Barback Prep - NAIA

DineAmic Hospitality is seeking Barback Preps for Naia, Chicago's newest riverfront dining destination!

Bar Production Prep team members support the bar program by preparing ingredients and components required for efficient beverage service in our fast-paced, high-volume, full-service restaurant environment. This role focuses on beverage production, ingredient preparation, and maintaining an organized prep environment to ensure bartenders have the tools and products needed to execute consistent, high-quality cocktails.

This position is responsible for producing house-made bar ingredients such as syrups, juices, infusions, garnishes, and batch cocktails according to standardized recipes. The role requires strong organization, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently while maintaining consistent production standards.

Successful candidates take pride in consistency, cleanliness, and execution while helping maintain efficient bar operations through accurate prep and production.

Essential Responsibilities & Duties

• Support the bar team by ensuring all prep items, garnishes, and ingredients are available and stocked for service
  • Prepare house-made syrups, infusions, shrubs, juices, purees, and batch cocktails according to standardized recipes.
  • Produce garnishes including dehydrated fruit, citrus peels, herbs, and other bar components to specification.
  • Perform knife work for citrus, fruit, and garnish preparation.
  • Label, date, and properly store all prepared items according to company standards.
  • Maintain consistency in flavor, yield, and presentation across all prepared products.
  • Monitor par levels for prep items and communicate shortages to management.
  • Follow prep schedules and production lists accurately and on time.
• Maintain a clean, organized prep station and production workspace at all times.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and health department guidelines.
• Properly clean and store tools, equipment, and containers.
• Manage prep storage areas including walk-ins, reach-ins, and dry storage.
• Assist with receiving, rotating, and organizing bar ingredients and deliveries.
• Track waste and report inconsistencies or quality issues.
• Communicate effectively with bartenders, kitchen staff, and management regarding ingredient availability and prep needs.
• Complete opening and closing prep duties as assigned.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and company policies.
• Contribute positively to team morale and support fellow team members as needed.
• Additional duties as needed within the scope of the role. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Prior bar, kitchen or prep experience preferred but not required
• Must meet minimum age requirements per state law.
• Food Handler Certification or ability to obtain within a specified timeframe
• BASSET certification or ability to obtain within a specified timeframe
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as business demands.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (up to 8+ hours per shift).
• Ability to frequently lift and carry up to 40 pounds (kegs, cases, glass racks, ice buckets)
• Continuous movement in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to bend, reach, stoop, and twist frequently throughout shift.
• Ability to safely and efficiently use knives and basic kitchen tools for cutting, peeling, and preparing garnishes and ingredients.
• Must be able to move safely through kitchen area, including slick floors and tight spaces.

 What We Offer 

• Food & Beverage Discounts
• Benefit Plan Options (Medical, Dental and Vision, 401K+ Match)
• Employee Incentive Program for Referrals
• Career growth and advancement opportunities
• Competitive Pay
• Commuter Benefits
• Paid Sick Leave

Dineamic Hospitality is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.