BARTENDER - SEASONAL
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Sam Houston Race Park
Houston, TX, US
Summary
The bartender is responsible for providing friendly and professional beverage service while maintaining a clean, organized, and well-stocked bar area. They must accurately process transactions and ensure compliance with all responsible alcohol service policies and safety guidelines.
Job Description
WE’RE CHANGING ENTERTAINMENT. COME JOIN US.
We’re always looking for talent that believes in having fun. At PENN Entertainment, you’ll get to be a part of an exciting industry, where the days and nights are fast paced. You’ll work with an incredibly diverse set of coworkers driven by their enthusiasm for helping people find and have more fun. You’ll also get to work at a company that cares about your career growth and will help you get the support you need to expand your possibilities.
Initial placement within the salary range is based on an individual's relevant knowledge, skills, and experience. Base salary is just one component of our competitive Total Rewards package, which includes wellness programs designed to support our team members' financial, physical, and mental well-being. Specific benefits—such as day-one medical coverage, 401(k) matching, and annual performance bonus—may vary by position. Paid time off is earned according to the local policy and increases with the length of employment.
Click HERE to discover how we empower team members to grow, thrive, and advance in their careers.
WE LOVE OUR WORK.
The Bartender is responsible for providing friendly, efficient, and professional beverage service to guests throughout Sam Houston Race Park. Bartenders play an important role in creating an enjoyable guest experience by preparing and serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, maintaining a clean and organized bar area, accurately processing transactions, and following all responsible alcohol service and company policies.
The ideal candidate is personable, dependable, attentive to detail, and comfortable working in a fast-paced entertainment environment. Bartenders must be able to provide exceptional guest service while maintaining accuracy, professionalism, and responsible beverage service during live racing, simulcast racing, concerts, and special events.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Greet guests promptly and provide friendly, professional, and courteous service.
- Prepare and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages according to established recipes, standards, and guest requests.
- Maintain knowledge of available beer, wine, spirits, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverage selections.
- Accurately take beverage orders and prepare drinks in a timely manner.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and properly stocked bar throughout the shift.
- Restock liquor, beer, wine, mixers, garnishes, glassware, ice, cups, napkins, and other bar supplies as needed.
- Operate point-of-sale systems accurately and efficiently.
- Process cash, credit card, and other forms of payment in accordance with company procedures.
- Accurately provide change and receipts to guests.
- Verify identification and age before serving alcoholic beverages in accordance with applicable laws and company policies.
- Follow all responsible alcohol service requirements and refuse service when necessary.
- Monitor guest alcohol consumption and notify management or security of concerns when appropriate.
- Maintain awareness of guests who may require additional assistance or intervention.
- Maintain proper portion control and minimize product waste.
- Keep bar equipment, counters, refrigerators, glassware, and service areas clean and sanitary.
- Follow all food safety, sanitation, and health department requirements.
- Communicate product shortages, equipment concerns, guest issues, and operational needs to the appropriate supervisor.
- Work closely with servers, concession staff, culinary teams, hosts, supervisors, and other Food & Beverage employees.
- Provide beverage service during live racing, simulcast racing, concerts, private events, and other special events.
- Assist with opening and closing duties, including stocking, cleaning, cash-out procedures, and securing the bar area.
- Follow all PENN Entertainment and Sam Houston Race Park policies, procedures, and safety guidelines.
- Perform other duties as assigned by Food & Beverage Management.
Guest Service Expectations
Bartenders are expected to:
- Create a welcoming and energetic atmosphere for every guest.
- Provide prompt, accurate, and courteous beverage service.
- Maintain a professional demeanor, even during high-volume periods.
- Engage with guests appropriately while respecting their privacy and personal space.
- Demonstrate knowledge of beverages and make recommendations when requested.
- Remain attentive to guest needs and respond to requests promptly.
- Handle difficult situations calmly and professionally.
- Maintain responsible alcohol service practices at all times.
- Work as a team to provide a consistent and enjoyable guest experience.
Responsible Alcohol Service
Bartenders are responsible for following all applicable laws and company policies regarding the sale and service of alcoholic beverages. Responsibilities include:
- Checking valid identification when required.
- Never serving alcohol to an underage guest.
- Never serving a guest who is visibly intoxicated.
- Following all TABC and company responsible alcohol service requirements.
- Refusing service professionally when required.
- Immediately notifying a supervisor or Security when assistance is needed.
- Maintaining control of the bar and beverage service area.
BRING US YOUR BEST.
Qualifications
- Previous bartending, beverage service, restaurant, hospitality, or customer service experience preferred.
- Knowledge of basic cocktail preparation, beer, wine, and spirits.
- Strong customer service and communication skills.
- Ability to work quickly and accurately in a high-volume environment.
- Professional, friendly, and dependable demeanor.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to multitask.
- Ability to accurately handle cash and credit card transactions.
- Ability to operate a point-of-sale system.
- Must meet applicable age requirements for bartending and alcohol service.
- Must obtain and maintain required TABC certification.
- Must be available to work evenings, weekends, holidays, live racing days, and special events as scheduled.
Preferred Skills
- Previous experience in a racetrack, sports venue, casino, hotel, upscale restaurant, bar, concert venue, or entertainment facility.
- Experience working high-volume events.
- Knowledge of classic cocktails and mixed drinks.
- Strong ability to multitask while maintaining accuracy.
- Familiarity with horse racing and simulcast wagering is a plus, but not required.
- Ability to remain calm and professional during busy periods.
STAY IN THE GAME. FOLLOW US.
We’ve grown to become the leading provider of integrated entertainment, sports content, and casino gaming experiences thanks to our 43 destinations across North America, online sports betting and iCasino via theScore Bet Sportsbook and Casino®.
Being an industry leader means more than being a purveyor of fun. We are also committed to values like diversity and sustainability — for our community, our team members, our vendors, and our planet.
We're changing entertainment. Follow us.
Equal Opportunity Employer
STARTING SALARY
5.50 PER HOUR
Sam Houston Race Park (NASDAQ: PENN) is Houston’s premier horse racing and entertainment facility, located 20 minutes from downtown Houston. The track offers a variety of attractions and experiences, including 16 recently renovated luxury suites, the Pavilion Centre for up to 2,000 guests, an award-winning dining experience at the Winner’s Circle Restaurant or private-members only seating in the Jockey Club.
The track hosts live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing from January to June each year, in additional to hundreds of special events including concerts, festivals, charity walks and simulcast wagering from around the world. Sam Houston Race Park is Houston’s Best Bet!
Founded
1994
Company size
201-500 employees
Industry
Gambling Facilities and Casinos
Org type
Privately Held
Headquarters
Houston, Texas
Sam Houston Race Park (NASDAQ: PENN) is Houston’s premier horse racing and entertainment facility, located 20 minutes from downtown Houston. The track offers a variety of attractions and experiences, including 16 recently renovated luxury suites, the Pavilion Centre for up to 2,000 guests, an award-winning dining experience at the Winner’s Circle Restaurant or private-members only seating in the Jockey Club.
The track hosts live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing from January to June each year, in additional to hundreds of special events including concerts, festivals, charity walks and simulcast wagering from around the world. Sam Houston Race Park is Houston’s Best Bet!
Founded
1994
Company size
201-500 employees
Industry
Gambling Facilities and Casinos
Org type
Privately Held
Headquarters
Houston, Texas