Barback (550 Madison)

COMING SPRING 2026: We are seeking to hire dynamic and experienced team members to join our award winning hospitality team as Gracious Hospitality Management expands our operations to our newest project, 550 Madison. Comprehensive on-site training provided for qualified and eager candidates!

Gracious Hospitality Management’s 550 Madison project is their most ambitious to date: a multi-level, 15,000-square-foot dining destination inside the iconic landmark Sony building. The project will bring together three distinct concepts — the second New York location of the Michelin-starred COTE Korean Steakhouse, an all-day multi-bar and dining concept- Chimera, and an intimate sushi restaurant led by Michelin-starred Chef Masahiro Yoshitake- Sushi Yoshitake . Designed by Rockwell Group, with Yoshio Itai collaborating on the sushi concept, 550 Madison is set to redefine immersive, transportive dining in Midtown Manhattan.

Please see below information on our hiring and interview process:

• Interview Phase: Resume screening and interviews. There will be open calls scheduled the week of 2/9/26 and 2/16/26. Selected candidates will receive an invite to attend.
• Hiring Phase: Post-open calls, candidates will receive welcome and onboarding emails from the People and Culture team.
• Training Phase: New hires will train several weeks in advance of the anticipated opening date of 550 Madison.
• Pre-Opening: New hires should expect the friends and family service during regular dinner hours during this phase.
• Grand Opening: The restaurant will celebrate its grand opening and transition into full daily operations.

Job Summary:

Barbacks are dynamic hospitality professionals responsible for serving beverages, setting customers with flatware, serving and clearing food, and maintaining the bar in cooperation with the Bartenders. Barbacks and Bartenders work as a team to ensure warm and accommodating service at their bar.

Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities:
Job duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Completes all assigned side work related to set up and breakdown of the bar. Ensures the bar is well-stocked with glasses, coasters, napkins, straws, ice, liquor, wine, and beer.
• Cleans and organizes all bar storage areas including the liquor room and all prep areas.
• Greets all customers who visit the bar or enter the restaurant’s dining area.
• Organizes and shelves beer and liquor deliveries.
• Prepares juices, mixes, syrups, garnishes, etc.
• Provides service to all customers in the bar and lounge area and attends to customer needs.
• Serves food and beverage items at the direction of bartenders.
• Takes orders from customers and ensures 100% accuracy when entering orders into the system.
• Clears and marks customers with correct flatware prior to each course.
• Properly rotates products and ensures perishable items are labeled.
• Maintains responsible service of alcohol to all customers including checking identification for proof of age.
• Maintains inventory levels for all liquor, beer, wine, and bar items for service to customers.
• Maintains the appearance of the bar and lounge at all times while adhering to safety and health standards set forth by the Local Department of Health.
• Completes all assigned side work related to set up and breakdown of bar area and restocking the bar for the next shift.
• Performs inventory at the direction of the Bar Manager.
• Updates knowledge and skills continuously by participating in staff training opportunities.
• Assists other stations or areas of the restaurant when requested by management.
• Responsible for training new employees as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Must have the ability to read, speak, understand, follow written directions, and verbal instructions in English.
• Must be reachable by email and able to communicate via phone as well.
• Communicates information effectively and efficiently.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Possesses a positive, results-oriented, team-player mentality.
• Ability to perform job duties and responsibilities well and maintain professionalism and composure under pressure and in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
• Ability to under pressure and maintain professionalism when working under stress.
• Knowledge of workplace safety procedures and local Department of Health standards.
• Food Handler’s Certification or the ability to obtain in accordance with federal, state, or local regulations and/or Company policy.
• Able to work a flexible schedule in order to accommodate business levels (weekend, nights, and holiday availability required). We will endeavor to provide reasonable accommodations for sincerely held religious beliefs.
• Must be of legal age to serve alcohol.
• Certification for responsible alcohol service or ability to obtain within 6 months.
• Familiarity with restaurant management software such as point of sales, reservations management, inventory management, Microsoft Office, and Google Workspace.
• Ability to execute steps of service in adherence with company policy.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent communication with management and teammates.
• Knowledge of classic and house beverages.

New York State’s Pay Transparency Law requires employers to include a range of pay for
all advertised job, promotion, or transfer opportunities.

New York Pay Range

$11.35—$11.35 USD

Benefits (with variation for full-time/part-time employment):

• Structured, generous compensation for all positions
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits
• Flexible Spending Account/Health Savings Account
• Commuter Benefits
• Referral Bonus Program
• Career Advancement Opportunities
• Employee Recognition Awards
• Employee Dining Discounts
• Paid Time Off

550 Madison fully complies with all applicable federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws by providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, and genetic information (including family medical history), or any other legally protected status.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job should contact the Human Resources department at [email protected]