Barista

Description

HOURS: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM

SCHEDULE: Mon–Fri

TYPE: Full-Time

TRANSIT: Metro Rail

CLEARANCE: Background Check

Job Overview

Saporeux is a Quick Service Restaurant located in Arlington, VA, offering an exceptional fine-dining experience inspired by West African cuisine and other global flavors, alongside handcrafted Peet's Coffee beverages. This is more than a cooking job: it's an opportunity to join a tight-knit team held to the highest standards, serve distinguished guests daily, and grow into a kitchen leadership role alongside us.

Duties

• Prepare espresso beverages, coffee, tea, and specialty drinks with consistency, care, and an eye for latte art.
• Greet every guest warmly, offer menu recommendations, and build genuine customer relationships.
• Prepare and serve fresh food items, including breakfast items, sandwiches, salads, and pastries.
• Accurately operate the point-of-sale system and handle transactions.
• Keep the workspace clean, organized, and food-safe, including equipment and seating areas.
• Restock supplies and monitor inventory throughout the shift.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standards.
• Help train and support new teammates and step up to guide the shift when a lead needs backup.

Requirements

We need someone dependable behind the espresso machine — but we're especially excited about candidates who show leadership potential:

• US Citizen or Permanent Resident (Green Card holder).
• Must pass a criminal background check prior to starting.
• A natural at connecting with guests and teammates — friendly, professional, and approachable.
• Comfortable taking initiative, solving problems on the fly, and helping the team stay on track during a rush.
• Clear communicator who can train others and give guidance with patience.
• Dependable with excellent attendance and a strong sense of ownership.
• Able to multitask and stay organized in a fast-paced environment.
• Team-oriented, with a willingness to support and mentor others.
• Comfortable standing for extended periods and lifting up to 25 pounds.
• Able to complete required background screening for access to a government facility.
• A genuine team player who lifts others up.
• Honest, dependable, and accountable without being asked.
• Naturally clean and organized — it's a reflex, not a reminder.
• Respectful to teammates, guests, and leadership alike.
• Eager to master every role in the kitchen.
• Aspires to lead and take ownership of personal growth.

Previous barista or food service experience is welcomed but not required — we're happy to train the right candidate. What matters most is your attitude and your drive to grow.

Core Values

Cleanliness | Food Safety | Accountability | Respect | Teamwork | Consistency | Leadership

Grow With Us: From Barista to Shift Lead to Manager

At Saporeux, we build our leaders from within. Every team member starts with cross-training across all areas of café operations:

• Beverage Preparation
• Cashier & Guest Services
• Food Preparation
• Stocking & Inventory
• Opening & Closing Procedures

Baristas who show initiative and reliability are given the chance to take on greater responsibility — training new hires, helping coordinate schedules, supporting inventory ordering, and resolving customer concerns. These are the same skills our Coffee Shop Managers use every day, and they're exactly what we look for when it's time to promote from within.

Why You'll Love Working Here

• Competitive pay: $20.00–$24.00 per hour
• Monday–Friday daytime schedule — no late nights
• Paid training and ongoing development
• Real opportunities for advancement into leadership roles
• Supportive, respectful team culture
• A clean, professional workplace
• The chance to make a positive impact on every guest, every day
• Metro rail accessible.
• A workplace culture built on mutual respect and professional growth.
• Healthcare benefits offered, with a commitment to recognizing loyalty and investing in your growth.

Ready to Join Our Kitchen

If you're looking for more than a paycheck — and want to grow into a leadership role on a team that values quality, teamwork, and exceptional hospitality — we'd love to meet you.

Apply today and discover why Saporeux is a great place to grow your career.

Pay: $20.00 - $24.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person