Barista

Description

Position Overview

Our Café Team Members are the heart of the guest experience. This cross-trained role supports both front-of-house barista service and back-of-house kitchen operations. You will craft high-quality beverages, prepare food, and create a welcoming, hospitality-driven environment for every guest.

This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced café setting, enjoys both coffee and food preparation, and takes pride in teamwork, consistency, and attention to detail.

Key Responsibilities

Guest Experience & Hospitality

• Create a genuine, welcoming environment where every guest feels valued and cared for from the moment they enter.
• Deliver exceptional guest service with confidence, warmth, and attention to detail in every interaction.
• Serve as a knowledgeable brand ambassador by confidently sharing information about our coffee and libations, menu offerings, seasonal items and retail coffee.
• Anticipate guest needs, proactively offer thoughtful recommendations, and resolve questions or concerns with professionalism and grace.
• Uphold and reflect LOFTY Coffee’s core values of integrity, quality, excellence, and community in all guest and team interactions.

Beverage Preparation (Barista Duties)

• Prepare espresso-based beverages, manual pour-overs, batch brew, teas, and specialty drinks with precision and consistency according to company recipes and presentation standards.
• Dial in espresso daily by calibrating grinders, monitoring extraction time, yield, and taste, and making real-time adjustments to maintain optimal flavor profiles.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of espresso theory, milk chemistry, and proper steaming techniques to achieve ideal texture, temperature, and latte art presentation.
  
  
• Maintain strict quality control standards by tasting espresso regularly, identifying flavor defects, and ensuring every beverage meets LOFTY Coffee’s expectations before serving.
• Execute drink preparation efficiently during peak service while maintaining composure, cleanliness, and attention to detail.
• Properly operate, clean, and maintain espresso machines, grinders, brewers, filtration systems, and related equipment to preserve performance and longevity.
• Accurately enter orders using the Square POS system, confirm guest modifications, and ensure seamless communication with the kitchen when applicable.
• Maintain an organized, fully stocked, and immaculate bar station at all times, following FIFO standards for milk, syrups, and coffee beans.

Food Preparation (Kitchen Duties)

• Prepare cafe offerings including egg plates, specialty sandwiches, and composed bowls with precision, efficiency, and attention to presentation.
• Execute all recipes according to established portioning, plating, and quality standards to ensure consistency.
• Maintain strict freshness standards by properly rotating ingredients (FIFO), monitoring product quality, and minimizing waste.
• Complete daily prep tasks with accuracy and urgency, ensuring stations are fully stocked, organized, and service-ready at all times.
• Reset and maintain a clean, efficient workstation throughout service to support seamless kitchen flow.
• Monitor ingredient levels during your shift and proactively communicate low inventory or prep needs to management to avoid service disruption.
• Uphold food safety and sanitation standards in all aspects of preparation, storage, and handling.

Daily Café Operational Standards

• Execute opening and closing procedures for both front and back of house ensuring the café is fully prepared for service and properly reset at the end of each day.
• Maintain clean, fully stocked, and well-organized stations at all times to support efficiency and a seamless guest experience.
• Follow FIFO (First-In, First-Out) inventory practices, maintain accurate prep pars, and actively minimize waste through product management.
• Uphold strict cleanliness and sanitation standards throughout the shift, ensuring all work areas, equipment, and storage spaces meet health department regulations and company expectations.
• Safely operate and maintain equipment in accordance with company SOPs, reporting maintenance or safety concerns promptly.
• Maintain professional appearance, personal hygiene, and adherence to dress code standards reflective of our brand.

Requirements

Requirements:

• Previous experience as a barista or in a customer service role, preferably in a coffee shop or cafe setting
• Passion for coffee and a desire to learn about different coffee varieties, brewing methods, and flavor profiles
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with customers in a friendly and professional manner
• Ability to work well under pressure and multitask in a fast-paced environment
• Attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high standards of quality and cleanliness
• Flexibility to work a variety of shifts, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Knowledge of espresso machine operation and basic coffee preparation techniques is preferred but not required
• Food handler's permit or willingness to obtain one upon hire. 

Benefits:

• Competitive hourly wage plus tips. 
• Employee discounts on food and beverages. 
• Access to SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) certified coffee education and barista training.
• Opportunities for advancement and professional development. 
• A positive and inclusive work environment where teamwork and creativity are valued.

In order to qualify for the position, the candidate must:

• Proficient in using POS systems (Square preferred) and kitchen display systems (KDS)
• Availability to work a flexible schedule including weekends and holidays
• Current forms of Identification, bank account and reliable transportation
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment
• Good communication skills and a team player attitude
• Basic computer skills and familiarity with order processing systems
• Nice to have: previous experience in order fulfillment