Barista (Barrio Logan)

Ryan Bros Coffee•San Diego, CA

21h•Onsite

About The Position

Ryan Bros Coffee is a San Diego-born, family-owned specialty coffee brand founded in 1994 by brothers Harry, Tom, and Carmine Ryan. We are more than a coffee shop — we are coffee innovators. From our patented Hot Draft™ nitro beverage system and Freestyle Xpress™ to our micro-roasted single-origin blends, handcrafted flavored powders, and cold brew program, everything we do is built around craft, consistency, and community. Our Barrio Logan location sits at the heart of one of San Diego's most vibrant and culturally rich neighborhoods. We take pride in being part of that community and are looking for team members who share that same pride. We are Fair Trade Certified (ID 22477) and committed to the principles of Responsibility, Betterment, and Conservation — our RBC sustainability pledge. When you join Ryan Bros Coffee, you're not just getting a job. You're joining a family. THE BARISTA ROLE : As a Ryan Bros Coffee Barista at Barrio Logan, you are the face and heartbeat of our operation. You are responsible for crafting every drink with intention, welcoming every guest with energy, and holding our quality standard from the first pour to the final handoff. Our baristas don't just make coffee — they build relationships, uphold a craft, and represent a brand our community has trusted for over 30 years. This role requires someone who can thrive in a fast-paced environment without sacrificing quality, communicate clearly under pressure, and take genuine ownership of every shift they work.

Requirements

Minimum 1 year of customer-facing experience (coffee or service industry preferred)
California Food Handler Card (or ability to obtain before first shift)
Reliable transportation and consistent availability
Ability to work mornings, weekends, and holidays as needed
Excellent verbal communication skills
Ability to stand for full shifts (3–6+ hours) and lift up to 30 lbs
Strong attention to detail and personal quality standards
Self-motivated, team-oriented attitude

Nice To Haves

1+ year of specialty coffee or espresso bar experience
Familiarity with espresso dialing, milk steaming, and drink sequencing
Experience in high-volume or fast-paced café environments
Knowledge of different coffee origins and roast profiles
Barista training certification or equivalent hands-on experience
Passion for craft coffee, hospitality, or food culture

Responsibilities

Prepare the full RBC drink menu including espresso drinks, lattes, cold brews, teas, frappes, smoothies, and specialty seasonal items with precision and consistency
Steam milk to correct texture and temperature for each drink type (lattes, cappuccinos, cortados, macchiatos, and more)
Operate our patented Hot Draft™ nitro system and Freestyle Xpress™ platform with confidence
Learn and represent our full product catalog — house blends (SD Sunrise, Old Town Mexicano, Cowboy, Coronado Moonlight), cold brews, flavored powders (Mexican Cocoa, Chai), whole-leaf teas (Red Rooster, Earl Grey), and seasonal specials
Taste, evaluate, and self-correct for quality — never sending out a drink you wouldn't be proud of
Greet every guest with energy and genuine warmth — make regulars feel remembered and new guests feel welcomed
Communicate clearly during order taking, upsell seasonal and specialty items knowledgeably
Handle complaints and drink adjustments gracefully — listen first, recover fast, never argue
Manage mobile and in-person order queues simultaneously without sacrificing accuracy
Represent RBC values: craftsmanship, community, and the belief that life is too short to be bitter
Open and/or close the bar according to RBC cleaning checklists and shift standards
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe bar station throughout every shift — "clean as you go" is non-negotiable
Monitor and communicate stock levels proactively — escalate low inventory before it disrupts service
Follow all RBC coffee handling and sanitation protocols outlined in the Barista Handling Handbook
Assist with receiving, rotating, and labeling product using FIFO standards
Work collaboratively with kitchen and front-of-house staff to maintain smooth shift flow
Support teammates proactively — cover stations, call out, fill gaps without being asked
Receive feedback from leads and managers openly and apply it immediately
Participate actively in team huddles, training refreshers, and menu rollouts