barista, Reserve Cafe - Chicago Roastery

Starbucks Coffee Company•Chicago, IL

1d•$19 - $22•Onsite

About The Position

The Barista contributes to the success of the Starbucks Reserve brand by providing an exceptional customer experience as an ambassador of coffee leadership and steward of quality. The role supports operational excellence and teamwork to create the Starbucks Reserve Experience, while modeling Starbucks guiding principles. The position is part of the Reserve Cafe, an Italian-inspired bakery and kitchen featuring high-quality culinary offerings. Baristas prepare freshly baked pastries and food using premium ingredients, share knowledge of exclusive products, and help customers discover food and beverage pairings. The role takes place in a fast-paced environment alongside a diverse team of Starbucks partners.

Requirements

Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions and request clarification when needed.
High attention to detail and ability to multitask and prioritize effectively.
Ability to work as part of a large, matrixed team.
Ability to learn quickly.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships quickly.
Ability to work in multiple positions across different store departments and perform a variety of tasks during each shift.

Nice To Haves

1–2 years of specialty retail sales experience.
Facilitation and presentation skills.
Ability to carry and balance a tray.
Baking or culinary certification or degree.
Pizza-making experience or additional baking experience.
Basic culinary knife skills.
Additional languages.

Responsibilities

Act with integrity, honesty, and knowledge in support of Starbucks' culture, values, and mission.
Provide a distinctive coffee- and food-focused experience while keeping pace with production demands.
Demonstrate expertise in food and beverage products and their ingredients.
Maintain composure and a calm demeanor during high-volume periods and unusual situations.
Prepare consistent, high-quality beverages, whole bean coffee, and food according to recipes and presentation standards.
Follow health, safety, and sanitation guidelines.
Contribute to a positive team environment and maintain regular, punctual attendance.
Anticipate customer and store needs by evaluating the environment and observing customer cues.
Deliver exceptional customer service and support store events and the full-service model where applicable.
Maintain knowledge of rotating food, beverage, whole bean, and retail products.
Engage customers with recommendations, food and beverage pairings, and equipment demonstrations.
Follow operational policies and procedures, including cash handling, safety, and security practices.
Keep the workspace clean and organized.
Work in an environment with rapid innovation and short turnaround times for product and service delivery.
Support inventory management, receiving, and storage of deliveries.
Use production planning tools to help ensure item availability.
Prepare, finish, and assemble beverages and food using necessary equipment.
Stock and maintain display tables, cases, supplies, and service wares.
Proof doughs and laminates.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Basic and supplemental life insurance and other voluntary insurance benefits.
Short-term and long-term disability.
Paid parental leave.
Family expansion reimbursement.
Paid vacation that accrues after an introductory period.
Sick time.
Additional pay for working on one of eight observed holidays.
Eligible partners may participate in a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match.
Discounted company stock program (S.I.P.).
Starbucks equity program (Bean Stock).
Incentivized emergency savings and financial well-being tools.
Upfront tuition coverage for a first-time bachelor's degree through Arizona State University's online program via the Starbucks College Achievement Plan.
Student loan management resources and access to other educational opportunities.
Backup care.
DACA reimbursement.