Job Description:
POSITIONBarbackABOUT THE LAKE:The Lake is a new private social club opening in Fall 2026 in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. Spanning 26,000 square feet, the clubhouse will feature a classic brick-and-limestone exterior paired with stylish contemporary interiors, creating an atmosphere that is both elegant and inviting. Designed to foster a vibrant, welcoming community, The Lake will center around an exceptional food and beverage program and bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds who share a love of gathering with family and friends. The club will offer three distinct restaurants, including a French-inspired brasserie, a British American restaurant, and an Italian trattoria. In addition, members will enjoy two cocktail bars, a members’ wine cellar, a roof terrace, and three guest rooms, all thoughtfully designed to create a dynamic and curated experience. ABOUT TOPOGRAPHY:Topography is a hospitality company founded by Liam Krehbiel in 2021 that develops and operates a collection of luxurious hotels and clubs, with a vision to build a world-class company known for excellence in guest experience, employee satisfaction, financial performance, and environmental stewardship. The Lake will be Topography’s first property to open, with additional projects in development across Wisconsin, New England, and North Carolina. SERVICE PHILOSOPHY:At The Lake, dining is at the heart of the member experience. Every meal should feel thoughtful, personalized, and memorable, combining genuine hospitality with exceptional food and beverage knowledge. Our service is designed to anticipate needs, foster meaningful relationships, and create moments that encourage members and guests to return again and again. Team members are expected to uphold standards of service that are: Detail-oriented and highly personalized Professional, warm, and intuitive Refined yet approachable Consistent in quality while flexible to individual needs Every interaction—from the initial greeting to the final farewell—should reflect a seamless and elevated dining experience.
ABOUT THE POSITION:
The Barback is responsible for supporting the bar team in delivering exceptional beverage service to members and guests across The Lake's two cocktail bars and wine cellar. This role requires an organized, proactive, and hardworking professional who thrives in a fast-paced luxury environment and takes pride in keeping every bar impeccably stocked, clean, and ready for service. The ideal candidate is passionate about hospitality, possesses a strong work ethic and attention to detail, and is committed to supporting a collaborative team culture that allows bartenders to focus on delivering gracious, personalized service.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Member & Guest Experience
Support a seamless, uninterrupted beverage experience by ensuring bartenders always have what they need, when they need it. Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming bar area that reflects The Lake's elevated standards. Respond promptly and courteously to requests from bartenders, servers, and managers during service.
Service Standards & Execution:
Stock and restock liquor, wine, beer, mixers, garnishes, and glassware throughout service.
Maintain proper ice levels, keep beer lines and draft systems clean, and monitor CO2 and other bar equipment.
Wash, polish, and organize glassware and bar tools to par at all times.
Retrieve and rotate bottles, kegs, and cases from storage areas, following proper stock rotation procedures.
Break down, clean, and reset bar stations at the end of service in preparation for the next shift.
Teamwork & Collaboration:
Work collaboratively with bartenders, servers, hosts, and managers to deliver seamless service.
Anticipate the needs of the bar team during busy periods and proactively step in to support the flow of service.
Participate in daily pre-shift meetings, training sessions, and ongoing education.
Foster a positive, respectful, and team-oriented work environment.
Operational Excellence:
Follow all food safety, sanitation, and responsible alcohol service standards.
Complete opening, side work, and closing responsibilities thoroughly and efficiently.
Maintain cleanliness and organization of bar stations, storage areas, and back-of-house beverage areas.
Assist with inventory counts, deliveries, and proper storage of beverage products.
Assist with special events, private dining, and member programming as needed.
Pre-Opening & Continuous Improvement:
Participate in pre-opening training, product education, service rehearsals, and operational setup. Contribute feedback to improve service standards and operational procedures.
REPORTS TO:
Bar ManagerCANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS:The Lake is seeking candidates who bring genuine hospitality, professionalism, and a passion for exceptional guest service. Professional Experience:1+ years of barback, bar support, or related food and beverage experience in upscale, fine dining, luxury hospitality, or private club environments preferred. Basic knowledge of spirits, wine, beer, and bar equipment. Strong work ethic, organizational skills, and attention to detail. Ability to lift and carry kegs, cases, and boxes, and to remain on your feet for extended periods. Ability to multitask and remain composed in a fast-paced environment. Flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Must be of legal age to handle alcoholic beverages in accordance with local and state law. Core Values Alignment: Candidates should demonstrate alignment with Topography's core values:•Drive•Empathy•Excellence•Integrity•Positive AttitudeCOMPENSATION:The Lake offers a competitive compensation package that includes competitive hourly wages, gratuities where applicable, and a 401(k) plan. Additionally, The Lake provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees, and paid vacation. Topography Hospitality is an equal opportunity employer.
START DATE: Fall 2026LOCATION:Chicago, IL
