WHat are some ways to avoid being a barback if you have experience as a bartender?

Question

How can barback work be avoided if you have some experience and have done bartending at numerous parties, for example; there are horror stories of experienced bartenders being used as barbacks so what places should a barteder wih just a little experience apply at if that bartender don't want to do barback work before bartending?

Answer 1

Apply where they need need need a bartender or a place where you only have to barback a short period of time before moving up. Small rest and family style places would be a good place to start don;t try large corporations.

Answer 2

Really polish up your resume. Put a good spin on it. Then look for smaller places (not country clubs around here at least). I never even had a barback when I started, I did everything myself. Fetching ice, cleaning bottles, the usual, on top of serving. I had a barback a couple times, and she was a total flake. So if it's the only way to start, do it an don't upstage the bartender, and I bet you'll be promoted really quick when the bartender flakes out repeatedly. Trust me, I know. *shakes head*

Answer 3

You have to work your way up at most jobs, especially upscale places where you're going to make some good coin. Best way to advance is to do a good job, be a good team player and don't act like you're too good to be Barback (swamper we call it here). Some experience doesn't cut it unless you can prove your an asset to the bar.

Answer 4

Country Clubs are a good idea.