Barista

Sidecar Doughnuts and Coffee • Costa Mesa, CA

18d • $17 - $18

About The Position

Sidecar is hiring a barista to run its coffee bar and develop their craft while helping deliver a warm, memorable guest experience. Sidecar makes coffee and doughnuts from scratch in small batches, emphasizing quality, consistency, creativity, and cleanliness. Baristas prepare espresso and other coffee beverages to specification, welcome and guide guests, and help ensure each visit reflects Sidecar’s standards. The role may also include serving and, after training, back-of-house work as business and team needs require.

The position offers hands-on bar training and opportunities to increase hourly base pay by learning additional skills and stations. Baristas become eligible to share in tips after training in two skills. Those who earn certifications across front-of-house skills and cross-train into roles such as server and baker may become eligible for leadership roles. Starting pay varies by location and experience and follows the local market.

Requirements

• At least 2 years of experience as a barista at reputable coffee concepts.
• Understanding of espresso and drip coffee, including how to recognize quality by taste and dial in coffee.
• Ability to recalibrate coffee preparation to achieve and maintain a target tasting profile.
• Friendly, professional, and personal guest-service skills.
• Ability to remain warm, accurate, and calm during busy periods.
• Willingness to work in serving and, when trained, back-of-house roles as directed.
• Dependability and punctuality, and availability for early-morning, weekend, and holiday shifts.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices, or willingness to become certified.

Responsibilities

• Pull espresso, steam milk, and prepare coffee beverages to specification quickly, consistently, and attractively, including during busy periods.
• Finish drinks with clean, basic latte art.
• Taste espresso and drip coffee and recalibrate grind, dose, and extraction to achieve the desired tasting profile.
• Learn the coffee and doughnut menu, including ingredients, tasting notes, and pairings, and help guests choose.
• Greet guests warmly, build personal connections, and remember regular guests and their preferences.
• Step into serving work and, when trained, back-of-house positions as needed.
• Keep the bar, equipment, and front of house clean, calibrated, and food-safe, following health and sanitation standards.
• Communicate clearly, support the line during rushes, and help prepare the next shift for success.

Benefits

• Health insurance is available to full-time employees.
• Paid vacation is available to full-time employees.
• 401(k) with a match of up to 4% of employee contributions.
• Free doughnut and coffee beverage for each shift worked.
• Employee discount on products and merchandise.
• Full, hands-on training on the bar.
• Opportunity to share in tips after training on two skills.
• Hourly base-pay increases for learning additional skills and stations.
• Potential eligibility for leadership roles after earning front-of-house certifications and cross-training into roles such as server and baker.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed