Onboarding Day 17: Batch and draft program (bar)

onboarding #day-17 #bar #batch #draft

Goal: Trainee can run the batch prep cycle. Pours draft cocktails to spec. Understands keg rotation and CO2 pressure.

Pre-shift

Bar lead walks the trainee through the cellar — keg layout, CO2 manifold, glycol lines, draft tap routing. Trainee changes one keg and one CO2 tank with supervision.

Read before shift

Batch program:

Syrups:

Draft system:

During shift

Trainee preps one syrup from scratch (bar lead picks which — likely a simpler one to start, Cane or Demerara). Trainee tastes each draft cocktail directly from the tap.

During service: trainee pours every draft cocktail that comes through the bar that night. Bar lead watches the pour for foam, fill, and finish technique.

If a keg blows tonight: trainee swaps it under bar lead supervision.

What the bar lead watches for

  • Syrup prep accuracy (correct ratio, correct method, properly labeled and dated)
  • Draft pour technique (foam control, fill line, top-off if needed)
  • Garnish discipline on draft drinks (per technique-garnish-program)
  • Keg swap protocol (safe disconnect, line purge, pressure check)

End of shift

30-minute debrief.

Bar lead sign-off: Trainee preps one syrup to spec. Trainee pours each draft to standard. Trainee can describe the batch ratio for at least 3 of the 5 active drafts.

Tomorrow

Days 18-21: Full bar release.