Front of House Shift Lead Barista and Bartender

Khepri Kitchen; Mount Prospect (IL); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Opportunity for advancement

Paid time off

Training & development

Employee discounts

Job summary

Khepri Kitchen in Mt Prospect, IL, is seeking a Front of House Shift Lead who can manage fast-paced service and mentor teammates. You will lead front-of-house operations, deliver hospitality, and support our barista and bartending steps as needed.

This full-time role includes cross-training in specialty coffee, cocktails, wine, and beer, with opportunities for advancement in a community-focused café that values hospitality, learning, and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Experience as a bartender, barista, or in hospitality preferred.
• If you’re a bartender, we’ll provide comprehensive coffee training.
• If you’re a barista, we’ll provide extensive training in cocktails, wine, and beer.

Responsibilities

• Lead front-of-house operations during your shift.
• Deliver exceptional hospitality and create memorable guest experiences.
• Prepare espresso-based beverages, teas, matcha, and seasonal specialty drinks.
• Learn and prepare craft cocktails, wine service, and local microbrew beers.
• Guide guests through our food, beverage, and retail offerings with confidence.
• Open and close the front of the house following company procedures.
• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and food safety standards.
• Restock inventory and communicate product needs.
• Handle cash, POS transactions, and daily reconciliation.
• Support and mentor fellow team members while maintaining a positive work environment.
• Collaborate with the kitchen to ensure smooth service.
• Assist with catering, special events, and community programming as needed.
• Help merchandise retail products and maintain an inviting café atmosphere.

Skills

Bartender experience

Barista experience

Hospitality

Communication

Customer service

Multitasking

Punctual

Illinois BASSET certification

Food Handler Certification

Job description

Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off
• Training & development
• Employee discounts

Front of House Shift Lead | Barista & Bartender

Location: Mt Prospect, IL

About Us:

Khepri is a community-centered café, scratch kitchen, and neighborhood gathering space serving specialty coffee, craft cocktails, wine, local beer, and made-from-scratch food. We pride ourselves on genuine hospitality, quality ingredients, and creating memorable experiences for every guest.

We’re looking for a Front of House Shift Lead who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys connecting with people. This role is perfect for someone with either bartending experience who wants to learn specialty coffee or a barista who is excited to expand into craft cocktails, wine, and beer.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead front-of-house operations during your shift.
• Deliver exceptional hospitality and create memorable guest experiences.
• Prepare espresso-based beverages, teas, matcha, and seasonal specialty drinks.
• Learn and prepare craft cocktails, wine service, and local microbrew beers.
• Guide guests through our food, beverage, and retail offerings with confidence.
• Open and close the front of the house following company procedures.
• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and food safety standards.
• Restock inventory and communicate product needs.
• Handle cash, POS transactions, and daily reconciliation.
• Support and mentor fellow team members while maintaining a positive work environment.
• Collaborate with the kitchen to ensure smooth service.
• Assist with catering, special events, and community programming as needed.
• Help merchandise retail products and maintain an inviting café atmosphere.

Qualifications:

• Experience as a bartender, barista, or in hospitality preferred.
  • If you’re a bartender, we’ll provide comprehensive coffee training.
  • If you’re a barista, we’ll provide extensive training in cocktails, wine, and beer.
• Passion for learning and developing new skills.
• Excellent communication and customer service abilities.
• Ability to multitask in a busy environment while maintaining attention to detail.
• Reliable, punctual, and dependable.
• Comfortable standing for extended periods and lifting up to 40 lbs.
• Illinois BASSET certification (or willingness to obtain) is a plus.
• Food Handler Certification (or willingness to obtain).

Schedule Requirements:

This is a full-time position.

Applicants must be available for:

• Weekends (required)
• Either 10:30 AM - 6:30 PM or 1:30 PM - 9:30 PM shifts
• Flexibility for evenings, holidays, and special events is appreciated.

What We Offer:

• Full-time, year-round employment
• Extensive cross-training in specialty coffee, tea, wine, craft cocktails, and local beer
• Opportunities for leadership growth and advancement
• Supportive, team-oriented work environment
• Employee discounts
• PTO
• Shift meal
• A chance to be part of a growing, community-focused business that values hospitality, creativity, and continuous learning

If you’re passionate about hospitality and excited to expand your skills in both coffee and bar service, we’d love to meet you.