Barista / Cafe Attendant (+ Kitchen)

Whimsy & Wonder Play Cafe; Ankeny (IA); On-site; USD 18,000 - 22,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Pooled tips

Job summary

Whimsy & Wonder Play Cafe in Ankeny, IA is hiring Baristas / Cafe Attendants to craft coffee and espresso drinks, prepare snacks, and ring up orders. You will also assist on the play floor as needed, contributing to a clean, welcoming space for families.

The role emphasizes friendly interaction with parents and kids, teamwork, and a proactive attitude. Part‑time hours (15–30 per week) with weekend availability, and a starting rate of $13–$16 per hour plus pooled tips are offered.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years old.
• Passing federal and state background checks is required prior to hire.
• Willingness to obtain Food Handler / ServSafe / Alcohol serving certification and CPR certification upon hire.

Responsibilities

• Make espresso drinks, iced drinks, and teas, and greet families warmly at the counter.
• Take customer orders on the POS system and handle transactions accurately.
• Warm and serve quick bites and snacks, and keep display cases and grab‑and‑go shelves stocked.
• Check IDs and serve canned beer, wine, and seltzers to guests 21+.
• Help with front desk check‑ins when needed, wash dishes, wipe down tables, and keep the counter clean.

Skills

Friendly

Dependable

Great with parents and kids

Team player

Keeps tidy

Tools

POS system

Job description

About Whimsy & Wonder Play Cafe

Whimsy & Wonder Play Cafe is an imaginative, clean, and engaging indoor play space for children paired with a full-service espresso bar and cafe serving quality coffee, signature drinks, quick bites, and snacks.

Role Overview

Our Baristas / Cafe Attendants are the friendly faces greeting our guests each day, reporting to the Cafe Manager. You will craft coffee and espresso drinks, prepare quick bites and snacks, ring up orders, and keep the cafe clean and welcoming. You will also be cross‑trained to help out on the play floor when extra support is needed.

Pre-Opening Phase & Schedule Expectations

• Pre-Opening Month (Onboarding & Setup Phase): Part‑time/reduced hours for barista training, menu practice, POS training, and cafe setup.
• Post-Opening Schedule (Regular Operations):
• Type: Part‑Time (15–30 hours per week).
• Schedule Expectations: Weekend availability is required (weekend morning/afternoon shifts during peak play and cafe hours).

Compensation

• Pay Rate: $13.00 – $16.00 per hour (starting rate based on skill level and experience) + pooled tips.

Ideal Candidate

You are friendly, dependable, and excited to learn how to make great coffee. You enjoy talking to parents and kids, keep things tidy, bring a positive attitude, and love being part of a team.

Mandatory Prerequisites & Background Requirements

• Age Requirement: Must be at least 16 years of age. (Applicants aged 16–17 must have signed parental/guardian consent on file to serve canned alcoholic beverages per Iowa law).
• Mandatory Background Check: Passing federal and state background checks is strictly required prior to hire.
• Certifications: Willingness to obtain Food Handler / ServSafe / Alcohol serving certification and CPR certification upon hire.

Key Responsibilities

• Drink Making & Customer Service: Make espresso drinks, iced drinks, and teas, and greet families warmly at the counter.
• Register & Orders: Take customer orders on the POS system and handle transactions accurately.
• Quick Bites & Stocking: Warm and serve quick bites and snacks, and keep display cases and grab‑and‑go shelves stocked.
• Alcohol Service: Check IDs and serve canned beer, wine, and seltzers to guests 21+.
• Cross‑Training & Cleaning: Help with front desk check‑ins when needed, wash dishes, wipe down tables, and keep the counter clean.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for 4–8 hours per shift.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 35 lbs (milk jugs, ice, trash bags).

Shift Examples (subject to change):

Operational Hours - 8am - 6pm (Friday through Monday, more open days will be added)

Opening Shift: 7am - 3pm

Closing Shift: 11am - 7pm

Shorter shifts will be available and assigned as needed.