Bar Lead - Viroqua Café

Wonderstate Coffee; Viroqua (WI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telehealth

Dental & Vision

Supplemental Insurance

Retirement Plan

Wellness & Commuter Reimbursements

Free coffee to each employee

Shift meals & drinks

Wonderstate discount

Job summary

Wonderstate Coffee in Wisconsin seeks a Bar Lead to guide Baristas and support the Café Manager in delivering a hospitality experience that reflects Wonderstate’s values. You’ll lead by example, train staff, and ensure quality and efficiency across front-of-house operations.

Required are barista skills and a passion for team leadership, with weekend availability and comfort with events. This role emphasizes customer joy, learning, and community engagement.

Qualifications

• Previous Barista experience required.
• Previous people management experience preferred, but not required.
• Intermediate to advanced drink making / coffee brewing skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.

Responsibilities

• Direct and train Baristas at the Wonderstate Café.
• Lead cafe operations and ensure a welcoming customer experience.
• Manage inventory and ordering for drinks and front-of-house items.
• Maintain high quality, cleanliness, and adherence to front-of-house processes.
• Support Café Manager and serve as on-duty lead when needed.
• Develop standout specialty drinks aligned with Wonderstate values.

Skills

Barista skills

People management

Customer service

Communication

Time management

Organization

Leadership

Job description

About Wonderstate Coffee

For us, coffee is a source of wonder. Since 2005, Wonderstate has roasted earnest and extraordinary coffees that honor relationships and champion our collective future. As the 2010 Roast Magazine Roaster of the Year and five-time Good-Food award winner, our mission continues to expand with three cafes and strong customer relationships in grocery stores, coffee shops, and offices around the Upper-Midwest and all over the country. Yet like the Driftless region we call home, we know you don’t have to be big to make an impact. From our industry-leading minimum price guarantee to farmers, to our 100% solar powered roastery, 5% Giving program, and embracing a healthy work-life balance for all staff, we’re working to do our part.
We're seeking collaborative, curious, and kind people to join us and to build our collective future, together.

Position Overview

The Bar Lead serves as a member of the café management team who leads and supports the
Baristas in creating a café experience that brings Wonderstate’s core values to life. The Bar
Lead is a role model for others in creating a hospitality experience that is second to none,
working closely with the Cafe Manager and Coffee Department to create a positive work
environment centered in Wonderstate’s values and achieve the café’s goals.

Benefits

• Telehealth, Dental & Vision*
• Supplemental Insurance*
• Retirement Plan
• Wellness & Commuter Reimbursements
• Free coffee to each employee
• Shift meals & drinks
• Wonderstate discount on food, beverages & merchandise

*Benefits are eligible to employees working 20 hours or more per week.

Core Responsibilities

• Direct and train Baristas at the Wonderstate Café
• Provide every customer with a positive experience centered in joy and wonder
• Uphold and execute all coffee equipment preventative maintenance
• Honor relationships within the team, give and receive feedback respectfully, express
  gratitude to others, and actively contribute to a positive team environment
• Serves as a resource for cafe staff support and questions in absence of the Cafe Manager
• Manage inventory and the product ordering process for coffee and other front of house items
• Ensure high quality in our products and services, and provide feedback to Barista staff on achievement of quality
• Maintains an impeccably clean workspace
• Uphold front of house processes and procedures. Provide direction to Baristas on these
• Work with the Café Manager to direct the daily operations of the café front of house
• Serve as the go-to for Barista questions and support when the Café Manager or Owners are not on-site
• Oversee the COGS for drinks and work with the Café Manager on recommendations for improvement
• Develop stellar specialty drinks that convey Wonderstate’s dedication to Excellence. Always.
• Provide coffee and drink education during all staff meetings to support the learning and growth of the team
• Exemplify the core values of Wonderstate

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position serves as a shift lead/manager on duty and is responsible for supervising and providing direction and performance feedback to Baristas in collaboration with the Café Manager. The Lead is involved in the hiring process, assists the Café Manager in the termination process, and makes independent decisions on inventory and quality control.

Requirements and Desired Skills

• Intermediate to advanced skills with drink making / coffee brewing
• Desire to support others and build a strong team environment
• Outgoing customer service enthusiast
• Skilled in remaining calm and personable in a fast-paced environment
• Communicates respectfully, clearly and promptly with team members and customers
• Ability to bring joy to customers and team members, and engage with our community
• Strong organization and time management skills with a dedication to excellence
• Impeccable follow through
• Desire to continually be challenged and grow as a leader
• Passion for ethically sourced, organic, high quality coffee and food, and supporting farmer cooperatives

Required Experience

• Previous Barista experience required
• Previous people management experience preferred, but not required

Work Environment

• Schedule varies each week
• Weekend hours are required
• Participation in special events or catering on occasion
• Participation in monthly staff meetings required
• Physical demands include lifting 30lbs and standing for long hours

Other duties

Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any
time with or without notice.

Wonderstate is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.