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Cafe Helper Jobs in Milwaukee, WI (NOW HIRING)

As Café Team Expert (CTE), you are an integral leader for the café team. You work through the ... to help them and modeling this for the store team. • Take initiative to drive your own ...

As Cafe Team Expert (CTE), you are an integral leader for the cafe team. You work through the team ... Are always cheerful and helpful with customers, consistently going out of your way to help them and ...

Cafe Associate (3rd Shift)

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

CAFÉ ASSOCIATE Love Cooking? Love Pizza? Turn Your Passion for Great Food into a Career at Palermo ... help prepare fresh meals, maintain a clean and safe kitchen, and support the daily operations of ...

Cafe Associate (3rd Shift)

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

CAFÉ ASSOCIATE Love Cooking? Love Pizza? Turn Your Passion for Great Food into a Career at Palermo ... help prepare fresh meals, maintain a clean and safe kitchen, and support the daily operations of ...

Café BOH/FOH Team Member

Waukesha, WI · On-site

$12 - $16.25/hr

CAFÉ BOH/FOH TEAM MEMBER JOB SUMMARY The Café Team Members are primarily responsible for serving ... Urban Air's purpose is to help kids have fun and aim higher, achieving those things that they never ...

Café/Deli Clerk

Pewaukee, WI · On-site

$13.75 - $17/hr

Our Cafe/Deli clerks learn to work all front of house operations for our onsite restaurant and deli ... You can't help it, because you're awesome. * You value independently owned businesses and believe ...

Line Cook About Us: We're a cozy cafe that's all about great coffee, good food, and creating a ... Be a team player and help in the ice cream parlor as needed * Jump in with prep, washing dishes ...

Helping other team members to unload and store deliveries * Assist other staff members with tasks ... Must be able to prioritize tasks Welcome to Capitol Cafe, where we blend global flavors with ...

Team Member

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$12.50 - $16.25/hr

Team Member Sweet Joy Brazilian Cafe is looking for reliable, energetic team members to assist with our off-site catering events. Responsibilities: ● Help load catering equipment and food into the ...

Barista - PT

Brookfield, WI · On-site

$14.50 - $16.50/hr

Equally, you are an essential part of the cafe team in maintaining the attractive presentation and ensuring the efficient running of the Cafe. You help unpack and stock deliveries and to tidy our ...

Barista - PT

Wauwatosa, WI · On-site

$14.75 - $17/hr

Equally, you are an essential part of the cafe team in maintaining the attractive presentation and ensuring the efficient running of the Cafe. You help unpack and stock deliveries and to tidy our ...

New

Barista - PT

Wauwatosa, WI · On-site

$14.75 - $17/hr

Equally, you are an essential part of the café team in maintaining the attractive presentation and ensuring the efficient running of the Café. You help unpack and stock deliveries and to tidy our ...

New

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Cafe Helper information

See Milwaukee, WI salary details

$5

$12

$17

How much do cafe helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafe helper in Milwaukee, WI is $12.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $9.71 and $14.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a cafe helper do?

A Cafe Helper is responsible for assisting with various tasks in a café, such as preparing simple food and drinks, cleaning tables and work areas, restocking supplies, and supporting baristas and kitchen staff. They often help with taking orders, serving customers, and ensuring the café remains clean and organized. This role is essential for maintaining smooth operations and providing a pleasant experience for customers.

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

To thrive as a Cafe Helper, you need basic food handling knowledge, customer service skills, and often a food safety certification. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, coffee machines, and kitchen equipment is typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and a friendly attitude help you excel when serving customers and supporting coworkers. These skills ensure efficient service, compliance with safety standards, and a positive customer experience in a busy cafe environment.

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

Cafe Helpers often face challenges such as managing busy rush periods, multitasking between cleaning, replenishing supplies, and assisting baristas or kitchen staff. Effective time management, clear communication with team members, and maintaining a positive attitude under pressure are key to overcoming these challenges. Many cafes provide on-the-job training and encourage teamwork, so being proactive in asking for help or clarification can make a significant difference in handling fast-paced situations smoothly.

What is the difference between Cafe Helper vs Barista?

AspectCafe HelperBarista
CredentialsNone typically requiredOften requires food safety or coffee certifications
Work EnvironmentCasual cafe settings, assisting with basic tasksFront-line customer service, preparing coffee and beverages
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in cafes, coffee shops, and small eateriesStandard role in cafes, coffee shops, and specialty coffee establishments
Search & Comparison IntentOften searched by entry-level job seekers or those assisting in cafesCompared for those interested in specialized coffee service roles

The main difference between a Cafe Helper and a Barista lies in their responsibilities and required skills. Cafe Helpers typically assist with basic tasks like cleaning and stocking, while Baristas prepare beverages and interact directly with customers. Both roles are common in similar environments, but Baristas often need specific coffee knowledge and certifications. Understanding these differences can help job seekers find the right position in the cafe industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cafe jobs in Milwaukee, WI?

The most popular types of Cafe jobs in Milwaukee, WI are:

What cities near Milwaukee, WI are hiring for Cafe Helper jobs?

Cities near Milwaukee, WI with the most Cafe Helper job openings:

Infographic showing various Cafe Helper job openings in Milwaukee, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, and 28% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $26,232 per year, or $12.6 per hour.

Cafe Team Expert

Barnes & Noble

Glendale, WI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Job Summary
A Barnes & Noble bookstore is a gathering place for readers and the community. As Café Team Expert (CTE), you are an integral leader for the café team. You work through the team to develop their knowledge to create a welcoming environment for our customers. You are good at identifying and connecting data, using it to impact sales, trends, waste, inventory and other components to ensure a profitable Café. In this role, you present viable business strategies and work collaboratively with the Store Manager (SM) to implement and adapt café action plans to deliver expected results.
You'll make a great Cafe Team Expert if you have what we term to be good "behaviors." Expect your colleagues to demonstrate these behaviors and to hold you, and themselves, to high standards, and for your Store Managers to reinforce our expectations.
These behaviors collectively demonstrate that you:
• Maintain reliable and punctual attendance for scheduled shifts, setting the standard for the team and ensuring consistent leadership presence on the floor.
• Fill scheduling gaps when you are able, being flexible and responsive to the needs of the store - we are open from early mornings to late evenings every day, including weekends and most holidays.
• Are positive and proactive in your approach to work; you lead by example with purpose and energy, working hard and reliably while inspiring others to do the same.
• Are supportive of the entire store team, demonstrating kindness, fairness, encouragement and respect.
• Are always cheerful and helpful with customers, consistently going out of your way to help them and modeling this for the store team.
• Take initiative to drive your own development, are an enthusiastic learner and use feedback to improve skills.
• Are an active listener who understands information and clearly communicates messages as expected to support company initiatives and goals.
• Prioritize resources and barista support appropriately to keep the shift on track.
• Above all, show that you enjoy being a barista!
As a Café Team Expert you are part of a busy team and will be required to master the operational competencies of a Barnes & Noble Barista.
You will be trained and expect to be proficient in these areas:
• Using mastered skills in drink making, creating and maintaining food and beverage presentation standards and adjusting displays, modeling and coaching others in their effective use.
• Using strong visual merchandising skills, to maintain counter and floor retail fixtures.
• Running an efficient and quick register while taking orders, coaching others on efficient order taking and speed of service.
• Using bookselling skills to support the bookfloor team willingly and effectively when available.
• Actively coaching the team to follow loss prevention procedures, and maintain a safe, secure bookstore by the ability to spot theft and effectively de-escalate challenging situations and problematic behaviors.
• Managing inventory through effective food and beverage orders.
• Completing and submit accurate monthly inventory and waste log on time.
All this work requires physical activity which includes prolonged standing, repetitive bending, lifting, and a lot of walking. You may work in other stores if you are able, and this is needed, collaboratively supporting the wider Cluster.
As you gain experience, you should expect your Café Team Expert knowledge and skills to develop.
Each Barnes & Noble bookstore is the product of its bookselling and café team. You will increasingly contribute as you develop your expertise. You will:
• Use expert knowledge to make effective food and beverage recommendations to customers, acting as a role model to the team.
• Review category sales, inventory quantities and product waste reports, assessing and acting on information to maximize our sales and profitability.
• Meet with the SM regularly to review café sales performance, profitability, training, and opportunities, to drive café results.
• Use knowledge about café safety, hygiene, sanitation guidelines and procedures to maintain all standards appropriately.
As already said, above all we expect to enjoy being a barista at Barnes & Noble. As you gain experience, you should expect your knowledge and skills to develop to support others and the Cluster and bookstore.
You will, of course, comply with all company policies and procedures.
Benefits for those who are scheduled to work less than 20 hours per week include Employee Discount, EAP and Sick Pay. For those scheduled to work between 20 and 29.99 benefits include Employee Discount, EAP, Sick Pay and Paid Time Off including paid Maternity and Parental Leave, Company Paid Holidays, Transit and 401(k) with Company Match. For those scheduled to work 30 hours or more benefits include Employee Discount, EAP, Sick Pay and Paid Time Off including paid Maternity and Parental Leave, Company Paid Holidays, 401(k) with Company Match, Comprehensive Health Benefits (Medical, Dental and Vision), Healthcare and Dependent Care Spending Accounts, Healthcare Spending Account, Disability Benefits, Life Insurance, Transit, and Tuition Reimbursement. All benefits provided are in accordance with the terms of the current plan and may be subject to future change. Benefit may vary depending on location/state regulations. More information can be received by the recruiter or Human Resources.
EEO Statement
As an Affirmative Action Employer, Barnes & Noble hires qualified people to perform the many tasks necessary for the success of our business and is committed to diversity in the workplace. An essential part of this policy is providing equal employment opportunity for all. All employment practices and decisions-including those involving application procedures, recruitment or recruitment advertising, hiring, placement, job assignment, transfer, promotion, demotion, training, rates of pay or other forms of compensation, benefits, discipline, leave of absence, layoff, recall, termination and general treatment during employment-will be conducted without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, military or veteran status, religion, creed, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition as defined by applicable law, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression (including transgender status), hairstyle, height and/or weight, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, reproductive health decisions, or any other self-identified, perceived or actual characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances.
Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. Contact (800) 799-5335. Terms of Use, Copyright, and Privacy Policy © 1997-2024 Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Inc. 33 East 17th Street, New York, NY 10003