Beverage Manager - Fine Dining Epic Chophouse at Eagles Nest | Banner Elk, NC Epic Chophouse at Eagles Nest is seeking an experienced Beverage Manager to join our management team. We are looking for a hands-on hospitality professional who can take ownership of our wine, spirits, and cocktail programs while also serving as an active Front of House Manager. This position is ideal for someone with strong beverage knowledge who enjoys developing programs, controlling costs, training staff, and delivering exceptional guest experiences in an upscale dining environment. Key ResponsibilitiesBeverage Program Manage and maintain the restaurant's overall wine, spirits, beer, and cocktail program Develop and update seasonal and signature cocktail menus Create standardized cocktail recipes, specifications, batching procedures, and prep standards Ensure cocktail consistency, presentation, and quality across all bartenders Maintain appropriate beverage pars and product availability Work with distributors and beverage representatives on product selection, pricing, and purchasing Evaluate beverage costs, pricing, margins, and menu performance Identify opportunities to improve beverage sales and profitability Inventory & Cost Control Manage wine, liquor, beer, and beverage inventory Conduct and oversee accurate physical inventories Monitor usage, purchasing, transfers, waste, breakage, and variance Maintain accurate inventory records and product costs Investigate inventory discrepancies and implement corrective procedures Manage ordering and receiving while maintaining appropriate inventory levels Assist in controlling beverage COGS and overall departmental expenses Wine Program & Wine Dinners Maintain and develop the restaurant's wine program Assist guests and staff with wine selections and pairings Plan and execute wine dinners and special beverage events Work with wineries, distributors, chefs, and management to develop wine dinner lineups Collaborate with the culinary team on food and wine pairings Assist with event pricing, wine quantities, ordering, and execution Train service staff on featured wines, tasting notes, pairings, and selling points Bar Leadership Lead, train, and develop the bartending team Establish and maintain bar opening, closing, cleaning, and preparation standards Ensure proper recipes, pours, presentation, and responsible alcohol service Maintain an organized, clean, properly stocked bar and beverage storage areas Develop systems that improve speed, consistency, accountability, and guest satisfaction Restaurant Management This is a management position and is not limited to the bar or beverage department. The Beverage Manager will also participate in the overall operation of the restaurant.

Responsibilities include:

Actively managing Front of House service Supporting servers, bartenders, hosts, and support staff Conducting pre-shift meetings and employee coaching Monitoring service standards and ticket flow Performing table touches and resolving guest concerns Assisting with scheduling and labor management Training and developing employees Enforcing restaurant policies and service standards Supporting private events, weddings, wine dinners, and special functions Opening and closing the restaurant as Manager on Duty Working closely with the General Manager, culinary leadership, and other managers to ensure a smooth operation Qualifications Preferred candidates will have: Previous beverage management, bar management, or upscale restaurant management experience Strong wine, spirits, and cocktail knowledge Experience managing beverage inventory and cost controls Experience creating or maintaining a craft cocktail program Experience with wine dinners, tastings, or special beverage events Strong leadership and staff-development skills Excellent organization and attention to detail Ability to work in a high-volume, upscale dining environment Strong understanding of hospitality and guest recovery Availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events Sommelier certification or other professional wine/beverage education is a plus but is not required for candidates with strong practical experience. What We're Looking For We want someone who takes genuine ownership of their department. The right Beverage Manager will not simply place orders and maintain the bar—they will continuously look for ways to improve the beverage program, develop the team, control costs, increase sales, and elevate the overall guest experience. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable building a cocktail menu, analyzing an inventory variance, discussing a Cabernet with a guest, training a bartender, executing a wine dinner, and managing a busy restaurant floor.

Job Type:

Full-time Experience:

Restaurant Management:

Preferred Beverage/Bar Management:

Preferred Wine & Spirits:

Preferred Inventory Management:

Preferred Work Location:

In person -

Banner Elk, North Carolina Pay:

$60,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Employee discount Flexible schedule Health insurance Paid time off Paid training Vision insurance

Experience:

Bartending or beverage manager : 4 years (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person