Barista

Torsap Thai Kitchen; Orland Park (IL); On-site; USD 22,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company matching

Food & beverage discounts for staff

Pre-opening start date

Tip pool participation

Job summary

Lab 1860 in Orland Park, IL, invites a Barista to own the drinks program and craft high-quality coffee and beverages that complement our Levantine café concept. You’ll report to the FoH Manager and work with the counter team to keep beverage flow in sync with food orders.

We’ll train the right person on our recipes and standards; this pre-opening role offers growth as the team builds the drinks program from day one.

Qualifications

• 1+ year of barista or specialty coffee experience in a café or restaurant setting.
• Solid espresso technique and comfort with manual and semi-automatic equipment.
• Ability to work at pace without sacrificing drink quality or consistency.
• Warm, guest-focused personality — the bar is often the first stop for guests.
• Interest in Middle Eastern or Mediterranean flavor profiles is a strong plus.
• Flexibility to work a variety of shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be able to stand or walk for extended periods, and lift/carry objects up to 25 lbs without assistance.
• Food Handler certification required (or ability to obtain before opening)

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve espresso-based drinks, filter coffee, and specialty beverages to spec — consistently and efficiently
• Maintain the bar station — cleanliness, organization, and equipment upkeep throughout the shift
• Monitor stock levels and communicate restocking needs to the FoH Manager
• Work in sync with counter staff to ensure beverage tickets flow with food orders
• Speak knowledgeably to guests about the drinks menu — ingredients, flavor profiles, and preparation
• Follow all food safety and sanitation standards at the bar station
• Assist with opening and closing duties for the beverage station
• Other duties as assigned by management

Skills

Espresso technique

Guest service

Multi-tasking

Education

Food Handler certification

Tools

Espresso machines

Commercial grinder

Job description

About Lab 1860 Lab 1860 is a Levantine café and kitchen concept opening in Orland Park, Illinois. We draw from the pantry traditions of the Eastern Mediterranean — mana'eesh, mezze, fresh bread, house-made sweets, and an intentional soft serve program — and translate them into a fast-casual, all-day format built for how people actually eat. This is a pre-opening hire: you will be part of the team from day one.

The Role

The Barista at Lab 1860 owns the drinks program. You are responsible for crafting consistent, high-quality coffee and beverage service that complements our Levantine café concept. You report to the Front-of-House Manager and work closely with the counter team to keep beverage flow in sync with the floor. Our beverage program draws on café traditions of the Eastern Mediterranean — think cardamom, rose water, orange blossom, and bold espresso. We will train the right person on our specific recipes and standards.

This position also participates in a tip share in addition to the posted hourly rate.

What You'll Do

• Prepare and serve espresso-based drinks, filter coffee, and specialty beverages to spec — consistently and efficiently
• Maintain the bar station — cleanliness, organization, and equipment upkeep throughout the shift
• Monitor stock levels and communicate restocking needs to the FoH Manager
• Work in sync with counter staff to ensure beverage tickets flow with food orders
• Speak knowledgeably to guests about the drinks menu — ingredients, flavor profiles, and preparation
• Follow all food safety and sanitation standards at the bar station
• Assist with opening and closing duties for the beverage station
• Other duties as assigned by management

What We're Looking For

• 1+ year of barista or specialty coffee experience in a café or restaurant setting
• Solid espresso technique and comfort with manual and semi-automatic equipment
• Ability to work at pace without sacrificing drink quality or consistency
• Warm, guest-focused personality — the bar is often the first stop for guests
• Interest in Middle Eastern or Mediterranean flavor profiles is a strong plus
• Flexibility to work a variety of shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Must be able to stand or walk for extended periods, and lift/carry objects up to 25 lbs without assistance
• Food Handler certification required (or ability to obtain before opening)

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive hourly rate: $16.00–$18.00 per hour, commensurate with experience
• Participation in tip-pool
• Full-time position
• Health insurance coverage
• 401(k) with company matching
• Food & beverage discounts for all staff
• Pre-opening start date — be part of building the drinks program from day one