Barista - New Store Opening

HOMETOWN COFFEE & JUICE•Northbrook, IL

6d•Onsite

About The Position

At Hometown Coffee & Juice, our Baristas do more than make great coffee - they create experiences that keep customers coming back. As a Barista, you'll combine technical skill, speed, attention to detail, and genuine hospitality to deliver consistently excellent beverages in a fast-paced café environment. A successful Barista takes pride in every detail, from dialing in espresso and steaming milk to maintaining a clean, organized workspace and connecting with customers. You'll work closely with your teammates to keep service moving while maintaining the quality and hospitality that define Hometown.

Requirements

Previous customer service or coffee experience is preferred, but we are happy to train the right person.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to multitask and remain organized in a fast-paced environment.
Interest in learning about coffee, espresso, and beverage preparation.
Knowledge of safe food handling practices.
Ability to stand and move throughout the café for extended periods.
Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

Prepare coffee and espresso beverages according to Hometown recipes and quality standards.
Dial in espresso and monitor beverage quality throughout the shift.
Steam milk and prepare beverages with consistency in taste, texture, temperature, and presentation.
Follow standardized recipes and procedures to ensure every customer receives a great product.
Manage your station calmly and efficiently during busy periods.
Keep your workspace organized, stocked, and ready for service.
Maintain strong awareness of ticket flow and help keep orders moving.
Support the cashier and other FOH positions as needed during peak periods without compromising quality.
Develop a strong understanding of Hometown's coffee, beverage, and menu offerings.
Continue building technical skills and product knowledge through training and hands-on experience.
Identify and communicate equipment or product issues to leadership.
Follow proper procedures for operating, cleaning, and maintaining coffee equipment.
Welcome and engage customers with warm, genuine hospitality.
Help customers navigate the menu and make recommendations when appropriate.
Anticipate customer and team needs and proactively offer support.
Address customer concerns quickly, professionally, and with care.
Keep the barista station clean, organized, and stocked throughout the shift.
Follow all sanitation, food safety, and cleaning procedures.
Clean equipment, surfaces, and tools as needed throughout service and at the end of each shift.