Barista - College Café

Thomas Cuisine; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Bereavement Leave

Paid Parental Leave

Paid Baby Bonding Leave

Paid Elder Care Leave

Paid Time Off (Accrued)

Holiday Premium Pay

Job summary

Thomas Cuisine is seeking a Barista for the College Café at Mission College in Santa Clara, CA. The role focuses on crafting espresso drinks and providing friendly service to students and staff in a fast-paced campus café.

Compensation is $20.50 per hour for a full-time, on-site position with a Monday-Thursday 8:30-3:30 schedule. Training on ServSafe and safe food handling is required or to be obtained after hire.

Qualifications

• Experience in barista or food service is preferred but not required.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills are essential.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment while maintaining quality.

Responsibilities

• Craft espresso drinks, teas, smoothies, and other beverages to exact standards.
• Provide warm and efficient service to students, faculty, and campus guests.
• Operate POS systems, process orders, and handle transactions accurately.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of workstations and equipment.
• Assist with inventory, restocking, and opening/closing procedures.
• Uphold Thomas Cuisine’s values of hospitality, teamwork, and culinary integrity.
• Support café events and campus activities as needed.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Multitasking

Team player

Flexibility

ServSafe Certification

Food Handler's Card

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

POS systems

Job description

Posting Details

• Posted on October 8, 2026

Locations

Showing 1 location

Santa Clara, CA 95054, USA

• On-site
• Operations
• Full-Time
• Requisition #: BARIS009079

Description

REAL Food re-fined.

Barista - College Café | Location: Mission College – Santa Clara, CA 95054

Compensation: $20.50 per hour | Full-Time

Schedule: Monday-Thursday 8:30-3:30pm

Job Summary

We are looking for an enthusiastic Barista to join our growing team at Mission College. We are hiring a motivated team member to help provide students, staff, and faculty with a premium café experience in a fast-paced, positive environment. This is a perfect opportunity for someone who is passionate about quality beverages, guest service, and being part of a purpose-driven culinary team. As a Barista, you will be the face of our café and the experience we deliver. Your attention to detail and genuine interactions will help create memorable moments for every guest you serve, helping bring our REAL Food Mission to life!

What You’ll Do

• Craft espresso drinks, teas, smoothies, and other beverages to exact standards.
• Provide warm and efficient service to students, faculty, and campus guests.
• Operate POS (point-of-sale) systems, process orders, and handle transactions accurately.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of workstations and equipment in line with safety guidelines.
• Assist with inventory, restocking, and opening/closing procedures.
• Uphold Thomas Cuisine’s values of hospitality, teamwork, and culinary integrity.
• Support café events and campus activities as needed.
• Follow all health department regulations, including proper food handling and safety procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

What You’ll Bring

• Previous barista or food service experience preferred but not required.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• A team player attitude and a commitment to doing the right thing.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing needs and café volume.
• Current ServSafe® Certification or Food Handler’s Card (or willingness to obtain upon hire).
• High School diploma or GED preferred.

Physical and Sensory Requirements

• This job involves regular exposure to moving mechanical parts and a kitchen environment with fumes, airborne particles, and moderate noise. Employees must have the physical stamina to stand for long periods, lift trays, and perform repetitive tasks. Occasional exposure to wet or humid conditions, extreme temperatures, and vibration may occur. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities.

At Thomas Cuisine, our people are purposeful. They care about food and quality and have a desire to make a positive impact in the world through REAL food. Embark on a rewarding culinary journey with us, where your skills will not only flourish but also contribute significantly to the satisfaction and well-being of our communities.

What We Offer!

Life/Work Integration

• Paid Bereavement Leave
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Baby Bonding Leave
• Paid Elder Care Leave
• Paid Time Off (Accrued)
• Holiday Premium Pay

Health & Wellness

• 3 Medical Plans (Blue Cross)
• Prescription, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Reimbursed Wellness Massages (Portion of cost)
• Voluntary HSA with Company Match
• Voluntary FSA
• Free Employee Assistance Program (Behavioral Health Support)

Financial Wellness

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Company-Paid Basic Life Insurance
• Company-Paid Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Policy
• Voluntary Short-Term Disability
• Voluntary Employee, Spouse, and/or child(ren) Life Insurance, with AD&D

Plus

• A supportive, collaborative work environment
• Opportunities for growth

Who We Are

Founded in 1986, Thomas Cuisine is an award-winning, privately held contract food service company. We advocate the healing power of whole foods and believe in preparing scratch-made cuisine fresh each day. Our people are purposeful, they care about food and quality, and have a desire to make a positive impact in the world through REAL food. Embark on a rewarding culinary journey with us, where your skills will not only flourish, but also contribute significantly to the satisfaction and well-being of our growing community.

Our commitment to you

At Thomas Cuisine, we are dedicated to fostering a workplace that is diverse, equitable, inclusive, and where every individual feels a sense of belonging. We know that this commitment is an ongoing journey, and we will strive to improve and adapt as we grow. Our DEIB commitment is not just a statement but a living part of our company culture.

REAL Food | Genuine Service | Enduring Relationships

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.