Barista - New Store Opening

Hometown Coffee Co; Northbrook (IL); On-site; USD 15,000 - 17,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee meal

Employee discount

401(k)

Great work-life balance

Paid leave

Health insurance

Growth opportunities

Team environment

Job summary

Hometown Coffee & Juice in Northbrook is hiring a Barista to craft beverages with attention to quality and hospitality. You’ll dial in espresso, steam milk, and maintain a clean, efficient station in a fast-paced café.

The role emphasizes customer service, learning our coffee menu, and supporting teammates to keep service smooth. Training is available, with opportunities to grow in a rising brand.

Qualifications

• Previous customer service or coffee experience is preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Interest in learning about coffee and beverage preparation.
• Knowledge of safe food handling practices.

Responsibilities

• Prepare coffee and espresso drinks according to recipes and quality standards.
• Dial in espresso and monitor beverage quality throughout shifts.
• Steam milk and ensure consistent taste, texture, and presentation.
• Maintain organized, clean station and support other frontline roles during peak periods.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Multitasking

Interest in coffee

Food safety

Job description

About this position

Barista

Position Summary

At Hometown Coffee & Juice, our Baristas do more than make great coffee - they create experiences that keep customers coming back. As a Barista, you'll combine technical skill, speed, attention to detail, and genuine hospitality to deliver consistently excellent beverages in a fast-paced café environment.

A successful Barista takes pride in every detail, from dialing in espresso and steaming milk to maintaining a clean, organized workspace and connecting with customers. You'll work closely with your teammates to keep service moving while maintaining the quality and hospitality that define Hometown.

Our Northbrook café is scheduled to open in December 2026. Team members hired before opening will have the opportunity to begin training and work scheduled hours at our Glenview location. This allows you to get to know Hometown, build confidence in your role, and start earning hours before the Northbrook café officially opens.

What You'll Do

Deliver Quality & Consistency

• Prepare coffee and espresso beverages according to Hometown recipes and quality standards.
• Dial in espresso and monitor beverage quality throughout the shift.
• Steam milk and prepare beverages with consistency in taste, texture, temperature, and presentation.
• Follow standardized recipes and procedures to ensure every customer receives a great product.

Work with Speed & Efficiency

• Manage your station calmly and efficiently during busy periods.
• Keep your workspace organized, stocked, and ready for service.
• Maintain strong awareness of ticket flow and help keep orders moving.
• Support the cashier and other FOH positions as needed during peak periods without compromising quality.

Build Your Coffee Knowledge

• Develop a strong understanding of Hometown's coffee, beverage, and menu offerings.
• Continue building technical skills and product knowledge through training and hands-on experience.
• Identify and communicate equipment or product issues to leadership.
• Follow proper procedures for operating, cleaning, and maintaining coffee equipment.

Create Great Customer Experiences

• Welcome and engage customers with warm, genuine hospitality.
• Help customers navigate the menu and make recommendations when appropriate.
• Anticipate customer and team needs and proactively offer support.
• Address customer concerns quickly, professionally, and with care.

Maintain Cleanliness & Sanitation

• Keep the barista station clean, organized, and stocked throughout the shift.
• Follow all sanitation, food safety, and cleaning procedures.
• Clean equipment, surfaces, and tools as needed throughout service and at the end of each shift.

What You Bring

• Previous customer service or coffee experience is preferred, but we are happy to train the right person.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to multitask and remain organized in a fast-paced environment.
• Interest in learning about coffee, espresso, and beverage preparation.
• Knowledge of safe food handling practices.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and move throughout the café for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

Why You'll Love Working Here

• Build your barista skills and deepen your coffee knowledge.
• Be part of a dynamic, supportive, and growing team.
• Make a meaningful impact on the customer experience every day.
• Grow with a company that values hospitality, teamwork, and development.

Pay: Base hourly wage: $11–$12 (tip credit wage) plus an estimated $8–$10 in tips per hour. Total hourly compensation typically ranges from $19–$22 with tips.

• Employee Meal & Employee Discount Benefits
• 401(k)
• Great Work-Life Balance - No late nights, our cafes close at 5pm
• Paid Leave and Sick Leave
• Health Insurance offered to all regular full-time employees
• Growth and development opportunities
• Supportive and collaborative team environment

EEO Statement

Hometown Coffee & Juice is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Lo Que Aportas

• 401(k)

Salary Information

$19 - $22Hourly Wage