Help build what’s next.
Something is stirring at The Grove Hotel.
This fall, we’re opening Rathskellar 1854, a cocktail bar with old-world soul, modern edge, unforgettable hospitality, and a vibe you’ll want to come back for.
We’re creating the kind of place someone will recommend before they’ve even left.
We’re looking for our Founding Lead Bartender.
Not someone who simply pours drinks.
Someone who notices the details.
Someone who remembers names.
Someone who takes pride in creating experiences guests will talk about long after they’ve left.
Most importantly, we’re looking for someone who wants to help build something from the very beginning.
About Rathskellar 1854
Rathskellar 1854 is more than a cocktail bar.
It’s a place built around conversation, craftsmanship, and connection.
Inspired by the history of The Grove Hotel and the tradition of hidden cellar taverns, Rathskellar blends timeless hospitality with a fresh perspective. Every detail has been intentionally considered, from the atmosphere and music to the cocktails and guest experience.
We’re not trying to be the busiest room in town. We’re working to become one of the most memorable.
The Opportunity
As our Founding Lead Bartender, you’ll play an important role in shaping Rathskellar from day one.
This is a hands-on hospitality position first and foremost. Most of your time will be spent behind the bar creating exceptional guest experiences, crafting cocktails with consistency and care, and setting the tone for every shift.
Beyond service, you’ll help establish the daily rhythm of the bar through inventory, ordering, cocktail development, team support, training, and operational systems.
We’re looking for someone who naturally takes ownership, enjoys solving problems, and wants to contribute to building a culture as much as a cocktail program.
What You’ll Help Build
Your role will include:
- Creating memorable guest experiences that keep people coming back.
- Crafting exceptional cocktails with consistency, creativity, and attention to detail.
- Helping lead service and setting the standard for hospitality.
- Assisting with inventory, ordering, and day-to-day operations.
- Supporting the onboarding and development of future team members.
- Contributing ideas for seasonal cocktails, features, and guest experiences.
- Helping shape the culture of Rathskellar from its very first day.
Who You Are
You might be the perfect fit if you:
- Have several years of bartending experience.
- Genuinely enjoy connecting with people.
- Take initiative without waiting to be asked.
- Notice the little details others overlook.
- Believe hospitality is about creating a feeling, not simply completing a transaction.
- Have ever walked into a business and thought, “If this were mine, here’s how I’d do it.”
Experience opening a new hospitality concept, inventory management, scheduling, wine or spirits education, or hotel and cocktail bar experience are all considered assets, but they aren’t the only things we’re looking for.
Attitude, curiosity, and a genuine passion for hospitality matter just as much.
What We Offer
- Competitive premium hourly compensation.
- Participation in gratuities.
- Leadership opportunities as Rathskellar evolves.
- The chance to help launch a completely new hospitality concept.
- A supportive, collaborative, and creative team environment.
- The opportunity to leave your fingerprints on something from the very beginning.
About The Grove Hospitality Group
The Grove Hospitality Group is an independent, locally owned collection of hospitality experiences based in Kingsville and Colchester, Ontario.
We’re passionate about creating places people genuinely enjoy spending time in.
We believe hospitality should be memorable, genuine, and just a little unexpected.
We work hard.
We laugh often.
We care deeply about our guests and each other.
If that sounds like the kind of place you’d enjoy being part of, we’d love to hear from you.
How to Apply
Please send your resume, along with a brief introduction, to [email protected].
Rather than a traditional cover letter, we’d love for you to answer these three questions:
1. What excites you about helping build something from the ground up?
2. Tell us about a hospitality experience you’ll never forget, and why it stayed with you.
3. Why do you think you’d be a great fit for Rathskellar 1854 and The Grove Hospitality Group?
Applications will be reviewed as they are received. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.