SOCIAL STUDIES

There are many types of bars and many types of clientele. So we will go over the differences from one bar and another. If you plan on working in a bar it may help to have one in mind that suits your tastes. But you might find yourself working in a place that isn't quite what you thought it was going to be like. Just remember you need the experience behind the bar first, then you can look for a position in another bar or club, etc. First, lets discuss clientele. The people that keep a bar in business and make or break a bartender. Yes you could say that your success depends on your customers. But most of it depends on your performance and a quality drink. It seems that everyone is different and no two people are the same. So you may make the same drink a lot of different ways. One person might want a water to chase a snifter of Brandy or someone might want extra lemon in a Vodka and Tonic, Your job is to find out these things. The more attentive you appear to be the more your customer is going to appreciate your service. It isn't disturbing him or her from having a good time if you ask if they are ready for another drink before they are finished with the one they already have, they may become a little annoyed, but don't let them wait Iong after they are finished. It also helps for a bartender to be bright and lively. Remember, wherever there are people drinking there will be people trying to enjoy themselves. Depending on where you work, people are in a serious partying mood. But it would be different, say, working at an airport or bus station where people drink to relax and unwind. Remembering what a person drinks, how they really like it is a key to better bartending. Everyone wants to be treated special. Knowing their names is a good way to get them to come back Getting behind the bar is easy but knowing what to do is not This book will teach all you need to know, but the best experience is when you are working. Now most bars or clubs have their own crowd of people. From college to the very wealthy, from people passing by to people getting together after a baseball game. There are bars that stay open all night long, bars that just business people attend, bars that have live entertainment (these bars draw a clientele with the entertainment and could be a jazz crowd, blues crowd, rock and roll, etc.). Not all bars are night clubs, there are restaurant bars that have waitresses serving drinks. A bar person will mix drinks and give them to a wait person who will serve them to a table. The bar person may even have a bar that serves drinks and appetizers. Another type of bar is the hotel bar. A hotel is may be equipped with all these types of bars But the bar service goes even further. There may be a party in a suite where a bartender is needed. So a hotel will have a bar back (a bartenders helper in stocking supplies) set up the alcohol and glasses necessary. The bartender usually cuts lemons and limes for garnishes. Also cherries, olives, and napkins. I he or she will set up their own bar in a suite. These hotels usually pay gratuity along with an hourly wage. A percentage of the total alcohol sales is paid to the bartender. Usually it is right around 15%. Then the host or hostess will, depending on your performance, tip you accordingly. These are sometimes the most profitable. A bartender can work only a few hours and make a couple hundred dollars. Also, hotels will most of the time offer a free meal. In these room service type gigs you will not receive any tips from the drinkers because you are tipped at the end of the night. In a night club or bar that is packed with people you will be getting tips all the time. The more you pour the more you make.