Barista - Bucktown - Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea

Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 20,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee discounts

Flexible schedule

Free food & snacks

Training & development

Job summary

Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea is opening a Bucktown café and seeks enthusiastic Baristas to craft beverages and deliver warm, guest-focused service. You will engage guests, answer questions, and contribute to a welcoming experience as part of our opening team.

Experience in specialty coffee or hospitality is preferred. We value reliability, teamwork, strong communication, and a passion for coffee. Training will be provided as part of onboarding.

Qualifications

• Prior specialty coffee, barista, or hospitality experience preferred.
• A genuine passion for coffee, hospitality, and connecting with people.
• A positive, reliable, and team-oriented attitude.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to multitask and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Attention to detail and commitment to beverage quality and cleanliness.
• Availability for early mornings, weekends, or holidays as needed.
• Food Handler Certification or willingness to obtain one as required.

Responsibilities

• Create a warm, welcoming environment and deliver friendly, attentive service.
• Assist guests with orders, menu questions, and thoughtful recommendations.
• Build positive guest connections and contribute to memorable café experiences.
• Craft high-quality coffee, tea, and specialty beverages according to Fairgrounds' recipes and quality standards.
• Develop knowledge of our beverage offerings, ingredients, and brewing methods to confidently assist guests.
• Support daily opening and closing procedures, preparation, restocking, and café upkeep.
• Follow food safety, sanitation, and operational procedures.
• Collaborate with teammates and leadership to ensure smooth daily operations.
• Communicate proactively and support teammates during busy periods.
• Take initiative, welcome feedback, and demonstrate a willingness to learn.

Skills

Barista experience

Hospitality mindset

Customer service

Job description

Benefits

• Employee discounts
• Flexible schedule
• Free food & snacks
• Training & development

Location: Bucktown, Chicago, IL (New Café Opening)

Job Type: Full-time, Part-time

Compensation: $17.25/hour, tip eligible

Who We Are

At Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea, we believe that great food, exceptional coffee, and genuine hospitality bring people together. We're a community-driven café dedicated to creating welcoming spaces, thoughtfully crafted beverages, and memorable guest experiences.

We're excited to bring Fairgrounds to Bucktown and are looking for enthusiastic individuals to join our opening team!

The Role

We're looking for passionate, dependable, and hospitality-driven Baristas to join our growing team!

As a Fairgrounds Barista, you'll help create positive guest experiences through thoughtfully crafted beverages, attentive service, and genuine hospitality. Whether you're preparing coffee, connecting with guests, or supporting daily café operations, you'll play an important role in bringing the Fairgrounds experience to life.

As part of our Bucktown opening team, you'll have the opportunity to help establish a welcoming café environment and contribute to a positive team culture.

Please Note

Our Bucktown location is not yet open. Initial onboarding and training will take place at another Fairgrounds café prior to opening.

What You'll Do

Hospitality & Guest Experience

• Create a warm, welcoming environment and deliver friendly, attentive service.
• Assist guests with orders, menu questions, and thoughtful recommendations.
• Build positive guest connections and contribute to memorable café experiences.

Coffee, Beverage, & Café Operations

• Craft high-quality coffee, tea, and specialty beverages according to Fairgrounds' recipes and quality standards.
• Develop knowledge of our beverage offerings, ingredients, and brewing methods to confidently assist guests.
• Support daily opening and closing procedures, preparation, restocking, and café upkeep.
• Follow food safety, sanitation, and operational procedures.

Teamwork & Collaboration

• Collaborate with teammates and leadership to ensure smooth daily operations.
• Communication proactively and support teammates during busy periods.
• Take initiative, welcome feedback, and demonstrate a willingness to learn.

What We're Looking For

• Prior specialty coffee, barista, or hospitality experience preferred.
• A genuine passion for coffee, hospitality, and connecting with people.
• A positive, reliable, and team-oriented attitude.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to multitask and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Attention to detail and commitment to beverage quality and cleanliness.
• Availability for early mornings, weekends, or holidays as needed.
• Food Handler Certification or willingness to obtain one as required.

Why Join Fairgrounds?

• New Store Opening: Be part of the opening team and help shape the culture of our newest Bucktown café.
• Employee Discounts: Discounts on eligible food, beverage, and retail purchases.
• Shift Drinks & Meals: Available in accordance with company policy.
• Training & Development: Hands-on training and opportunities to develop new skills.
• Growth Opportunities: Opportunities for professional development and advancement into leadership roles.
• Supportive Team Culture: A collaborative and inclusive workplace built on teamwork and mutual respect.

Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace.