Barista & Guest Experience Associate

Il Barretto; St. Catharines; On-site; CAD 19,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Il Barretto in the Niagara Region is seeking a friendly, creative, professional Barista & Guest Experience Associate to join our team. This role goes beyond pulling perfect espresso—you will help create an elevated Italian café experience and support events and community programming.

You should enjoy hospitality, take initiative, and feel comfortable sharing ideas to attract guests. Key tasks include serving beverages, taking orders, handling payments, and assisting with food service during busy

Qualifications

• Previous barista, café, restaurant or hospitality experience preferred.
• Experience using an espresso machine is an asset, but training can be provided.
• Smart Serve certification is an asset for team members assisting with alcoholic beverage service.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve espresso-based beverages, specialty coffees, matcha and other café beverages according to Il Barretto standards.
• Provide warm, attentive and professional service to every guest.
• Take customer orders and accurately process payments through the POS system.
• Serve pastries, gelato and light food items while maintaining presentation standards.
• Assist with basic food preparation and plating as required.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the espresso station, counters, service areas, tables and guest spaces.
• Restock coffee, milk, syrups, pastries, cups, glassware and other supplies throughout the shift.
• Follow proper food handling, sanitation and workplace safety procedures.
• Assist with opening and closing duties.
• Learn the Il Barretto menu and confidently answer guest questions and make recommendations.
• Support aperitivo service and alcoholic beverage service when required and appropriately certified.
• Work collaboratively with other team members to ensure smooth and efficient service.
• Brainstorming and proposing new event concepts that align with the Il Barretto brand and clientele.
• Helping develop seasonal events, workshops, tastings, entertainment evenings, private functions and community-focused experiences.

Skills

Hospitality experience

Espresso machine operation

Customer service

Team collaboration

Tools

Espresso machine

Job description

Il Barretto is seeking a friendly, creative, professional and dependable Barista & Guest Experience Associate to join our team.

This position goes beyond preparing great coffee. Our team members help create the welcoming, elevated Italian café experience that defines Il Barretto while also contributing to the development and execution of events, special experiences and community programming.

The ideal candidate enjoys hospitality, is creative, takes initiative and is comfortable contributing ideas that help bring people into the café and lounge.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve espresso-based beverages, specialty coffees, matcha and other café beverages according to Il Barretto standards.
• Provide warm, attentive and professional service to every guest.
• Take customer orders and accurately process payments through the POS system.
• Serve pastries, gelato and light food items while maintaining presentation standards.
• Assist with basic food preparation and plating as required.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the espresso station, counters, service areas, tables and guest spaces.
• Restock coffee, milk, syrups, pastries, cups, glassware and other supplies throughout the shift.
• Follow proper food handling, sanitation and workplace safety procedures.
• Assist with opening and closing duties.
• Learn the Il Barretto menu and confidently answer guest questions and make recommendations.
• Support aperitivo service and alcoholic beverage service when required and appropriately certified.
• Work collaboratively with other team members to ensure smooth and efficient service.

Events & Guest Experiences

A key part of this position is contributing to the development and execution of Il Barretto events and experiences.

Responsibilities may include:

• Brainstorming and proposing new event concepts that align with the Il Barretto brand and clientele.
• Helping develop seasonal events, workshops, tastings, entertainment evenings, private functions and community-focused experiences.
• Assisting with event planning, organization and preparation.
• Preparing the café and lounge for events and private bookings.
• Assisting with event setup, service and breakdown.
• Welcoming and assisting guests during events.
• Helping promote upcoming events to café guests and encouraging participation.
• Identifying opportunities for collaborations with local businesses, professionals, entertainers and community partners.
• Contributing creative ideas for seasonal programming and experiences that encourage repeat visits and build the Il Barretto community.
• Supporting private events, corporate gatherings and special occasions hosted within the Il Barretto Lounge.

What We're Looking For

• Previous barista, café, restaurant or hospitality experience is preferred.
• Experience using an espresso machine is an asset, but training can be provided.
• Event, hospitality or customer experience experience is an asset.
• Creative and comfortable contributing new ideas.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Friendly, polished and professional demeanor.
• Reliable, punctual and able to work independently when required.
• Comfortable working during busy service periods and events.
• Strong attention to detail, presentation and cleanliness.
• Willingness to learn, take direction and take initiative.
• Ability to multitask between beverage preparation, food service, events and guest service.
• Must be available to work weekends and occasional evenings for events.
• Smart Serve certification is an asset for team members assisting with alcoholic beverage service.

We believe hospitality is found in the details: a beautifully prepared cappuccino, a thoughtfully presented pastry, a welcoming greeting and an event that gives guests a reason to gather, connect and return.

At Il Barretto, this role is not simply about working behind the coffee bar. It is about helping create experiences, events and moments that build community around the Il Barretto brand.