Employee Handbook
Location Information
Address: 2800 Bledsoe St. Suite 125 Fort Worth, TX 76107
Web Address: therodeobar.com
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 6PM-2AM & Saturday-Sunday 12PM-2AM
Social: @rodeo.ftw
About Rodeo
Our vibrant establishment is the quintessential fusion of bar and nightclub - offering an exhilarating experience for everyone. The centerpiece of the venue is a thrilling mechanical bull where guests can test their riding skills and engage in friendly competitions.
As you step inside, the electrifying beats of live DJs fill the air, seamlessly transitioning between EDM, top 40 hits, and energetic country music. The dance floor pulsates with life, inviting everyone to let loose and show off their moves.
The atmosphere is buzzing with excitement as people gather around various interactive games - adding an extra layer of entertainment to the night. The bar is fully stocked, offering a wide selection of ice-cold beers and signature cocktails to quench your thirst and get you in the party mood.
For those seeking a VIP experience - bottle service is available, ensuring a night of luxury and exclusivity. With dedicated servers and premium spirits, you can enjoy personalized attention and the finest beverages.
Rodeo Vision:
At Rodeo, our vision is to provide outstanding guest service and an entertaining night.
Rodeo Values:
Build our business by taking care of one guest at a time
Guests come first
Great guest service, consistent food & beverage and a clean, organized place will always keep the bar running smoothly
We strive to go above and beyond
Manors
Mutual Respect for one another
Pride - we do it right, or we don’t do it at all.
Rodeo Overall Goals
We will continuously push ourselves to become the best at everything we do.
Through our entertainment, food & beverage and outstanding guest service, we strive to gain the best reputation.
Rodeo Commitment to Employees
We give our employees the sense of caring through our daily respect for each other and willingness to help by any means necessary - in and outside of Rodeo. We will continue to do anything, within reason, we can to help all of our employees.
Attendance at Work
Attendance Expectations and Policy
Your attendance to the company is valuable to keep the bar moving at the pace we do. Every minute counts, and schedules are set in place so no minute gets wasted. Nevertheless, we understand that circumstances may happen, which will affect your attendance.
Your work schedule is based on attendance as well as performance.
Communication Procedure
If a problem or circumstance occurs that will affect your attendance at work (late arrival or no arrival), the following are steps to take in order to prevent any issues throughout the business:
Attempt to have shift covered by another employee
Notify the manager if shift is covered
If unable to have your shift covered, contact your general manager at least 24 hours in advance.
Workplace Professionalism and Company Representation
Work Dress Code
All employees are required to show up to work ready for service
Teeth Brushed
Clean Shave
Hair styled
Rodeo logo shirts/tanks or plain black shirts
Other clothing assigned / approved by General Manager
Black/dark blue jeans with no holes
Clean tennis shoes (non-slip)
Only Rodeo branded and Happy Dad hats may be worn
If these requirements are not met, employees may be sent home and asked to change before they return and/or written up.
Drug/Alcohol Free Workplace
Rodeo has a zero tolerance policy on illegal and non-prescribed drugs and alcohol.
Upon the Manager’s suspicion that employees are under the influence of an illegal substance or the Manager’s witness of use of an illegal substance, the employee will be terminated.
Work Station
Always remain at your work area.If you must leave your work area for any sort of break, notify the manager. This will allow for managers to ensure duties are temporarily fulfilled.
Cell phones may only be used for business purposes. If management finds an employee using cell phones for personal use, the employee may be written up.
Workplace Visitors
Rodeo Team members are allowed to give one 50% discount for self-use or to family members and/or friends daily. Manager must enter code on the Point of Sale system for approval of each discount. Bartenders are also allowed $20 comp tabs - these tabs will be comped by the manager at the end of night.
Employees may not allow family and friends to affect performance with the rest of our guests. If this does create a situation with performance or causes complaints, The General Manager will address the concerns and make decisions accordingly.
Employees should not be in excessive physical contact with guests.
Accepting and Giving Entertainment and Gifts
Accepting and Giving Entertainment:
Entertainment is fun for everyone in the restaurant and bar business. People are here to be entertained, but your dedication of professional service to customers should not be hindered to the point where it creates any reasonable issues—whether given or received.
Accepting and Giving Gifts:
Drinking alcohol is a zero tolerance policy. In the instance that a customer attempts to purchase an employee a drink, that drink needs to be turned down in a professional manner or employee may substitute alcohol for a non alcoholic beverage.
Giving gifts beyond the bartender's $20 comp tab to guests must be approved by the General Manager. If there is a problem situation with service or drinks and a customer is upset, the manager will handle the situation accordingly. Giving products to customers without management approval will be considered stealing and employees will be written up and suspended or terminated immediately.
Employee Time Off from Work
Holidays
Rodeo is open 365 days a year
Vacations
Employees will receive vacation based upon Manager approval, depending on amount of time worked and performance.
Attendance Policy
3 write-up policy (late or absent without reason):
One = General Manager relays write-up to employee
Two = General Manager relays write-up and will meet with employee and reduce shifts
Three = General Manager relays write-up and employee may be terminated or suspended
No call/No show = Immediate Termination (within reason)
Use of Electronics & Company Equipment
Cell Phone Use
Zero tolerance policy:
No employee is allowed to be on their personal phones at any time during the shift unless it pertains to the business. The General Manager will discipline/write up accordingly.
If an emergency arises, notify the manager to ask for approval.
Company Tools, Equipment and Supplies
All company property must be handled with the utmost care. We will maintain the quality of tools to accomplish success. Any employee who damages equipment will be subject to replace at employees expense.
Monitoring in the Workplace
Training & Tests: Performance Development and Planning
Training will be given to each employee on their designated positions.
Barbacks train three 6-hour shifts
Bartenders train five 6-hour shifts
Security trains two 6-hour shifts
Employee Handbook and training packet tests will be given at appropriate times that are set by General Manager & employee (within two weeks of receiving respective documents).
90% and higher will pass training. If the percentage is not passed, tests will be given a second (and final) time within one week. 95% and higher on the second test will pass training.
Bartenders are required to take bartender, barback, and security training tests.
Bartenders may serve as managers on duty while General Manager is away and must be knowledgeable on all aspects of Rodeo.
The Employee Handbook, Training Packets are sent to all employees during onboarding.
Employee Conduct and Performance
We are each responsible for performing our duties adequately, properly, and efficiently. Performance will be monitored on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. Management will conduct reviews on employees to determine what must be adjusted, if anything, for all staff to succeed.
Complaint Procedure
In the case that an employee receives a complaint from a customer, it must to be addressed to the Manager immediately. Do not attempt to resolve the situation in an unreasonable manner. Management will address the complaint to ensure that all issues are resolved. In the case that management is not notified by the employee of the situation, the employee is subject to a write-up and/or termination.
Employees may reach out to ownership if issues with management are not addressed.
Employee Discounts
50% discount is given to employees once a work-day.
Free fountain drinks while on duty only
Discount rules:
Attempting to discount the items further is considered theft.
Employees must purchase items through another on duty employee and through the POS system. Employees are not allowed to ring in their own items. Consumption or removal of any food or beverage item that has not been paid for will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.
Employee discount can be used for friends & family members. Employees are limited to one discounted tab a work-day; thus, a team member may use the discount on themselves or someone else.
For tabs exceeding $100, management pre-approval is required.
All employee meals and soft drinks must be kept in an approved area away from food storage or prep areas.
Any violations of this policy will result in a write-up.
Customer Chargebacks
In the event that a customer disputes a transaction with the business:
The employee who completed the transaction must find the signed receipt within our receipt archives (manager will notify employees when a transaction is disputed). Manager will then send the receipt to our card processor for evaluation.
Rodeo Bucks - (Rodeo Gift Cards)
Rodeo Bucks may be used for the purchase of beverage and merchandise at Rodeo.
Rodeo Bucks cards are valid for 1 year after purchase, and are non-transferable for cash.
Purchases will be deducted from the card’s account until the balance reaches zero.
Our POS (Point of Sale) system keeps track of account balances .
Safety
Rodeo is committed to maintaining a safe workplace for all employees. The time to be conscious about safety is before an accident happens. Safety is everyone’s responsibility and is a regular, ongoing part of everyone’s job.
You will receive more specific, detailed information and training on safety issues as an ongoing part of your employment. However, here are some basic guidelines and safety rules to always keep in mind:
Wipe up spills immediately
Never run; always walk carefully. Even when it’s busy, take small steps and pay attention
Wear shoes with non-slip soles.
Report defective equipment or tools to a manager immediately.
Never operate equipment unless you have been trained how to use it properly.
Never try to catch a falling knife. Knives are easier to replace than fingers.
Let people know when you’re carrying something hot like seasonal beverages. Don’t be shy, yell out something like, “HOT DRINKS COMING THROUGH.”
Use proper lifting techniques. Never lift too much. If it’s uncomfortable, make two trips or get some help. Remember to always bend at the knees, lift with your legs, not your back.
Sanitation
We are obsessed with sanitation and food safety! Due to the nature of the restaurant business, it is ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL that EVERYONE follows safe food handling procedures. NEVER take shortcuts on food safety and handling. Every day we are entrusted with the health and even lives of our customers. This is a huge responsibility, one that we must never take lightly.
While you will receive additional and ongoing training on food safety issues following are some of the basic rules we ALWAYS follow and enforce:Keep your hands washed. Always wash your hands after using the restroom, smoking, touching your hair, eating, sneezing or coughing. If you use latex gloves, change them frequently.
Sanitize everything often. Use a sanitizing solution to constantly keep counters, cutting surfaces, and utensils clean. This helps to keep food handling areas and preparation tools free of bacteria.
When sneezing, place your nose to the inside of your elbow while looking downward to sneeze. Attempt to face away from any guests, fellow team members and any supplies/equipment/products. Proceed to sanitize hands.
When coughing, place your mouth to the inside of your right elbow while looking downward to cough. Attempt to face away from any guests, fellow team members and any supplies/equipment/products. Proceed to sanitize hands.
Music & Ambiance
Music:
No more than 2-3 songs of the same genre in a row.
Top 40
One Country song at least every 20-30 minutes
Pop Hip Hop (ie Kanye west, Soulja boy, drake, Waka flocka, etc)
Pop rap (nothing slow/ g rap)
Throwbacks
Big Room EDM (tremor, tsunami, etc)
Pop house (fisher, Chris lake, Fred again, John summit, etc)
Sing-a-longs from 1:45-2:00
Bar music should be changed in accordance with the crowd.
Lighting:
All DJ lights and LEDs should be on at opening. All other lights should be turned off at opening.
1:50 am - 2:00 am: All DJ Lights and LEDs turned off. All other lights should be turned on.
Social Media Requirements (separate agreement to be signed off on during new hire process)
- maintain the business Instagram handle on Instagram bio
- on shift days before 7PM: post a story in uniform with a time frame of schedule and tag the business instagram account
- share any videos to my story that the business posts featuring me
- commit to creating and submitting a minimum of one social media video every week
- manager to assign video scripts/examples
Rodeo Do’s and Don'ts
Don'ts:
-Lean back on bar or any bar equipment
-Sit on bar
-Eat behind the bar or at the bar during shift
-Use cell phones while behind the bar
-Leave the bar unattended
-Switch shifts without notifying manager
-Do hair or make-up behind the bar
-Wear unauthorized hats
-Wear inappropriate or unauthorized clothing
-Argue with customers (get a manager if the situation arises)
-Serve over intoxicated patrons
-Serve under-age patrons
-Throw away plastic or glassware
-Leave ice in wells at the end of shift (burn them)
-Enter false tips on credit card receipts (chargebacks will fall back on bartender)
-Bring personal issues to work (drama free work zone)
-Make out (but really) or physically interact with anyone during shift
-DON’T EVER DRINK DURING SHIFT
Do’s
-Come to work 10 minutes before start of shift with hair and make-up done
-Brush teeth and have gum/mint on hand
-Guys must be clean shaven
-Promote the business via social media and social circles
-Invite friends to come see you
-Upsell on inventory
-Smile at customers and maintain a positive attitude
-Ring up all drinks immediately after they are served
-Ensure the bar is set up properly at the beginning of the shift and cleaned properly during and at the end of shift
-Ensure appropriate music is playing and lighting is on point
-Greet all patrons who enter the establishment
-Answer phones appropriately
-Ensure bar and restrooms are appropriately stocked
-Clean up anything you see on the ground or out of place during shift
-Wash hands after using the restroom
-Know the menu inside and out
-Remember customers names
-Have FUN!
TABC Awareness
TABC Awareness Program
This document serves as a roadmap to deter violations and promote voluntary compliance with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code through education and training. It is designed to give Rodeo managers and employees the knowledge, skills and abilities to help employees provide responsible alcohol sales and service, and to deter violations.
State Law on Identification
Texas state law does not require that a person over 21 provide any identification to purchase alcohol in Texas. There is nothing in the law that declares specific forms of ID as “valid” for an alcohol purchase.
However, a person who sells a minor an alcoholic beverage does NOT commit an offense if the minor falsely represents himself to be 21 years old or older by displaying an apparently valid proof of identification that:
contains a physical description and photograph consistent with the minor's appearance;
purports to establish that the minor is 21 years of age or older; and
was issued by a governmental agency.
The proof of identification may include a driver's license issued by any state, a U.S. passport, a military identification card or any other ID issued by a state or the federal government.
For that reason, since store clerks, wait staff, and bartenders can be held criminally liable for selling alcohol to a minor, Rodeo requires a photo ID issued by a governmental agency, to prove that the person really is 21.
A store, bar or restaurant might or might not sell alcohol to a person with an expired driver's license, a foreign passport or other ID. What's acceptable in any establishment is a matter of that establishment's private business policies.
If the patron is obviously over 21, the establishment may not require any ID at all.
*Refer to Rodeo Security Training Manual for employee policy
Rodeo Identification Practices
Every customer entering a Rodeo Establishment MUST provide proof of 21+ identification. NO EXCEPTIONS!
Responsible Service Reminders
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code requires sellers and servers to refuse alcoholic beverage service to overly intoxicated persons and minors.
These public safety violations may result in the cancellation or suspension of the establishment’s license or permit to sell alcoholic beverages.
You may also be held civilly liable for selling or serving alcoholic beverages to an individual if:
(1) at the time the provision occurred, it was apparent to the provider that the individual being sold, served, or provided with an alcoholic beverage was obviously intoxicated to the extent that he presented a clear danger to himself and others; and
(2) the intoxication of the recipient was the proximate cause of the damages suffered
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code §2.02
A person commits an offense if the person with criminal negligence sells an alcoholic beverage to an intoxicated person.
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code §101.63(a)
You could receive up to:
$1000 fine; and/or
One year in jail.
Fake ID’s
Rodeo avoids alcohol sales to underage persons. Youth, however, particularly those of college age, can be devious when in pursuit of alcohol. Many don't hesitate to use false or fake ID's, and unfortunately, technological advances have made high quality fake ID's relatively easy to create and even easier to acquire.
The use of fake ID's to misrepresent one's age, while attempting to buy an alcoholic beverage, is a violation of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code. The possession, use, manufacture, or distribution of fake ID's is a violation of other state laws. The possession, use, manufacture, or distribution of counterfeit ID's violates both state and federal law.
A person commits an offense if the person with criminal negligence sells an alcoholic beverage to a minor.
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code §106.03(a)
You could receive up to:
$4000 fine; and/or
One year in jail.
Drivers license immediately suspended for 180 days
Steps to Responsible Alcohol Beverage Service
Be committed to the responsible service of alcoholic beverages.
Do NOT serve an alcoholic beverage to anyone who is intoxicated
Do NOT serve alcoholic beverages to anyone to the point of intoxication
Do NOT drink alcoholic beverages while working
Do NOT serve an alcoholic beverage to anyone under the age of 21 years
Carefully check identification of anyone who appears to be under 30 years of age
Urge any intoxicated customer wishing to leave an establishment to use alternative transportation
Always observe the customer and evaluate the sale/service of alcoholic beverages
Inform law enforcement authorities when intervention attempts with minors or intoxicated persons fail.
Signs of Intoxication:
-Slurred speech
-Mental confusion
-Impaired balance
-Impaired motor ability
-Bloodshot eyes
-Dishevelment
-Smell of alcohol
-Signs of past or present incontinence or nausea
Responsible Marketing Practice
On-Premises Promotions
It is illegal to:
Engage in any promotion that would encourage excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages;
Sell, serve or offer to serve more than two drinks to a single consumer at one time.
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission Rule §45.103
It is legal to:
Sell, serve or deliver alcoholic beverages in pitchers, carafes, buckets or similar containers (bottles) to two or more consumers at one time;
Sell a bottle of liquor to two or more guests, as long as guests don’t become intoxicated.
Off-Premises Promotions
Place alcoholic beverage displays in locations that are conducive to assisting responsible sales.
Choose promotions that don’t specifically target minors.
Station single boxes and promotions in a location that is easily monitored for shoplifting and loitering by a minor.
Remember:
Retailers must be able to watch and control the consumption of alcohol by consumers.
The retailer is responsible for consumer over-consumption.
Wait staff must monitor customers carefully to prevent excessive consumption.
Any unconsumed liquor must be destroyed. It can’t be re-sold or taken home.
TABC Safe Harbor
If an employee sells, serves, dispenses or delivers an alcoholic beverage to a non-member of a private club, a minor or an intoxicated person, the holder of a permit or license may qualify for Safe Harbor if the following six criteria are met:
The person selling is not the owner or an officer of the company;
The person selling holds a current seller-server training certificate from a TABC approved school;
All employees engaged in the sale, service, or delivery of alcoholic beverages, as well as their immediate managers, are certified within 30 days of their hire date;
The employer has written policies for responsible alcohol service and ensures that each employee has read and understands these policies;
The employer does not directly or indirectly encourage the employee to violate the law; and
There are not more than three of these types of violations within a twelve month period.
REMEMBER:
If an illegal sale is made, the seller or server might be arrested and fined up to $4,000 but the company’s permit/license may be protected.
TABC Routine Inspections
TABC agents routinely inspect licensed premises and inspect or patrol other locations looking for violations of the Alcoholic Beverage Code and other state laws.
These inspection and patrol activities constitute a major portion of the TABC's overall enforcement effort and result in a substantial share of the criminal and administrative violations found by enforcement agents.
Licensed Premises
TABC regulates the alcoholic beverage industry in Texas in part by conducting inspections of licensed retail locations. The agency strives to inspect all licensed premises at least once a year.
TABC enforcement agents and compliance auditors conduct inspections for the following purposes:
Unique inspections are conducted to evaluate a location that has not yet been inspected during the current fiscal year.
Complaint investigations are conducted to investigate a complaint.
Risk-based inspections are conducted at licensed locations that have been the site of public safety violations in the past 12 months. These locations are referred to as Priority Locations.
Other inspections may be conducted on a routine basis to facilitate other investigations or operations.
TABC Risk-Based Inspections & Priority Locations When a licensed establishment is involved in certain administrative or criminal violations, it indicates a risk to public safety. TABC refers to these breaches of the law as “public safety violations,” and they include incidents involving:
Minors;
Intoxicated Persons;
Drugs;
Breaches of the Peace (fighting); and
Sales or consumption of alcoholic beverages during prohibited hours.
A location that is cited for a public safety violation is included on the agency’s Priority List, and risk-based inspections are conducted to ensure that the Priority Location complies with the law.
If an agent issues more than one citation on one occasion, this will only count as one violation for the purpose of the priority list.
TABC’s Enforcement Division monitors the occurrence of these public safety violations. Agents will work with license and permit holders in an effort to eliminate the public safety risk.
How often can a Priority Location expect to be inspected?
PRIORITY ONE. A location will be classified as priority one when an agent issues an administrative notice for a public safety violation.
A location classified as Priority One will be inspected at least once every 14 days until it has undergone three inspections with no public safety violations found. At that time, the location will become a Priority Two.
PRIORITY TWO. A location will be classified as priority two when:
the location was previously classified as priority one and completes three consecutive inspections in which no additional public safety violations are found;
the location was previously classified as priority three and an agent issues one or more additional citations for a public safety criminal violation committed on the licensed premises; or
the location is not classified as a priority location and an agent issues a citation for a public safety criminal violation committed on the licensed premises (felony committed by any person, or class A or B misdemeanor committed by the permittee).
A location classified as Priority Two will be inspected at least once a month until six months have passed since the last public safety violation. At that time, the location will become a Priority Three.
PRIORITY THREE. A location will be classified as priority three when:
the location was previously classified as priority two and it has been six months since the last public safety violation; or
the location was not previously classified as a priority location and an agent issues a citation for a public safety criminal violation committed on the licensed premises (misdemeanor usually committed by someone other than the permittee).
A location classified as Priority Three will be inspected at least once every three months until it has been 12 months since the last public safety violation. At that time, the location will drop off the Priority List.
Inspections may be conducted in an open or undercover capacity.
Let’s get another day started!
This handbook was created to inform employees of how Rodeo most efficiently and effectively functions so that all team members are able to make the best of decisions throughout all aspects of work. If anyone ever has any question, thoughts, ideas, or concerns, please speak with management; we are here for you as you are here for us.
Thank you, and welcome to the family!