Barista

Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 19,286 - 24,796; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free food

Advancement opportunities

Training & development

Employee discount

Flexible schedule

Job summary

Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea in Chicago is seeking a passionate, service‑oriented barista to join our growing team. This role goes beyond espresso skills, focusing on guest interaction, intentional hospitality, and a positive energy on the bar and floor.

You will prepare drinks, educate guests about tasting notes and origins from rotating roasters, maintain a clean, welcoming space, and collaborate with teammates to ensure smooth service and memorable moments for every guest.

Qualifications

• Prior specialty coffee experience preferred but not required.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• A passion for hospitality and coffee education.
• A proactive attitude, attention to detail, and a team-first mentality.
• Availability to work early mornings, weekends, or holidays as needed.

Responsibilities

• Prepare espresso drinks, pour-overs, and batch brew to exacting standards
• Represent rotating roasters and educate guests about tasting notes, origins, and brew methods
• Deliver a warm, welcoming service experience - both behind the bar and on the floor
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient work environment
• Assist with daily opening/closing duties and café upkeep
• Collaborate with teammates to ensure smooth service flow and memorable customer moments

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Guest-focused hospitality

Team player

Job description

About Us

Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea is a joyful multi-roaster café dedicated to showcasing the best coffees from around the country. We rotate featured roasters monthly and focus on building a thoughtful, community-driven space where exceptional coffee and warm hospitality go hand in hand.

Benefits

• Free food & snacks
• Opportunity for advancement
• Training & development

The Role

We’re looking for a passionate and service-oriented barista to join our growing team. This position goes beyond espresso skills—we’re seeking someone who thrives in guest interaction, takes pride in delivering intentional hospitality, and brings positive energy to the bar and the floor.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare espresso drinks, pour-overs, and batch brew to exacting standards
• Represent rotating roasters and educate guests about tasting notes, origins, and brew methods
• Deliver a warm, welcoming service experience - both behind the bar and on the floor
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient work environment
• Assist with daily opening/closing duties and café upkeep
• Collaborate with teammates to ensure smooth service flow and memorable customer moments

What We’re Looking For

• Prior specialty coffee experience preferred but not required
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• A passion for hospitality and coffee education
• A proactive attitude, attention to detail, and a team-first mentality
• Availability to work early mornings, weekends, or holidays as needed

Why Join Us?

• Exposure to a rotating lineup of some of the world’s best roasters
• Supportive and inclusive team culture
• Opportunities for growth in service, coffee knowledge, and leadership
• Staff discounts, ongoing training, and access to cuppings and coffee events

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule

Experience

• Barista: 1 year (Preferred)

Shift availability

• Day Shift (Preferred)
• Night Shift (Preferred)