Barista

Quest Food Management Services; West Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Quest Food Management Services is seeking a Barista for our retail operations in the West Chicago area. You will craft high-quality coffee beverages, greet customers, and provide recommendations to ensure an exceptional experience in a fast-paced setting.

The role emphasizes reliability, friendly customer service, and cleanliness, with training provided. Flexibility for morning and weekend shifts is valued, supporting a welcoming, efficient coffee service for diverse patrons.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Customer service or food prep experience preferred.
• Able to stand for long periods and perform repetitive motions.
• Strong communication and friendly demeanor.
• Ability to work flexible schedule including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve a variety of coffee and tea beverages according to recipes and customer preferences.
• Greet customers, take orders accurately, and provide recommendations.
• Operate coffee equipment safely and maintain a clean workspace.
• Handle cash/transactions with accuracy and professionalism.
• Maintain inventory and restock supplies while following health and safety rules.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Multitasking

Flexibility

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

POS systems

Espresso machines

Coffee grinders

Job description

About Company

For over 40 years, Quest Food Management Services has been a leading food service provider serving K-12 schools, higher education institutions, corporate dining programs, and event venues. Quest is consistently ranked among the top food service management companies in the United States for its commitment to fresh, scratch made menus, local sourcing, and intensely personal service. At the heart of our success is our "Quest Ready" culture, built on integrity, responsiveness, accountability, respect, and excellence.

About Company

For over 40 years, Quest Food Management Services has been a leading food service provider serving K-12 schools, higher education institutions, corporate dining programs, and event venues. Quest is consistently ranked among the top food service management companies in the United States for its commitment to fresh, scratch made menus, local sourcing, and intensely personal service. At the heart of our success is our "Quest Ready" culture, built on integrity, responsiveness, accountability, respect, and excellence. Being Quest Ready means serving with purpose and care, creating experiences that are nourishing, welcoming, and reliable. This mindset empowers our teams to build lasting relationships and continually raise the standard for great hospitality in every community we serve.

About The Role

As a Barista in the retail trade industry, you will be the face of our coffee service, delivering exceptional beverage experiences to our diverse customer base. Your role is pivotal in crafting high-quality coffee and related products while maintaining a welcoming and efficient environment. You will engage with customers to understand their preferences, provide recommendations, and ensure satisfaction with every order. This position requires balancing speed and accuracy in a fast-paced setting, while upholding the highest standards of cleanliness and professionalism. Ultimately, your efforts will contribute to building customer loyalty and enhancing the overall reputation of our establishment.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous experience in a customer service or food preparation role.
• Ability to perform repetitive motions and stand for extended periods.
• Strong communication skills and a friendly, approachable demeanor.
• Availability to work a flexible schedule including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working as a barista or in a coffee shop environment.
• Knowledge of coffee brewing techniques and equipment maintenance.
• Basic understanding of food safety and sanitation standards.
• Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems.
• Interest or experience in creative beverage presentation or latte art.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve a variety of coffee and tea beverages according to established recipes and customer preferences.
• Greet customers warmly, take orders accurately, and provide knowledgeable recommendations to enhance their experience.
• Operate coffee machines, grinders, and other equipment safely and efficiently while maintaining cleanliness and organization of the workspace.
• Handle cash and electronic transactions with accuracy and professionalism, ensuring a smooth checkout process.
• Maintain inventory levels by restocking supplies and communicating needs to management, while adhering to health and safety regulations.

Skills

The required skills such as repetitive motions and multitasking abilities are essential for efficiently preparing multiple orders while maintaining quality. Guest service skills are used daily to create a welcoming atmosphere and ensure customer satisfaction. Creativity allows you to customize drinks and contribute to menu innovation, enhancing the customer experience. Professionalism is demonstrated through consistent adherence to hygiene standards, punctuality, and respectful communication with both customers and team members. A flexible schedule enables you to adapt to varying business demands, ensuring coverage during peak hours and special events.