Position Summary
A Cafe Associate plays a key role in delivering an exceptional guest experience by providing friendly, efficient service while maintaining a clean and welcoming environment. This position is ideal for individuals eager to learn barista skills, food preparation, and point-of-sale operations. The Cafe Associate is responsible for upholding health department standards, ensuring food and beverage quality, and supporting smooth day-to-day cafe operations. The ideal candidate is a strong communicator, highly organized, and committed to upholding the cafe's values and brand standards.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Tasks
- Greet customers, take orders, and operate the POS system accurately.
- Process customer transactions quickly and accurately while maintaining secure and compliant cash-handling practices.
- Prepare coffee, espresso drinks, teas, smoothies, and other beverages to cafe standards.
- Assemble light food items such as pastries, sandwiches, or grab-and-go items.
- Restock front-of-house items including cups, lids, pastries, condiments, and merchandise.
- Maintain dining and service areas by cleaning tables, wiping counters, and sweeping floors.
- Support opening and closing duties such as setting up displays, brewing coffee, or shutting down equipment.
- Monitor cafe inventory and alert supervisors when stock levels are low.
Customer Service & Quality Assurance
- Ensure all beverages and food items meet established standards for taste, appearance, and presentation.
- Follow recipes, preparation guidelines, and allergen-awareness procedures to ensure safe, consistent, and high-quality service.
- Maintain proper storage, handling, and rotation of ingredients to uphold freshness and food safety.
- Observe and enforce food safety practices, including temperature checks, sanitation routines, and cross-contamination prevention.
- Monitor product displays and remove items that are outdated, damaged, or below quality standards.
- Keep customer-facing areas clean, welcoming, and compliant with health-code requirements.
- Provide prompt, friendly, and professional service, addressing guest questions or concerns with a solution-focused approach.
- Contribute to a positive, welcoming atmosphere that supports guest satisfaction and encourages repeat visits.
Administrative & Operational Support
- Participate in staff meetings, process improvements, and operational initiatives.
- Complete additional tasks and projects as assigned by management.
- Assist with inventory tracking by noting shortages or overstocked items.
- Maintain signage, menu boards, and product labels as directed by management.
- Document equipment issues, customer feedback, or safety concerns for management follow-up.
Minimum Requirements
- Minimum 1 year of experience in a customer service role
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, weekends, holidays, and special events.
- Must have basic math skills for cash handling and operating a POS system
- Valid Food Handler's Permit or ability to obtain certifications (e.g., ServSafe).
- Ability to lift 20-30 lbs, stand for extended periods, and work in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Customer service experience preferably in a cafe, coffee shop, or food-service environment.
- Associate or Bachelor's degree in Hospitality, Business, or a related field.
- Barista or beverage-preparation experience.
- Familiarity with cash handling and basic retail operations.
- Ability to follow recipes and prepare beverages or light menu items.
What's In It For You:
- Up to 14 Free general admission tickets per year
- 4 Bubblefest tickets plus admission
- 10% of on-site dining and shopping discount
- Employee discounts through ADP