of the highest forms of hospitality.
You naturally remember guests, ask thoughtful questions, and continue developing your craft long after your shift has ended. Whether you're reading about spirits, exploring a new classic cocktail, or discovering an unfamiliar producer, curiosity is simply part of how you work.
You understand that guests return not only for exceptional cocktails, but because they trust the person serving them. You enjoy becoming a familiar face within a community, value honesty and accountability, and are comfortable working independently while remaining connected to a small team.
Responsibilities
- Execute seasonal and classic craft cocktails with consistency and precise jigger pouring.
- Develop a thorough understanding of our menu, ingredients, flavor profiles, preparation methods, and ritual offerings.
- Confidently guide guests through cocktail selections while providing knowledgeable, attentive hospitality.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and service ready workstation throughout every shift.
- Complete opening and closing procedures thoroughly and consistently.
- Prepare garnishes and fresh ingredients with confident knife skills and careful attention to presentation.
- Restock products, monitor inventory, and maintain organization throughout service without requiring constant direction.
- Operate Square POS accurately while maintaining proper cash handling procedures.
- Communicate inventory shortages, maintenance concerns, guest feedback, and operational issues promptly.
- Assist in maintaining a respectful, collaborative, and professional work environment.
Qualifications
- Minimum three years of recent experience in a scratch craft cocktail program with rotating seasonal menus strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated knowledge of classic cocktail families, base spirits, liqueurs, amari, vermouths, fortified wines, beer, and wine.
- Strong understanding of cocktail technique including dilution, balance, proper shaking and stirring methods, and consistent recipe execution.
- Ability to accurately memorize and execute a rotating seasonal cocktail menu.
- Excellent verbal communication and hospitality skills.
- Strong organizational habits, personal accountability, and attention to detail.
- Ability to anticipate needs, prioritize responsibilities, and maintain a sense of urgency throughout service.
- Ability to work independently while contributing to the success of a small, collaborative team.
- Current TIPS Certification preferred.
Physical Requirements
This position requires the ability to perform the essential functions of a busy craft cocktail bar, including:
- Standing and walking for extended periods throughout a shift.
- Frequently reaching, bending, kneeling, and working in confined spaces.
- Safely lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds, including cases of beer, liquor, ice, and produce, including up and down stairs.
- Performing repetitive hand, wrist, and arm movements associated with shaking cocktails, stirring, cutting garnishes, polishing glassware, and preparing fresh ingredients.
- Working efficiently in a fast paced environment while maintaining attention to detail and hospitality.
- Working around wet floors, refrigeration equipment, commercial ice machines, and glassware while following safe work practices.
- Reading menus, recipes, POS screens, labels, and tickets in a dimly lit environment.
- Communicating clearly with guests and coworkers while accurately hearing orders, questions, and service needs in a fast paced, high noise environment.
- Distinguishing colors and visual details necessary for preparing cocktails, garnishes, and maintaining presentation standards.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive hourly wage based on experience ($12–16/hour plus tips)
- Tip pool participation
- Employee discount
- Paid training
- Paid time off
We maintain a strict attendance policy, including termination following a no call/no show. Reliability, professionalism, respectful communication, and personal accountability are essential to every position within our business. Please consider these expectations carefully before applying.
Hiring Process
We believe the strongest hospitality teams are built over time. Our goal is to establish a long term working relationship with people who share our standards, enjoy the work, and take pride in contributing to the continued growth of the business.
Selected candidates will be invited to participate in up to four paid stage shifts as part of the interview process. These shifts allow us to evaluate technical ability, hospitality, communication, organization, and overall fit while giving applicants the opportunity to experience the pace and expectations of the position.
Following a successful interview process, all new employees begin with a 30 day introductory period. During this time, both the employee and The Black Salt have the opportunity to determine whether the position is a good long term fit. Regular feedback and open communication are encouraged throughout this period.
Pay: $12.00 - $16.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Paid time off
- Paid training
Application Question(s):
- Describe the moments during a shift when you usually feel the most satisfied with providing hospitality—the things you thrive on that give you a sense of purpose and make your work meaningful.
- A guest asks you a question you don't know the answer to. What do you do?
- When you're genuinely curious about an ingredient, spirit, or cocktail, how do you usually go about learning more?
- Tell us about a riff on a classic cocktail that you recently enjoyed or discovered. What made it successful, and how did it differ from the original?
- How do you know when a process behind the bar should be changed rather than simply reinforced?
- What helps you stay present with guests during a long shift, and what helps you recharge afterward?
- Are you familiar with Hamtramck bars? What interests you in working at The Black Salt?
- Check out our current menu on our website (www.theblacksaltbar.com). What spell cocktail interests you and why?
Experience:
- Craft Cocktail Bartending: 3 years (Required)
License/Certification:
- TIPS Certification (Preferred)
Shift availability:
Ability to Commute:
- Hamtramck, MI 48212 (Required)
Work Location: In person
