Bartender - The Ridley

Join the skilled bar team at The Ridley , Charlottesville's destination for high-quality American fare, local beer, and craft cocktails. Located within The Draftsman Boutique Hotel near The University of Virginia, The Ridley is not just a restaurant but a tribute to Dr. Walter Ridley, the first Black student to graduate from UVA and receive a graduate degree from any major historically white public university in the South. As a Bartender , you will showcase your craft and creativity, crafting a diverse range of cocktails and beverages that complement our menu and delight our guests. Your mixology skills, engaging personality, and dedication to exceptional service will contribute to a vibrant and inviting atmosphere at The Ridley's bar.

• Prepare and serve a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including craft cocktails and local beers.
• Interact with guests in a friendly and attentive manner, making recommendations and ensuring satisfaction.
• Maintain a clean and organized bar area, restocking supplies, and ensuring proper inventory management.
• Adhere to responsible alcohol service policies, ensuring the well-being of our guests.
• Collaborate with the service team and kitchen staff to ensure seamless operations and guest experiences.

• A minimum of 6 months experience.
• Able to work calmly and effectively under pressure
• Able to perform basic mathematical calculations
• Must be of legal age to prepare, serve, and ring alcoholic beverages
• Able to work flexible shifts and schedules, inclusive of weekends, and some holidays
• Certified in (or able to be certified in) responsible alcohol service (as required by state or local law)
• Able to communicate effectively in the primary language of the work location (verbal and written)

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during scheduled shifts.
• Frequent bending, reaching, twisting, and repetitive arm and hand movements.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move items weighing up to 30–40 pounds (e.g., kegs, ice bins, cases).
• Manual dexterity to pour, mix, garnish, and handle glassware safely.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Tolerance for exposure to noise, crowded spaces, and varying temperatures.
• Ability to multitask efficiently and respond quickly to customer needs.

Who We Are:

The Ridley is a Charlottesville-based restaurant located within The Draftsman Boutique Hotel near The University of Virginia. As part of Thompson Hospitality, the nation's largest minority-owned food and facilities management company, we take pride in being one of Charlottesville's Black-owned restaurants, paying homage to Dr. Walter Ridley, a trailblazer in education. Our menu is designed with inclusivity in mind, offering a modern Southern dining experience that celebrates diversity and brings people together through food. As part of our bar team, you'll be joining a community of dedicated professionals committed to delivering outstanding hospitality and creating lasting memories for our guests.

Thompson Hospitality is of the largest restaurants, food service, and facilities management companies in the country. We are highly built upon our values, do the right thing, do the best you can, and treat others how you want to be treated, which are shaped by more than 33 years of relationships with our clients, guests, and communities. We offer competitive benefits, see our website for more.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local laws.