Bahama Breeze Island Grille offers many careers available for people hoping to get into the restaurant industry and working in a fun environment. This restaurant/bar chain offers a Caribbean-flavored atmosphere unlike any other.
From the moment you step into this casual restaurant, you’re going to feel as if you’re in a tropical paradise while getting paid for your talent and skills.
Bahama Breeze Application Guide
In this article, I’ll lay out the foundation for what this company offers you and what past and present workers say about working here.
I’ll show you the common jobs available for entry-level workers as well as some positions for experienced professionals. It is my hope that you will be able to choose the right job for you and I’ll show you the best way to apply.
You will also find out the starting pay, hiring age, whether this company drug tests you before you are hired, and the benefits offered.
Working at Bahama Breeze
Many employees at this restaurant chain say working at Bahama Breeze is enjoyable because of the fast pace and friendly atmosphere.
Here are the pros and cons of working at this restaurant and bar chain, as reported by past and present employees:
Pros
- Employees get 50% off their meals
- Tips given by customers are usually excellent
- Managers can be flexible when they schedule employees’ hours
- Servers can make good money on the weekends
- Coworkers get along well with each other and are very supportive
- Managers generally treat their employees very well
Cons
- It can be a very stressful and demanding job
- It is not uncommon to have to work 12-hour shifts
- Breaks are very short or nonexistent
- Some employees complain about bad management
- It’s difficult to advance within the company
- You don’t get any sick days (leave)
Jobs at Bahama Breeze
Bahama breeze jobs begin with its team members. You can find jobs working as a:
- Server
- Host
- Go To host
- Busser
- Bartender
- Line Cook
- Prep Cook
- Dishwasher
There are also executive chef positions as well as many trainer and management jobs.
The most common jobs at Bahama breeze are server, host, and bartender.
Bahama Breeze Server
As a server at this restaurant, you are expected to create an amazing experience for your guests where they can feel as if they’re on an island vacation. The whole idea is to provide exceptional service and to make guests feel as if they can’t wait to come back for more.
A server at this restaurant has to be completely attentive, happy, and personable in order to make a lasting and positive impression on the customers.
Servers get paid the minimum state wages for tipped workers and they basically make the majority of their pay on tips. So, for example, in Florida, the minimum tipped wage is $5.63 an hour as of this writing.
Therefore, a server will receive $5.63 an hour plus tips earned during each shift which are deposited into their account on a daily basis. The average server makes approximately $22,500 to $29,500 during their first full year at this company.
Bahama Breeze Host
In this job, you are the first person a guest usually sees or makes contact with. From the moment they walk through the front door, you need to greet your guests with a friendly smile and help make them feel as if they’re on a Caribbean escape.
You’re going to be accurately quoting the wait times, making sure the reservations are in order, seating your guests, and providing any accommodations they need.
The average starting salary for a host is approximately $9.25 an hour. This varies greatly depending on the location and the minimum wage in your state. However, it’s safe to say that a host will usually make a starting salary that is at least $1 to $2 above minimum wage.
Bahama Breeze Bartender
Many bartenders who have worked at this restaurant chain say the drinks are absolutely amazing. This makes them proud to serve it to their customers and in turn, makes for getting great tips on busy days and nights.
Additionally, it is reported that this is a very high-stress and high-volume bartending job that requires people with some experience in order to be able to get the job done efficiently and correctly.
A bartender at this restaurant needs to have good up-selling skills, which means you have to know the drink and food menu inside and out and recommend food and drinks constantly.
A typical bartender at Bahama breeze will earn approximately $24,000-$33,000 during the first year in salary plus tips.
Here are a few other jobs to consider:
- To Go Host – you’ll handle all the Internet and phone orders and provide curbside service for the customers.
- Busser – this job works in conjunction with the host position, where you will be cleaning the tables and making sure they’re safe and sanitized so guests can be seated quickly.
- Prep Cook – in this entry-level position, you will handle all the preparation to make sure the line cook is successful in preparing dishes.
- Line Cook – in this position, you will be the one preparing all the delicious foods for your customers at your station.
- Dishwasher – this job is self-explanatory but one thing I might add is that during busy times, you will be cleaning and sanitizing dishes and eating utensils with very little time to take breaks.
Bahama Breeze Salaried Positions include:
- Chef
- Executive Chef
- Certified Trainer
- Restaurant Manager
- General Manager
For Jobs at Bahama Breeze, Apply in Person
You can easily submit an online Bahama Breeze application. However, it’s a better idea to visit the restaurant you would like to work at in person and inquire about getting a job.
You can use this link to get the Bahama breeze application PDF and fill it out before visiting the restaurant.
If you go in person, you will have a much better chance of giving management a great first impression. Make sure you dress in business casual wear and that you are friendly and appear to be someone who can provide amazing customer service.
If you would rather not go in person, you can always apply online, and these are the steps to take:
- Visit the official Bahama breeze careers website.
- Become acquainted with the homepage and read and click on the links to find out more about this company.
- When you are ready, click on “Hourly Opportunities,” or, “Management Jobs,” depending on your preference.
- Choose a job you are interested in and click to view the details.
- When you are interested in a position, click the “Apply“ button and you’ll be able to register and begin the application process.
Bahama Breeze Hiring Process
Once you apply online, you should receive a callback from the hiring manager within 1 to 2 weeks.
If it takes longer than this, visit the restaurant in person and inquire about your application. Do not call anyone on the phone because they are probably too busy to answer your questions.
Once you do get a callback, you’ll be set up for an interview with someone in management.
You will be asked basic questions during the interview such as, “Do you have any experience at your position? They may also ask you, “What days and hours are you available?“
Now bear in mind that when you are the one searching for a job, you are at the mercy of your employer. So, if you are selective in the days that you are available, chances are you will not get the job over someone who is available seven days a week working all hours.
Some employees say they were hired on the spot after the first interview. Others said they had to go through 1 or 2 more interviews before they were eventually hired. The timetable from application to getting hired is usually anywhere between 1 to 3 weeks.
Bahama Breeze Hiring Age
You have to be at least 16 years of age to work at Bahama Breeze, and in that case, you would probably get a job as a part-time host.
This company prefers hiring people who are 18 years and over because of the obvious risk and danger associated with an establishment that serves alcohol.
Does Bahama Breeze drug test?
Past and present employees say that Bahama Breeze does not ordinarily conduct any drug test for new hourly applicants. However, some report that this company does conduct a background check on every applicant.
If you’re going after a salaried position, you will definitely get a full background check and also have to submit to a drug test within 48 hours after you are offered employment.
Bahama Breeze History
Bahama Breeze was founded in Orlando, Florida, in 1996. This restaurant/bar chain specializes in serving chicken, steaks, seafood, and a wide variety of tropical drinks.
It currently has over 40 locations in the eastern part of the United States. To enhance the Caribbean atmosphere, there is always live music throughout the week at all locations.
Benefits
Bahama Breeze offers excellent health, dental, and vision benefits for full-time workers willing to contribute a minimal amount of money every paycheck.
You will also qualify for a 401(k) when you are 21 and over with a company match after you’ve worked there for 1 year.
Other benefits include vacation pay, insurance options such as life, home, and auto, short-term disability, and multiple discounts at Bahama Breeze and other restaurants associated with this chain.
Final Thoughts
I’ve always loved going into a Caribbean-themed restaurant or bar because it gives you a feeling of relaxation, unlike any other establishment.
I have been to Bahama Breeze Island Grille on a few occasions and I’ve always gotten amazing service from the whole staff from top to bottom.
This speaks volumes about the type of organization this is. Host, server, and bartender jobs are custom-made for younger workers who are full of energy and enthusiasm.
That’s not to say an older worker can’t find a happy home at this restaurant chain. There are many management opportunities available and when you hear someone speak negatively about this, it’s usually because that person has not taken the time to investigate it further.
It is a fact that almost every general manager and director in this company has been promoted from within. That says a lot. Additionally, over 35% of this company’s managers began their careers as hourly workers in this company.
With that said, an hourly position here is definitely a great opportunity for someone who likes this fast-paced environment and likes to make money. It’s all about how do you want to work, and how you want to work with your team to ensure that your restaurant is a success.
