BaristaCafe Teammate River North

Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 29,000 - 34,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee discounts

Flexible schedule

Free food & snacks

Training & development

Job summary

Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea is seeking passionate, dependable Teammates for part-time roles. You’ll help create warm guest experiences, craft quality beverages, and support café operations across bar, floor, and kitchen spaces.

This role emphasizes hospitality, teamwork, and reliability. Availability for early mornings, weekends, or holidays is required. Prior specialty coffee or restaurant experience is preferred, and food safety certification is a plus.

Qualifications

• Looking for friendly, guest-focused individuals with a positive attitude.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential.
• Able to work well in a fast-paced setting and collaborate with teammates.

Responsibilities

• Hospitality & Guest Experience: Create a warm, welcoming environment and deliver attentive service.
• Food, Beverage, & Café Operations: Prepare beverages and food per standards; keep stations clean and organized.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Coordinate with team and leadership to ensure smooth daily operations.

Skills

Hospitality mindset

Strong communication

Teamwork

Multitasking

Attention to detail

Job description

Benefits:

Employee discounts

Flexible schedule

Free food & snacks

Training & development

Job Type: Part-time

Compensation: $17.25/hour, tip eligible | $21-$25 per hour (base rate + avg tip rate)

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.

The Role

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

As a Fairgrounds Teammate, you’ll help create positive guest experiences, take pride in delivering intentional hospitality, and bring positive energy to all café operations. Whether you’re on the bar, floor, or in the kitchen, you’ll play an important role in bringing the Fairgrounds experience to life.

What You’ll Do

Hospitality & Guest Experience

Create a warm, welcoming environment and deliver friendly, attentive service.

Assist guests with orders, menu questions, and recommendations.

Contribute to positive and memorable guest experiences.

Food, Beverage, & Café Operations

Craft high-quality coffee, tea, specialty beverages, and food according to Fairgrounds’ recipes and quality standards.

Support daily preparation, restocking, and café procedures while maintaining clean, organized, and well-stocked workstations.

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 speciality coffee, restaurant, or kitchen experience preferred.

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 quality and cleanliness.

Availability for early mornings, weekends, or holidays as needed.

Food safety certification, or willingness to obtain one.

Why Join Fairgrounds?

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.