Barista

Position Title: Barista (Full Time or Part‑Time)
Location: Highway Rest Area – Lake Forest Oasis, IL
Reports To: Senior Barista / Manager / Owner
Employment Type: W‑2 Employee, Part‑Time (20–30 hours/week, flexible), Full time (40 hours per week)
Expected Wage Range: $15 – $20 per hour + tips (entry level with training)

Role Summary

We are looking for a motivated, energetic Barista to join our team. You will learn the art of espresso and customer service while supporting the senior barista with inventory, cleaning, and building regular clientele. This is an excellent opportunity for a student, second‑income seeker, or anyone passionate about coffee with extensive experience.

Key Responsibilities

Coffee & Customer Service

• Greet customers warmly, take orders, and operate the POS system.
• Prepare basic drinks (drip coffee, tea, hot chocolate, simple espresso drinks) after training.
• Restock cups, lids, napkins, and condiments at the customer station.
• Answer questions about menu items and allergens (with provided training).

Inventory Support

• Assist senior barista with counting stock at shift start and end.
• Restock fridges with milk, cold brew, and alternative milks.
• Label and date pastries and prepared foods.
• Inform senior barista when low on any item (e.g., “We have three sleeves of cups left”).

Cleanliness & Safety

• Wipe down counters, tables, and condiment bar after each customer or every 30 minutes.
• Sweep and mop floors during slow periods.
• Take out trash and recycling; clean trash cans as needed.
• Wash and sanitize smallwares (pitchers, spoons, drip trays).

Building Clientele

• Learn regular customers’ names and orders (senior barista will introduce you).
• Hand out loyalty cards or survey slips with a smile.
• Suggestive sell – “Would you like a pastry with that latte?”

Additional Responsibilities – Often Overlooked

• Report any unsafe conditions immediately (spills, broken glass, frayed cords, rest area issues).
• Assist with opening/closing checklists – even as a part‑timer, you will be responsible for certain tasks (e.g., turning off drip brewers, counting tips).
• Keep the back‑of‑house organized – no empty boxes piled up, cleaning supplies stored properly.
• Participate in weekly deep cleaning (e.g., cleaning under equipment, wiping down walls) as scheduled.
• Log your own break times – Illinois requires meal breaks for shifts over 7.5 hours; for shorter shifts, you still need to track rest periods.

Qualifications

• No prior barista experience required but preferred, a positive attitude and willingness to learn are essential.
• Must be at least 16 years old
• Food handler certification (can be obtained within 30 days).
• Ability to lift 30 lbs (milk crates, supplies).
• Reliable transportation to the work location.
• Basic English literacy (for reading orders and safety labels).

Work Environment & Schedule

• Full-time and Part‑time hours, primarily during peak travel times (early morning, weekends, holidays).
• Example shifts: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
• Flexibility to work two weekend days per month is required.

Benefits

• Hourly wage + tips (tips shared fairly among all staff).
• Free drip coffee and one pastry per shift.
• Paid sick leave (accrued per Illinois law).
• Opportunity for cross‑training and advancement to senior barista.

Final Notes

· Background check: Because this is a highway rest area (potentially under state or federal jurisdiction), a basic criminal background check will be required.

· Uniform: All baristas must wear non‑slip shoes, a provided apron, and a hat or hairnet (Illinois food code).

· Tips: Illinois law allows tip pooling. Our shop will pool tips and distribute equally among all non‑management staff each shift.

· At‑will employment: This position is at‑will.

· How to apply: Please send a brief cover letter or note explaining your availability and any coffee experience to [email protected]. Complete application using this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdpOQxHOiDCT9pg98DGK8dspBQzlfTcRhoVimgqXr-d7g1Tqg/viewform

Pay: $13.00 - $17.00 per hour

Expected hours: 12.0 – 35.0 per week

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Paid training
• Referral program

Work Location: In person