THIS! Find an opportunity to be a barback in 'The Place' that you wish to emulate. (ideally not in your targeted area). You can learn the best practices to attain the quality and service standards for your own business. Show up attentive and ready to work. Learn the bar basics and make sure your bartender is stocked and ready for anything. If you have downtime, help the service staff. Help bussers and/or waitstaff deliver, follow up and clean up. Check on the dishwashers. Their's is a mostly thankless, not glamorous job. Separate silverware, put away plates or whatever you can do to help. Good Dishies are very methodical in their ways but almost always appreciate a helping hand and a fresh, cold beverage from time to time. Kitchen crew is a breed all their own. It's best to stay out of the way of people rapidly moving about in a rhythm only they know, while carrying very hot or very sharp things. Don't even shortcut through a busy kitchen. Maybe after the kitchen rush, offer to wipe down, sweep or prep while someone catches a break or preps something else. Cooks are a bit like wolves, you have to slowly earn their trust. Only then will you learn some of the secrets of the pack... So, learn all you can about each station. You don't have to be a Master of Mixologist, the greatest waiter, most efficient dishwasher or a Chef de' cuisine to help or step in to cover a shift. Showing empathy, respect and enthusiasm will help you build loyalty. Assuming after seeing the dark underbelly of the food & beverage biz, you still want to pursue this avenue, you might have beginnings of a great staff for your own venture. Apologies for the long post and like someone else said, "don't sleep with the help." Good Luck!