Bartenders' Manual. Harry Johnson

      The author of this work has, after careful deliberation, compiled the following rules for the management of a saloon, and would suggest the advisability of following these instructions while attending a bar. He has endeavored to the best of his ability to state them in perfectly plain and straightforward language, as the work must be conducted in the same systematic and proper manner as any other business. When waiting on customers, at any time, it is of the highest importance for a bartender to be strictly polite and attentive in his behavior and, especially, in his manner of speech, giving prompt answers to all questions as far as lies in his power; he should be cheerful and have a bright countenance. It is absolutely necessary to be neat, clean, and tidy in dress, as that will be more to the interest of the bartender than any other matter. He should be pleasant and cheerful with every one, as that will not only be gratifying to customers, but also prove advantageous to the bartender serving them.

      It is proper, when a person steps up to the bar, for a bartender to set before him a glass of ice-water, and then, in a courteous manner, find out what he may desire. If mixed drinks should be called for, it is the bartender’s duty to mix and prepare them above the counter and allow the customers to see the operation; they should be prepared in such a neat, quick and scientific way as to draw attention. It is also the bartender’s duty to see that everything used with the drinks is perfectly clean and that the glasses are bright and polished.

      When the customer has finished and left the bar, the bartender should clean the counter well and thoroughly, so that it will have a good, renewed appearance, and, if time allows the bartender to do so, he should clean, in a perfect manner, at once, the glasses that have been used, so as to have them ready again when needed. Regarding the bench which is an important feature in managing a bar properly, it is the bartender’s special duty to have it cleared up and in good shape, at all times, for it will always be to his advantage if done correctly (see illustration, plate No. 2.).

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