Barista

Crafty•Chicago, IL

4h•Onsite

About The Position

Crafty is seeking an experienced Barista to prepare high-quality handcrafted beverages and provide exceptional hospitality in a client cafe in Chicago, Illinois. As the face of the Cafe Program, the Barista creates a welcoming environment and helps ensure smooth cafe operations while balancing speed, precision, and attention to detail. The role involves preparing drinks, managing inventory, keeping the workspace clean and organized, and adapting to changing service needs in a fast-paced environment. The Barista is expected to provide personalized, client-focused service; follow best practices for espresso extraction, milk steaming, and beverage presentation; and support a positive team experience. The role combines independent station management with close collaboration with the Senior Barista on service flow, training initiatives, and daily cafe operations. Success is measured in part by maintaining a monthly quality-control score of at least 98% and limiting overtime to 30 minutes or less per individual timecard. The position is based in the Chicago market and may involve shifts starting as early as 6 a.m. Compensation is targeted at $20 per hour. Crafty offers healthcare coverage including primary health, dental, and vision plans, a 401(k), paid time off, equipment certification courses, parental leave, snacks, beverages, and events. The role also offers an opportunity to help shape the direction of a young, flourishing company.

Requirements

At least 1 year of experience in a third wave cafe.
At least 2 years of experience with a manual espresso machine.
Ability to perform full espresso bar execution on a manual machine.
Customer service and hospitality skills.
Ability to frequently lift 25 pounds or more, work on feet, and bend frequently.
Availability for shifts that may start as early as 6 a.m.

Responsibilities

Prepare handcrafted beverages and execute a full espresso bar on a manual espresso machine.
Deliver welcoming, personalized customer service, learn clients’ names and preferences, seek feedback, and make thoughtful recommendations.
Maintain beverage quality and presentation, including dialing in espresso shots and ensuring consistent latte art.
Monitor inventory and keep coffee beans, syrups, milk alternatives, and other supplies stocked.
Maintain a clean, organized, polished workspace and follow health and safety regulations.
Open or close the cafe as needed, maintain equipment, and support teammates during busy service periods.
Adapt to menu changes, equipment issues, custom orders, and unexpected rushes while keeping service running smoothly.
Support teammates with tasks such as restocking, dishwashing, and inventory assistance.
Partner with the Senior Barista on service flow, training initiatives, and day-to-day cafe operations; seek guidance or escalate issues when appropriate.
Take initiative to troubleshoot minor equipment issues, maintain cafe standards, and identify workflow improvements.
Maintain a monthly QC Evaluation score of 98% or above.
Clock in and out at scheduled times and keep overtime to 30 minutes or less per individual timecard.