Sales Associate / Tobacconist

The Tasting Room is hiring for both our award-winning Monona location and our new Waunakee location opening Summer 2026. We're looking for hospitality-focused individuals who enjoy helping people, building relationships, learning new things, and becoming experts in premium cigars and tobacco products. No cigar experience is required. A passion for learning and delivering exceptional customer service is. About The Tasting Room The Tasting Room is one of Wisconsin's premier cocktail lounges and cigar destinations.

Our accolades include:

Best Bar Best Cocktail (Multiple Years) Best Bartending Staff Best Bloody Mary Best Wine Selection PCA Best Cigar Bar We are known for exceptional hospitality, premium cigars, handcrafted cocktails, and creating memorable guest experiences.

Our mission is simple:

Provide every guest with an experience worth returning for. What Is a Tobacconist? A Tobacconist is more than a retail associate. Our Tobacconists serve as trusted advisors who help guests discover products they'll enjoy, educate customers about cigars and tobacco products, and create an exceptional retail experience. Whether helping a first-time cigar smoker or a seasoned enthusiast, our Tobacconists play an important role in building lasting guest relationships. No Cigar Experience? No Problem. We're happy to train the right candidate.

We can teach:

Cigars Tobacco products Product knowledge Inventory management Retail systems Sales techniques What we're looking for: Positive attitude Strong communication skills Reliability Coachability Hospitality mindset Desire to learn Responsibilities Welcome and assist guests Recommend cigars and tobacco products Help guests select products based on their preferences Maintain retail displays and inventory Ring up purchases and manage transactions Open and maintain guest tabs Receive inventory and stock merchandise Learn and maintain product knowledge Support a clean and organized retail environment Deliver exceptional guest experiences Professional Development Opportunity The Tasting Room offers qualified team members the opportunity to become a: Certified Retail Tobacconist (CRT) Through Tobacconist University. We will sponsor and pay for certification training for eligible employees. Certified Retail Tobacconists gain advanced product knowledge and become recognized experts in the premium cigar industry. Certification also provides opportunities for increased compensation and career growth. Compensation Competitive hourly wage Tip sharing program Most team members earn approximately $18-$23 per hour including tips Additional earning opportunities available through certification and advancement Full-Time Benefits Eligible full-time employees receive: Health Insurance Dental Insurance 401(k) 401(k) Matching Paid Time Off Employee Discounts Flexible Scheduling Paid Training Referral Program Locations Monona, WI Waunakee, WI (Opening Summer 2026) Applicants may work at either location or both locations. If you're passionate about hospitality and excited by the opportunity to become a knowledgeable cigar professional, we'd love to hear from you.

Pay:

$18.00 - $23.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee discount Flexible schedule Health insurance Paid time off Application Question(s): Why are you interested in working at The Tasting Room? Which location are you interested in? Are you available to work evenings and weekends? How comfortable are you recommending products and making suggestions to guests? Do you currently enjoy or have an interest in premium cigars? The Tasting Room may sponsor team members to become Certified Retail Tobacconists through Tobacconist University. Would this opportunity interest you?

Work Location:

In person