Beverage Manager

Job Details

Amparo Fondita, by James Beard Impact and Michelin-Bib Gourmand Chef Christian Irabién, is seeking an experienced General Manager for our restaurant, located in DuPont Circle, Washington, D.C.

We are seeking an experienced and confident person who understands the standards of world class service and hospitality and would like to be a part of a growing restaurant group while working among some of the city’s best hospitality and culinary professionals. If this sounds like you, we would love to meet you!

This position requires on-the-floor hours working side by side with ownership, Chef de Cuisine and Service Manager on structuring our bar program and service, training and mentoring young staff for growth and to embody the ethos of the restaurant. We are in a pivotal moment of growth and are looking for a person with entrepreneurial spirit, not afraid to roll up their sleeves daily and is able to think quickly on their feet.

At Amparo Fondita, we celebrate the warmth, vibrancy, and depth of Mexican cuisine, reimagined with care, creativity, and a deep sense of community. Our restaurant is a home — a place where guests feel embraced, nourished, and connected. Whether you’re a D.C. neighbor joining us for brunch or a traveler discovering our capital through flavor, Amparo is about belonging.

We’re looking for a management leader who leads with humility, precision, and purpose. Someone who finds joy in mentorship, thrives in organized chaos, and approaches every service with quiet confidence and unshakable calm. Someone who believes that excellence and empathy go hand in hand — and that food can change lives.

Who You Are

You love food, beverage and service and are aware of the local and national trends. You are calm under pressure and grounded in the moment, even when the restaurant is buzzing. Meticulous and creative, with an eye for detail and flavor. A mentor and coach, passionate about developing people as much as menus and service. Deeply community-minded, seeing hospitality as a force for inclusion and opportunity. A team player and problem solver who brings positivity and accountability to the table. Above all, you are driven by a love of hospitality — making others happy through food, generosity, and care. You have experience managing restaurant teams and budgets and leading forward.

Your Role

As Bar Manager, you’ll partner with the Culinary Director and Service Manager to lead all beverage and bar service operations and campaigns, ensuring every dish, drink, service, and moment reflects the heart and standard of Amparo Fondita. You will manage and inspire the bar, floor and kitchen teams, from bartenders to support staff and from sous chefs to dishwashers. Oversee all aspects of restaurant operations, including ordering, scheduling, food and drink quality, and cost control. Collaborate on menu development, marketing efforts, local sourcing, and seasonal creativity. Maintain impeccable cleanliness, food safety, and health compliance. Foster a strong partnership with the FOH and BOH teams to ensure seamless hospitality. Mentor young leaderhsip and rising talent, leading by example with empathy and rigor. Handle administrative duties including P&Ls, inventory, and vendor relations. Step in for the Culinary Director as needed and contribute to long-term vision and strategy.

What You Bring

3+ years as a General Manager, Bar Manager or 5+ years as an Executive Chef in a high-volume, full-service or fine dining restaurant. Expertise in Mexican, Latin American, and globally inspired menus. Proven success with team management, financial oversight, and systems organization. A record of leadership, accountability, and cultural impact. Experience cocktail crafting and managing bar and beverage operations. Ability to communicate clearly, collaborate across departments, and lead through example. Spanish fluency is a plus (but not required). Flexible schedule weekends and events are a must.

What We Believe

Amparo Fondita is more than a restaurant, it’s a mission-driven workplace. We are a second-chance employer, committed to creating economic opportunity for those overcoming systemic barriers such as immigration inequity. We believe hospitality begins within, by building a diverse, inclusive, and supportive team. Here, your leadership directly shapes lives and communities and narrates your success and growth with our team.

Our Culture & Values

We are entrepreneurial: we dream big and execute boldly.
We are caring: we lead with empathy, always.
We are collaborative: we believe great service comes from teamwork and trust.
We are creative: we push boundaries, but never lose sight of warmth and authenticity.
We are committed: to growth, mentorship, and excellence for every guest and every team member.

Physical Requirements

This is an active leadership role. You should be comfortable standing, walking, and lifting (up to 50 lbs) for extended periods; moving quickly in a fast-paced environment; bending, reaching, climbing stairs, and performing physical kitchen tasks safely and efficiently.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

Purpose-driven hospitality with deep community roots. Creative freedom in menu and culture development. Inclusive, supportive leadership team. Opportunity to grow with a mission-based, respected brand in D.C. A chance to lead with purpose and cook with heart.

Ready to Lead With Heart?

If you believe great food can build community, and you’re ready to lead a restaurant team that changes lives, we’d love to meet you.

Apply now to join Amparo Fondita where hospitality, heritage, and heart come together.

Amparo Fondita offers full-time managers company subsidized health insurance. A full-time employee must work on average a minimum of 40 hours per week to qualify for health insurance benefits. Coverage begins on the first of the month after the 60th day of employment. The insurance enrollment period is between 30 and 90 days of employment.

Benefits Offered:

• Amparo Fondita Restaurants offers full-time employees company subsidized health insurance. A full-time employee must work on average 40 hours per week to qualify for health insurance benefits. The insurance enrollment period is between 30 and 90 days of employment.
• Competitive Pay
• Controlled schedules
• Paid Vacation and PTO
• Top Rated Earnings
• Monthly R&D Budget
• Training & Development Opportunities
• Complimentary Employee Meals
• Referral Bonuses

Restaurant Manager Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3 years of relevant and proven Bar Management experience and longevity in an upscale or fine dining restaurant
• Must have strong foundation and knowledge in craft cocktails and beverage operations
• Must have a valid DC Food Manager Certification and ABRA Alcohol Manager Permit, or ability to obtain.
• Finding solutions to any issues that arise and having excellent project execution
• Must be able to work in a standing position for long periods of time
• Professional appearance and grooming standards appropriate for a premier fine dining restaurant
• Previous experience with Spanish language and Mexican cuisine and culture a plus
• Full time flexibility and availability to work

How to apply:

All interested candidates who meet the above qualifications are encouraged to reply to this posting with a copy of your resume.

To learn more about our restaurants, please visit: www.amparofondita.com