Lead Barista

Steppenwolf Theatre Company; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Steppenwolf Theatre Company is seeking a part-time Cafe Lead for Front Bar, its café and bar connected to the main theater at 1700 N Halsted. The role oversees lead barista duties, supports food prep and coordinates with staff during matinee and evening performances.

The position reports to the Food and Beverage Manager and requires 25–30 hours weekly, including weekends. Front Bar serves Passion House coffee, fresh in-house food, and operates alongside Steppenwolf’s diverse programming.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years coffee shop experience.
• Demonstration of quality leadership.
• Basic math skills.
• Detail oriented.
• Be able to lift 40 pounds.
• Experience with Toast POS.

Responsibilities

• Functions as a lead barista and primary food prep.
• Provides direction to the team on assignments. Participates in the completion of work tasks and assists the team with complex work tasks or problem areas.
• Executes store operations during scheduled shifts, including opening and closing duties as assigned, deep cleaning tasks, ensuring side work is completed as well as prepping syrups, coffee and tea as needed.
• Maintains food inventory and oversees recipe and food safety adherence.
• Assist patrons with disabilities (which includes developing a proficiency in accessibility etiquette).
• Coordinate with the box office and other departments to streamline service.

Skills

Organization

Customer service

Teamwork

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Tools

Toast POS

Job description

STEPPENWOLF THEATRE COMPANY

Café Lead

Steppenwolf Theatre Company is seeking candidates for the part‑time position of Cafe Lead at Front Bar, Steppenwolf’s café and bar connected to the main theater at 1700 N Halsted. Open to the general public and theatergoers , Front Bar is a warm neighborhood hub serving coffee and espresso by Passion House and food made in‑house. The menu features fresh, accessible fare, with salads, sandwiches, shareable small plates and desserts for matinee and evening performances.

• This position reports to the Food and Beverage Manager.
• Hours of employment range from 10 AM to 10 PM daily, with peak times in support of evening and weekend performances.

Areas of Responsibility

• Functions as a lead barista and primary food prep.
• Provides direction to the team on assignments. Participates in the completion of work tasks and assists the team with complex work tasks or problem areas. Acts as the ‘go to’ resource for the team. Provides into for performance reviews, staff training and development of the team. Monitors the completion of work tasks by the team.
• Executes store operations during scheduled shifts, including opening and closing duties as assigned, deep cleaning tasks, ensuring side work is completed as well as prepping syrups, coffee and tea as needed.
• Maintains food inventory and oversees recipe and food safety adherence.
• Upkeeps concessions and snack inventory for satellite stations, including assembling, labeling and stocking snack mixes.
• Assists Manager in teaching and training new baristas.
• Assists the Manager with daily and weekly inventory orders as needed.
• Reports to the Manager on duty any customer complaints, potential safety hazards, employee accidents, café needs or operational inconsistencies.
• Follow proper cash handling protocol. Provides change for tills as needed
• Prepare and serve quality food and beverages in a friendly and efficient manner
• Provide adaptive service that is cognizant of theater operations
• Maintain their station for cleanliness and sanitation and ensure the quality of all beverages
• Educate themselves and guests about coffee, tea and food offerings
• Engage our patrons as courteous, professional representatives of our company
• Assist patrons with disabilities (which includes developing a proficiency in accessibility etiquette)
• Coordinate with the box office and other departments to streamline service
• Monitor and maintain public spaces for safety, cleanliness and presentation
• Serve as knowledgeable sources of information about the theatre and city

Desired Qualifications

• Excellent organization, customer service, teamwork, interpersonal and communication skills
• Be able to consistently work 25-30 hours per week, including weekends
• A minimum of 2 years coffee shop experience
• Food prep experience preferredDemonstration of quality leadership
• Basic math skills
• Detail oriented
• Possess excellent time-management skills
• Be able to lift 40 pounds
• Experience with Toast POS
• Food Safety Management and Allergen Certifications

Steppenwolf Mission

Steppenwolf strives to create thrilling, courageous and provocative art in a thoughtful and inclusive environment. We succeed when we disrupt your routine with experiences that spark curiosity, empathy and joy. We invite you to join our ensemble as we navigate, together, our complex world.

Steppenwolf Core Values

Ensemble
Innovation
Cultural Citizenship

Steppenwolf Theatre Company is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color,
religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Steppenwolf complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.