Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea Barista

Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea; Oak Park (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free food & snacks

Training & development

Staff discounts

Access to cuppings and coffee events

Job summary

A leading café in Oak Park, Illinois, is seeking a passionate barista / kitchen teammate to provide exceptional service and excellent coffee experiences. Responsibilities include preparing espresso and food items, educating guests about coffee, and maintaining a welcoming atmosphere. The ideal candidate has strong interpersonal skills, a proactive attitude, and a passion for hospitality. This role offers opportunities for growth and staff discounts.

Qualifications

• Prior specialty coffee experience preferred but not required.
• Openness to working in both front of house and back of house roles.
• Availability to work early mornings, weekends, or holidays as needed.

Responsibilities

• Prepare espresso drinks, pour‑overs, and batch brew to exacting standards.
• Deliver a warm, welcoming service experience—both behind the bar and on the floor.
• Assist with daily opening/closing duties and café upkeep.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Team-first mentality

Proactive attitude

Job description

Benefits:

• Free food & snacks
• Training & development

About Us

Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea is a joyful multi-roaster café dedicated to showcasing the best coffees from around the country. We rotate featured roasters monthly and focus on building a thoughtful, community‑driven space where exceptional coffee and warm hospitality go hand in hand.

The Role

We’re looking for a passionate and service‑oriented barista / kitchen teammate to join our growing team. This position goes beyond espresso and cooking skills—we’re seeking someone who thrives in guest interaction, takes pride in delivering intentional hospitality, and brings positive energy to the bar and the floor.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare espresso drinks, pour‑overs, and batch brew to exacting standards
• Prepare breakfast, lunch, and snack food to recipe and plating standards
• Represent rotating roasters and educate guests about tasting notes, origins, and brew methods
• Deliver a warm, welcoming service experience—both behind the bar and on the floor
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient work environment
• Assist with daily opening/closing duties and café upkeep
• Collaborate with teammates to ensure smooth service flow and memorable customer moments

What We’re Looking For

• Prior specialty coffee experience preferred but not required
• Openness to working in both front of house and back of house roles.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• A passion for hospitality and coffee education
• A proactive attitude, attention to detail, and a team‑first mentality
• Availability to work early mornings, weekends, or holidays as needed

Why Join Us?

• Exposure to a rotating lineup of some of the world’s best roasters
• Supportive and inclusive team culture
• Opportunities for growth in service, coffee knowledge, and leadership
• Staff discounts, ongoing training, and access to cuppings and coffee events