14 Bar Manager Interview Questions to Hire the Perfect Fit for Your Venue

Finding a well-rounded bar manager can be the determining factor in the success of your business. They play a big role in overseeing your inventory and attending to customer complaints.

They also bring creative ideas to the table, such as improving the drink menu and coming up with new events and promotions to drive sales. 

Through the right interview questions, you can find a manager who doesn’t just fit the job but can boost your bar’s reputation.

In this article:

1. How do you handle inventory management to keep the bar always adequately stocked?

2. What techniques would you use to prevent over-pouring and inventory shrinkage?

3. How would you improve or refine our current drink menu?

4. How do you make sure staff adhere to responsible alcohol service standards?

5. Was there a time when you had to adapt to last-minute changes, such as staff illness or unexpected supply shortages? what did you do?

6. What would you do if a customer claims they were overcharged?

7. How would you handle a conflict between a bar staff and a customer?

8. What would you do if a regular customer becomes intoxicated and difficult to manage?

9. What are your top techniques for upselling without compromising customer experience?

10. Can you provide an example of a successful event or promotion you organized?

11. What would make you say that an event or promotion was successful?

12. How would you respond to a situation where the bar is short-staffed during a busy shift?

13. How would you implement new policies or procedures with your team?

14. How do you manage performance issues among bar staff?

1. How do you handle inventory management to keep the bar always adequately stocked?

Good bar managers should understand how to balance stock levels based on demand and seasonal trends, especially since customers expect consistency. A qualified bar manager will likely talk about updating the stock list regularly to guarantee the bar doesn’t face shortages during peak times.

Your interview should also cover how the candidate handles supplier relationships. Strong relationships with vendors help you land the best pricing and priority delivery, especially for high-demand items.

2. What techniques would you use to prevent over-pouring and inventory shrinkage?

Overpouring is one of the main reasons for inventory shrinkage, which results in an average of 15% to 20% profit loss for bars. Look for a candidate who has a clear strategy for minimizing these losses.

One important technique to prevent over-pouring is using standard jiggers or measured pourers for drinks. In your bar manager interview, probe the candidate on how faithfully they follow recipe measurements and if they’ve implemented other strategies to maintain consistency.

A smart bar manager also monitors high-risk items, like premium liquors and specialty ingredients. It’s ideal to conduct regular audits to make sure there aren’t unnecessary losses.

3. How would you improve or refine our current drink menu?

A strong bar manager knows that the drink menu is a key part of the customer experience. They may ask to view sales data to see which drinks are underperforming and should be replaced.

The right candidate will also understand what local competitors offer and use that knowledge to create a unique menu. For example, if nearby bars focus on classic cocktails, a manager could add unique, signature drinks to set the bar apart.

Another factor to consider is pricing. The bar manager you choose should discuss how to balance quality with affordability. It may involve offering a mix of premium and budget-friendly drinks to appeal to more customers.

By asking this question, you check how they strategize to drive sales. The ideal candidate will have researched your brand and customer base to provide ideas that align with your bar’s positioning and target market.

4. How do you make sure staff adhere to responsible alcohol service standards?

Bar managers must make sure their staff follows alcohol service standards. Aside from the usual laws, like not selling liquor to minors or visibly intoxicated customers, the candidate must be aware of other regulations in your state.

For instance, if you operate in Indiana, North Carolina, or Oklahoma, they should know that happy hours aren’t allowed in those states. As such, knowledge of the law and how to train staff to comply is crucial.

Effective managers prioritize regular training sessions that cover responsible serving practices. They teach staff to recognize signs of intoxication and handle sensitive situations with care.

Managers also need to model responsible behavior. During interviews, look for candidates who value leading by example, which is one of the key skills to have when managing restaurant staff. If the manager demonstrates responsible serving, the team is more likely to follow suit.

5. Was there a time when you had to adapt to last-minute changes? What did you do?

One key trait to look for in a candidate is their ability to stay calm under pressure. When faced with last-minute changes, an effective bar manager should assess the situation quickly and prioritize tasks.

For instance, if a staff member calls out sick, the manager must adjust the team schedule and redistribute tasks. Sometimes, they may even need to step in themselves to maintain service standards.

Supply shortages require a different approach. A proactive manager will have backup suppliers or alternative drink options on hand to adapt quickly.

If a specific liquor is out of stock, they might suggest a similar drink option to customers or adjust the menu temporarily. Look for resourceful candidates to keep your bar operating smoothly.

6. What would you do if a customer claims they were overcharged?

Complaints are inevitable in the food industry, but did you know that most people would rather leave a negative comment online than talk in person? Moreover, customers are 1.78 times more likely to talk to others about a negative experience in your bar.

When you look for a bar manager, find one who views complaints as an opportunity to improve the customer experience. An ideal candidate will have a plan to address complaints professionally and resolve issues quickly.

They may start by listening carefully to the customer to diffuse any initial frustration and show them that their concern is taken seriously. Next, they should review the bill with the customer to explain each charge clearly. Mistakes can happen, but showing transparency reassures the customer.

Providing a small gesture, such as a discount or complimentary drink, also goes a long way in leaving a positive impression. 70% of customers are more likely to return if their complaint is resolved in their favor, so the bar manager you find should be skilled at finding fair resolutions.

A proactive bar manager will also take steps to prevent similar complaints in the future. They may train staff to double-check bills before presenting them to customers or implement digital billing systems that reduce human error.

7. How would you handle a conflict between a bar staff and a customer?

If a misunderstanding between a bar staff, like a barback, and a customer has escalated to a full-blown conflict, the bar manager should be able to mediate between them. A proactive candidate should assess the situation first before intervening.

Observing both parties lets the manager get a full grasp of the issue, which is important in finding the best resolution. Once the manager understands the situation, they should approach both the customer and the staff member with empathy and respect.

Asking the customer to share their side privately can help de-escalate any tension and show the customer that their concerns are taken seriously. At the same time, bar managers who listen to their staff create a supportive environment, ensuring the team feels valued.

Empathetic management is one factor that boosts restaurant employee engagement, so the bar manager should aim to maintain a positive customer experience without undermining your team members.

After resolving the immediate issue, they should follow up with the team to discuss the situation and provide guidance. This way, similar issues won’t be a problem in the future, strengthening the team’s skills.

8. What would you do if a regular customer becomes intoxicated and difficult to manage?

Handling intoxicated customers is part of a bar manager’s responsibility, especially with regular customers who are valued but may sometimes cross boundaries. In your bar manager interview, ask candidates what they’d do to keep people safe and maintain a positive atmosphere.

A skilled manager would confirm the cause of the behavior and approach the customer discreetly. Asking to have a quick word away from other patrons shows respect and privacy, which is especially important with regulars.

Managers who can maintain this level of discretion can earn the trust of both their team and customers, building a positive reputation for the bar. The next step would be to politely cut off further alcohol service, like suggesting food or non-alcoholic drinks.

Doing so can help the customer regain composure and extend their stay in a responsible way. Managers with strong customer service skills know how to guide the conversation to make sure the customer feels valued despite the limit on service.

In cases where the customer becomes difficult or uncooperative, the manager should have a plan to safely remove them from the bar if necessary. This could mean contacting security or having local authorities involved.

9. What are your top techniques for upselling without compromising customer experience?

Upselling is a valuable strategy for boosting revenue in a bar, but it must be done with care to enhance, not disrupt the customer experience. The best bar manager knows that successful upselling starts with understanding the customer’s preferences.

Managers who teach their team to listen closely to customer orders can suggest premium options that genuinely match their tastes. 

For instance, they can train bartenders to suggest premium gin to those who frequently order gin and tonic. Of course, they should be able to explain why they made that recommendation, like having unique botanical flavors.

Upselling should never feel like a pushy sales tactic. Instead, it should come across as a thoughtful recommendation to enhance the customer’s experience.

An example would be suggesting a high-quality wine pairing when a customer orders dinner, which can feel seamless and add value to the meal. Training is a crucial restaurant management skill. An experienced bar manager can help staff read situations effectively, leading to a more enjoyable customer experience.

10. Can you provide an example of a successful event or promotion you organized?

Asking interview questions about past events the candidate has handled gives insight into their creativity, planning abilities, and understanding of customer preferences. Successful bar managers know how to draw in customers and create memorable experiences that boost both revenue and brand loyalty.

Themed events, like a “Summer Cocktail Kickoff,” can attract a crowd eager for new, seasonal flavors. Meanwhile, a tasting night, where regular customers can try premium or new drinks, can make customers feel valued and strengthen loyalty.

Look for a candidate who can provide concrete examples that increase sales and create a positive customer experience.

11. What would make you say that an event or promotion was successful?

In connection with their answer above, ask about why they think the events were successful. The candidate may track metrics like increased foot traffic and more sales as well as repeat business and the number of new customers acquired to gauge the event’s impact.

A successful event should lead to a noticeable boost in sales compared to regular days. For instance, a themed night that increases sales by 30% shows that the promotion was effective in attracting customers and encouraging them to spend more.

Customer turnout is another important factor. A successful promotion draws a larger crowd than usual. This is where tracking attendance and analyzing customer demographics can provide valuable insights.

If a trivia night draws more young adults or if a tasting event attracts high-spending customers, the manager gains a better understanding of what types of events resonate with their audience.

12. How would you respond to a situation where the bar is short-staffed during a busy shift?

Being short-staffed during a busy shift can be challenging, but a skilled bar manager knows how to handle it with minimal impact on service quality. The candidate may discuss how they focused on what needs to be done first.

They may prioritize serving drinks and food over cleaning tables, which can be done after the rush. By keeping the focus on critical tasks, the manager makes sure customers receive the best experience possible, even with less staff.

13. How would you implement new policies or procedures with your team?

An effective bar manager starts by explaining why the new policy was created in the first place. Employees are more likely to follow procedures when they understand the purpose behind them. The next step is to make sure that every team member understands how to implement the new procedure correctly. 

Let’s say a new safety protocol is introduced. The manager might hold a short training session to walk staff through the steps.

Feedback and open communication are also key. A manager should encourage team members to ask questions or express concerns about the new policy. Creating an open dialogue helps staff feel involved in the process and can uncover useful insights or adjustments.

14. How do you manage performance issues among bar staff?

Asking this question can reveal if a candidate has the patience, fairness, and strategies to maintain a high standard of work among bar staff. If a bartender is always slow to get and serve orders, addressing it early prevents larger problems.

The candidate may discuss how they had a private conversation with the staff member involved. Probe how they approached the conversation to make the staff members feel heard and understand the reasons behind the performance issues.

They should also detail how they provided clear feedback and actionable steps to give their team member concrete targets to work towards. Setting clear goals can improve job performance by 20% to 25%.

Don’t forget to ask what the candidate did when the performance issue persisted. They may talk about how they documented the problem, followed up with the team members, and made the call to retain or let go of the staff.

Your business success starts with the right bar manager interview questions

From managing inventory to creating memorable events, the perfect bar manager brings essential skills that pave the way for smooth operations and satisfied customers. These questions can help you find the best match for your business needs and goals.

Set up your bar manager for success with the right software. 7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and tip management appthat makes it easier to coordinate schedules and communicate with team members. With it, your new bar manager can focus on improving the customer experience and taking care of staff.