Bar and live music venue manager

Job Title: Bar Manager – Historic South Side Neighborhood BarLocation: Chicago, IL (South Side)
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: [Insert Base Salary, + Performance-Based Bonuses About UsWe are a proud piece of Chicago history. As one of the oldest live music on the South Side, we have decades of stories, soul, and a loyal neighborhood following. We are a lean, classic, beverage-only neighborhood tavern (no food service). While our roots are deep in the blues, jazz and R n B, we are looking to evolve. The local nightlife market is competitive, and we are ready to bring in a leader who can respect our legendary history while injecting new energy, building up our weeknight crowd, and expanding our live entertainment footprint. Position Summary We are seeking a hands-on, business-minded Bar Manager to take the reins of our daily operations and spearhead growth. Because we operate on a lean budget, this is a role for a true builder—someone who isn’t afraid to work shifts behind the bar while simultaneously designing the events, promotions, and entertainment calendar that will set us apart from the competition. If you have a passion for nightlife, a knack for booking talent or promoting events, and the grit to run a tight financial ship, we want to hear from you.Key Responsibilities

Operations & Staffing: Oversee daily opening/closing procedures, inventory controls, ordering, and cash management. Maintain high standards of cleanliness and service.Entertainment & Growth: Develop, book, and promote a diverse calendar of live entertainment and weekly events (e.g., local bands, acoustic sets, DJ nights, trivia, open mics) to drive foot traffic.Marketing & Community Engagement: Actively manage social media channels and local marketing efforts to attract new patrons and out-hustle area competition.Financial Performance: Manage labor and beverage costs strictly to maximize profitability.Hospitality: Build strong relationships with our regulars while creating a welcoming environment for first-time visitors.Qualifications

Minimum 2–3 years of experience in bar management, assistant management, or lead bartending.Proven track record or strong interest in event planning, live music booking, or nightlife promotion.Strong financial literacy with experience managing inventory and operating budgets.Excellent communication skills and a natural ability to connect with diverse crowds.Must hold all required Chicago/Illinois bartending and manager certifications (BASSET, Food Protection Manager if applicable, etc.).Flexibility to work nights, weekends, and holidays.What We Offer

Competitive base salary tailored to your experience level.An aggressive, transparent bonus structure tied directly to revenue growth—when the bar wins, you win.The unique opportunity to put your stamp on a legendary South Side establishment.Pay: $35,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person