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Cafe Assistant Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Hard Rock Hotel Cancun

$65 - $95/hr

Assistant General Manager, Cafe page is loaded## Assistant General Manager, CafeApplylocations: Hard Rock Cafe Myrtle Beachtime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todayjob requisition id: R11937Our ...

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Buffalo Trace Cafe, Part Time

Frankfort, KY · On-site

Welcome guests, assist with tasting experiences, and help ensure a smooth visitor flow. * Keep cafe and guest areas clean, organized, stocked, and ready for service. * Monitor inventory levels and ...

Panera Bread

Assistant General Manager

Louisville, KY · On-site

And much, much more!   As an Assistant General Manager, you'll lead an amazing team and a beloved neighborhood bakery-cafe to sweet success! You'll inspire and celebrate your team, partner with ...

Panera Bread

Assistant General Manager

Louisville, KY · On-site

As an Assistant General Manager, you'll lead an amazing team and a beloved neighborhood bakery-cafe to sweet success! You'll inspire and celebrate your team, partner with your General Manager in ...

Panera Bread

Assistant General Manager

Frankfort, KY · On-site

As an Assistant General Manager,you'lllead an amazing team and a beloved neighborhood bakery-cafe to sweet success!You'llinspire and celebrate your team, partner with your General Manager in ...

Panera Bread

Assistant Manager

Ashland, KY · On-site

Aiding the management of the Cafe are Assistant Managers, who are responsible for running of their departments and who help with every-day management responsibilities. Rounding out the cafe ...

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Cafe Assistant information

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How much do cafe assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafe assistant in Kentucky is $13.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.68 and $14.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a cafe assistant do?

A cafe assistant supports the daily operations of a cafe or coffee shop. As a cafe assistant, your job duties may include taking food and beverage orders, stocking pastry displays and other inventory, and cleaning the facility. You may also make simple drinks and be trained to use an espresso machine. Although there are minimal qualifications to become a cafe assistant, you need strong customer service, communication, and multi-tasking skills, as well as attention to detail. Employers typically provide on-the-job training in this entry-level role, which can help you gain valuable career experience in the service industry.

What does a cafe assistant do?

A Cafe Assistant is responsible for supporting the daily operations of a cafe, which includes tasks such as serving customers, preparing and serving food and drinks, handling payments, and maintaining cleanliness in the dining and kitchen areas. They often assist with restocking supplies, setting up tables, and ensuring that customers have a pleasant dining experience. Good communication and customer service skills are essential for this role, as Cafe Assistants frequently interact with customers and work as part of a team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cafe assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cafe Assistant, you generally need experience in food preparation, basic food hygiene knowledge, and strong customer service skills, often supported by a food safety certificate. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, coffee machines, and inventory management tools is typically required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help you stand out in this role. These skills are crucial for delivering efficient service, maintaining food safety standards, and ensuring a positive customer experience in a busy cafe environment.

What are some common challenges faced by cafe assistants and how can they be managed effectively?

Cafe Assistants often encounter challenges such as handling busy rush hours, maintaining excellent customer service under pressure, and balancing multiple tasks like operating the register, preparing drinks, and restocking supplies. Effective time management, strong communication skills, and teamwork are crucial in overcoming these challenges. Many cafes provide training and encourage a supportive environment, where staff members help each other during peak periods, making it easier to manage high workloads and provide a positive customer experience.

What is the difference between Cafe Assistant vs Barista?

AspectCafe AssistantBarista
CredentialsNone required, some experience helpfulFood safety certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentGeneral cafe duties, customer servicePreparing coffee, espresso, and beverages
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in cafes, restaurants, cateringPrimarily in coffee shops and specialty cafes
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for general cafe support rolesInterested in coffee preparation skills

While both roles work in cafes, a Cafe Assistant provides general support including customer service and cleaning, whereas a Barista specializes in coffee and beverage preparation. The roles often overlap, but Baristas typically require specific coffee-making skills and certifications. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right position based on their skills and interests.

How to get a cafe assistant job with no experience?

To get a cafe assistant job with no experience, focus on demonstrating good communication skills, a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn. Highlight any customer service or teamwork experience on your resume, and consider volunteering or taking short training courses to build relevant skills. Employers often value reliability and enthusiasm, especially for entry-level positions.
More about Cafe Assistant jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Cafe jobs in Kentucky?

The most popular types of Cafe jobs in Kentucky are:

What job categories do people searching Cafe Assistant jobs in Kentucky look for?

The top searched job categories for Cafe Assistant jobs in Kentucky are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Cafe Assistant jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Cafe Assistant job openings:

Cafe Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cafe Assistant job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $27,767 per year, or $13.3 per hour.

Café Supervisor (Part-time)

Barnes & Noble Education, Inc.

Lexington, KY • On-site

Other

Retirement

Re-posted 4 days ago

Barnes & Noble Education rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 11 rated book shops

Job description

Introduction
Barnes & Noble College is a retail partner for nearly 800 colleges and universities nationwide. We offer a retail environment like no other - uniquely focused on delivering essential educational content, tools, and merchandise within a dynamic retail environment on campuses of higher education. Our teams interact directly with our customers including students, faculty, administration, alumni, and the general public to provide outstanding customer service to sell or rent books, general merchandise, and an array of products and services for an academic community.
Overview
Barnes & Noble College is seeking a resourceful, driven, adaptable, and customer-focused team member to work varying or set schedules on a weekly basis year round as a part-time Café Supervisor in our BNC Starbucks Licensee Café at the University of Kentucky! In the Café you will provide assistance to the management team, have oversight for team members within the café or store in the absence of upper management, greet customers, and increase customer loyalty while preparing drinks and food in a fast-paced academic environment.
Responsibilities
A Cafe Supervisor in our BNC Starbucks should support the management team, be a resource for all departments, a model for customer service, a driver for sales, and a skillful problem solver. As a BNC Starbucks Licensee Café Supervisor you will spend the majority of your time on the sales floor coaching and modeling Wow customer service. You will help train and oversee the daily work activity of team members in the Café. You must be knowledgeable about cafe and store operations; provide outstanding customer service; help enforce loss prevention and safe food handling procedures; and ensure that the Café is maintained.
Expectations:
  • Spend the majority of your time in the cafe delivering, coaching, and modeling exceptional customer service.
  • Maintain a working knowledge of all café operations and assist in the preparation and serving of a variety of hot and cold food and drinks following prescribed recipes and techniques.
  • Assist with assigning work and providing focused direction to café team members to ensure the set up and restocking of displays, wrap, label, date, and rotate food items for sale is executed daily.
  • Help resolve customer issues and complaints and escalating to manager, when necessary.
  • Operate equipment, troubleshoot breakdowns, maintain supplies and perform preventive maintenance.
  • Maintain a safe and healthy work environment by following cleaning, sanitation, and operational standards. Food handling or safety certification may be required in some locations.
  • Replenish customer service stations, order/receive supplies or products, and take out trash.
  • Assist with processing sales transactions.
  • Part-time positions require availability to work on a weekly basis year round. Schedules may be set or vary to meet the needs of the store an hours will be less than 30 per week.
  • Routine housekeeping including, for example, dusting, mopping, window cleaning, vacuuming, trash removal.

Physical Demands:
  • Frequent movement within the store to access various departments, areas, and/or products.
  • Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods.
  • Frequent lifting.
  • Occasional reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and climbing ladders.

Benefits available include:
  • Get paid sooner! Daily Pay earned wage access is available to all store employees.
  • Employee Discount
  • Paid sick time (accrued based on time worked)
  • Eligibility to participate in a 401k (after the completion of 1000 hours worked in a 12 month period)
  • Commuter Benefits

COVID-19 Considerations:
Our stores comply with all applicable federal, state and local requirements and/or recommendations regarding social distancing and sanitizing. In accordance with individual campus requirements, positions may require confirmation of vaccination. The use of face masks throughout the day and while on campus may also be expected or required.
Qualifications
  • Customer service experience in a retail or restaurant environment.
  • Prior supervisor or manager experience.
  • High-energy, friendly personality, with strong communication skills to interact with a variety of people.
  • Excellent customer service and communication skills needed.
  • Strong interpersonal, communication, organizational, and problem solving skills.
  • Basic reading, writing and accounting skills required.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

EEO Statement
Barnes & Noble College is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer committed to diversity in the workplace. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.

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