Job Overview
Employment Type
Part-time
Seasonal
Compensation
Hourly
Exact $15.00
Work Schedule
Flexible
Weekend Shifts
Benefits
competitive hourly wage
tip share
Opportunity for rehire
Advancement opportunities
Hands-on experience in a professional, high-volume live entertainment venue
Job Description
The Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre is a premier outdoor entertainment venue located on the scenic Detroit riverfront in Detroit, Michigan. This venue has a seating capacity for 6,000 guests and operates a vibrant concert season from May through early September. Hosting 40 to 50 events each season, the amphitheatre attracts world-class artists and hundreds of thousands of fans who come to enjoy live music and entertainment in a beautiful outdoor setting. Managed by The Right Productions, Inc., a well-respected event production company, the amphitheatre offers a dynamic work environment that combines the excitement of the live event industry with community engagement and cultural celebration. With a strong focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences, the venue prides itself on professional management and highly trained staff to support its operations throughout the season.
The Barback position at the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre is a seasonal, part-time role that is essential to the food and beverage department’s success during the busy concert months. Reporting directly to the Bar Manager and Lead Bartender, Barbacks serve as the critical support that keeps bar services running smoothly during high-volume events. This role involves setting up bar stations, maintaining stock, keeping the work area clean and organized, and proactively responding to bartenders' needs to facilitate fast and efficient drink service without interruption. The seasonal schedule aligns closely with the venue’s event calendar, with shifts occurring mostly in the evenings and on weekends from May through early September, encompassing up to 40 to 50 events for the season.
The Barback role demands physical stamina and a strong work ethic, as the job entails standing and moving throughout long shifts, lifting and carrying items up to 50 pounds, and working outdoors in varying weather conditions including heat and occasional rain. This position is perfect for candidates who are dependable, energetic, detail-oriented, and enthusiastic about growing their careers in the food and beverage industry. Candidates with ambitions to advance into bartending roles are especially encouraged to apply, as the Barback position provides valuable hands-on experience in a professional concert venue setting.
The compensation for this role is competitive, offering $15 per hour plus tip share opportunities, making it an attractive job for students, seasonal workers, or anyone looking to gain experience in live entertainment hospitality. Staff members are expected to maintain a professional appearance and attitude, work cooperatively with teammates, and uphold all food safety and sanitation standards throughout the event. The seasonal nature of the role provides flexibility while also requiring reliable transportation and availability to work late hours, including nights that may end after midnight.
In summary, a Barback at the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre plays a vital supporting role in the venue’s bar operations during a lively and fast-paced concert season. Working here provides an excellent pathway for individuals passionate about the food and beverage industry to gain significant experience in a high-profile entertainment venue while working with a team dedicated to delivering exceptional guest service.
The Barback position at the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre is a seasonal, part-time role that is essential to the food and beverage department’s success during the busy concert months. Reporting directly to the Bar Manager and Lead Bartender, Barbacks serve as the critical support that keeps bar services running smoothly during high-volume events. This role involves setting up bar stations, maintaining stock, keeping the work area clean and organized, and proactively responding to bartenders' needs to facilitate fast and efficient drink service without interruption. The seasonal schedule aligns closely with the venue’s event calendar, with shifts occurring mostly in the evenings and on weekends from May through early September, encompassing up to 40 to 50 events for the season.
The Barback role demands physical stamina and a strong work ethic, as the job entails standing and moving throughout long shifts, lifting and carrying items up to 50 pounds, and working outdoors in varying weather conditions including heat and occasional rain. This position is perfect for candidates who are dependable, energetic, detail-oriented, and enthusiastic about growing their careers in the food and beverage industry. Candidates with ambitions to advance into bartending roles are especially encouraged to apply, as the Barback position provides valuable hands-on experience in a professional concert venue setting.
The compensation for this role is competitive, offering $15 per hour plus tip share opportunities, making it an attractive job for students, seasonal workers, or anyone looking to gain experience in live entertainment hospitality. Staff members are expected to maintain a professional appearance and attitude, work cooperatively with teammates, and uphold all food safety and sanitation standards throughout the event. The seasonal nature of the role provides flexibility while also requiring reliable transportation and availability to work late hours, including nights that may end after midnight.
In summary, a Barback at the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre plays a vital supporting role in the venue’s bar operations during a lively and fast-paced concert season. Working here provides an excellent pathway for individuals passionate about the food and beverage industry to gain significant experience in a high-profile entertainment venue while working with a team dedicated to delivering exceptional guest service.
Job Requirements
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- ability to work at a fast pace and maintain energy and focus throughout long shifts in an outdoor, high-volume environment
- strong work ethic, reliability, and a proactive 'see it, do it' attitude
- ability to follow verbal instructions quickly and accurately in a loud, crowded setting
- ability to stand for extended periods (up to 6–8 hours) and lift and carry up to 50 lbs unassisted
- reliable transportation and availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by the event schedule
Job Qualifications
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- ability to work at a fast pace and maintain energy and focus throughout long shifts in an outdoor, high-volume environment
- strong work ethic, reliability, and a proactive 'see it, do it' attitude
- ability to follow verbal instructions quickly and accurately in a loud, crowded setting
- ability to stand for extended periods (up to 6–8 hours) and lift and carry up to 50 lbs unassisted
- reliable transportation and availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by the event schedule
- prior experience as a barback, bar porter, or in a high-volume food and beverage setting (stadium, arena, amphitheatre, or restaurant) preferred
- basic familiarity with bar operations preferred
- Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) awareness or willingness to complete responsible beverage service training preferred
- aspiring bartenders are encouraged to apply
Job Duties
- Arrive at the designated call time to assist with full bar setup
- stock bar wells, coolers, and back bars with beer, wine, spirits, mixers, and non-alcoholic beverages
- fill and distribute ice bins to all assigned bar stations
- set up cups, napkins, straws, garnishes, and other bar supplies at each station
- continuously monitor bar inventory levels throughout the event and restock proactively
- replenish ice, beer, wine, spirits, mixers, cups, and supplies at all assigned bar locations
- remove and dispose of empty bottles, cans and trash from bar areas promptly and safely
- keep bar surfaces, speed wells, drains, and floor mats clean and free of debris throughout service
- retrieve and transport product from storage and walk-in cooler areas as directed
- respond immediately to bartender requests and anticipate needs before they become urgent
- communicate low-stock situations to the Bar Manager without delay
- maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary bar environment throughout the event
- empty and sanitize drip trays, speed rails, and sink areas regularly during service
- wipe down bar surfaces, equipment, and dispensing units as needed
- adhere to all food safety, sanitation, and health code standards at all times
- break down bar stations after service by draining ice bins, collecting and sorting empties, and properly storing remaining product
- clean and sanitize all bar surfaces, taps, equipment, and utensils
- return unused inventory to storage in an organized manner
- assist with securing the bar area and completing all assigned post-event side work before clocking out
- work as a reliable and cooperative partner to bartenders, fellow barbacks, and management
- attend all pre-event briefings and complete any required trainings before the first shift
- maintain a clean uniform and professional appearance at all times while on duty
- represent the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre with a positive attitude and strong work ethic
Job Criteria
Experience
Entry Level (1-2 years)
Job Location
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