Front of House Associate

The Wonderful Company • Bakersfield, CA

21h • Onsite

About The Position

La Cocina Shafter, The Wonderful Company’s café at the Wonderful Logistics Center, is seeking a friendly, motivated, and organized Front of House Associate. The role focuses on delivering an exceptional guest experience by preparing and serving high-quality beverages, assisting customers, and supporting daily front-of-house operations in a welcoming and efficient café environment.

The position is based in Shafter, California, with a Monday–Friday schedule. Shifts may vary between opening, mid-day, and closing, within operating hours of 4:30 AM–5:30 PM, according to business needs and scheduling coverage. The role includes food and beverage service, catering support, inventory and cleanliness tasks, and occasional deliveries or pickups in a company-provided vehicle.

Requirements

• GED or high school diploma.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
• Valid Food Handler Card or ServSafe certification, or ability to obtain one within the first 60 days of employment.
• Food safety and/or food handler training or certification, with awareness of local, state, and federal health and sanitation laws.
• Basic knowledge of food and beverage preparation, including coffee techniques.
• Understanding of the proper use and maintenance of café equipment, including espresso machines, grinders, brewers, refrigeration, and kitchen tools.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment with a positive attitude.
• Strong commitment to exceptional customer service and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and active listening skills for interacting with customers and coworkers.
• Problem-solving ability and openness to taking direction.
• Ability to stand for extended periods, bend, and lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Six months to one year of previous work experience in food service, as a barista, in hospitality, or in a related customer service role is preferred.
• Conversational Spanish is desired but not required.

Responsibilities

• Greet customers warmly and positively, creating a welcoming environment that encourages repeat visits.
• Take and prepare coffee shop orders accurately and efficiently.
• Operate registers and communicate daily specials, updates, and upcoming events to customers.
• Prepare specialty drinks, including espresso beverages, in-house coffee syrups, freshly squeezed fruit juices, and wellness shots, while working safely and staying organized.
• Assist with preparing fresh fruit for the Grab-and-Go area.
• Support onsite and offsite catering events, including tracking, preparation, delivery, setup, service, and teardown as needed.
• Help the Front of House Supervisor track inventory and restock front-of-house supplies.
• Follow proper food-handling techniques and physical safety rules.
• Check that front-of-house equipment is functioning properly, identify repair or maintenance needs, and report them to the Front of House Supervisor.
• Keep service and storage areas clean, sanitized, and organized.
• Communicate customer feedback to managers and recommend menu items or improvements.
• Complete tasks assigned by the Food Service Manager and/or Front of House Supervisor to support restaurant operations.
• Perform food deliveries and pickups as needed using a company-provided vehicle and follow company policies, safe driving practices, and applicable traffic laws.

Benefits

• Medical coverage, vision and dental plans, and eligibility for a 401(k) with match.
• 24/7 online physician consultations.
• Virtual mental health resources and life coaching.
• Employee community groups.
• Cash rewards for healthy habits and fitness reimbursements.
• Library of on-demand fitness videos.
• Career advancement opportunities and internal mobility.
• Learning and development resources, including leadership training, webinars, and eLearning courses.
• Company-wide mentorship program.
• Continuous improvement training.
• Wonderful Giving, which provides company funds to allocate to up to three charities of the employee’s choice.
• Opportunities to participate in group community service projects through Wonderful Neighbor.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED