Lead Barista

choicehotels; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality company is seeking a Lead Barista for its café in Chicago. The ideal candidate will manage daily operations, provide excellent guest service, and train team members. With a focus on quality beverage preparation and adherence to industry standards, this role offers the chance to build lasting guest loyalty in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year of barista or café experience required; supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of beverage service, including espresso and specialty drinks.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal beverage regulations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the café, maintaining high guest service standards.
• Train new team members and monitor performance.
• Ensure cleanliness and compliance with safety standards.

Skills

Beverage service knowledge

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Time management

Organizational skills

Tools

POS systems

Job description

Choice Hotels International, Inc (NYSE:CHH) is one of the largest lodging franchisors in the world. A challenger in the upscale segment and a leader in midscale and extended stay, Choicehas more than 7,400 hotels, representing over 625,000 rooms, in 45 countries and territories. A diverse portfolio of 22 brands that run the gamut from full-service upper upscale properties to midscale, extended stay and economy enables Choiceto meet travelers' needs in more places and for more occasions while driving more value for franchise owners and shareholders. The award-winning Choice Privilegesloyalty program and co-brand credit card options provide members with a fast and easy way to earn reward nights and personalized perks. For more information, visitwww.choicehotels.com.

The ability to model Choice’s Cultural Values: Welcome and Respect Everyone, Be Bold, Be Quick, Listen, Be Curious and Show Integrity are key to our success in inspiring Loyalty, Growth, and the Hospitality Spirit.

Our managed hotels portfolio includes Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson Red, Park Plaza, and Country Inn & Suites by Radisson.

The Lead Barista supports the Food & Beverage team by overseeing the daily operations of the café or coffee station, maintaining high standards of guest service, and mentoring baristas to deliver an exceptional experience. This role acts as a working supervisor, responsible for preparing beverages, training new team members, ensuring product quality, and assisting in inventory and ordering. The Lead Barista serves as a role model for the team by promoting a positive and efficient work environment while consistently delivering Radisson Blu’s commitment to genuine hospitality and 100% guest satisfaction. This is an hourly position with an hourly with a pay rate $25.00 per hour.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Operational Oversight

• Serve as a role model and lead by example, promoting a calm, positive, and service-focused environment at all times.
• Guide and support the barista team through daily shift operations, delegating responsibilities and ensuring smooth workflow.
• Train new team members on service standards, beverage preparation, and hotel policies.
• Monitor barista performance and provide in-the-moment coaching to uphold quality and consistency.
• Ensure team members have the tools and resources they need to deliver exceptional guest experiences and support Radisson Blu’s “Yes I Can!” service culture.

Guest Service & Beverage Preparation

• Greet guests warmly and take orders with efficiency, accuracy, and a focus on upselling specialty items.
• Prepare all coffee, tea, and custom drink orders according to brand standards and recipes.
• Maintain a calm demeanor during periods of high volume to lead by example and ensure the station continues operating smoothly.
• Address guest concerns or complaints promptly and professionally, working toward resolution and satisfaction.
• Assist with room service deliveries as needed to support overall Food & Beverage operations.

Cash Handling & POS Operations

• Operate the POS register accurately, process transactions, and handle payments via cash or credit card.
• Follow all hotel cash-handling and guest service procedures; ensure compliance with hotel and brand financial policies.
• Train other team members on POS functionality and best practices for accuracy and efficiency.

Cleanliness, Stocking & Safety

• Clean, sanitize, and restock the workstation regularly to meet brand and health code requirements.
• Follow all safety and sanitation procedures, as well as Choice Hotels policies, to ensure a safe environment for guests and employees.
• Understand and adhere to all local and company beverage service laws and guidelines.

Inventory & Supply Management

• Monitor daily supply levels and restock as needed; report shortages or supply concerns to management.
• Help create and maintain par levels for coffee, condiments, and disposables to ensure optimal stock availability.
• Assist with monthly inventory counts and support ordering procedures in collaboration with restaurant leadership.

Guest Satisfaction & Brand Alignment

• Create 100% guest satisfaction by consistently demonstrating genuine hospitality, teamwork, and attention to detail.
• Communicate and reinforce Radisson Blu’s guest service vision to peers and new hires.
• Support the development of feedback loops by encouraging guest input and helping leadership identify patterns for continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with the Food & Beverage team to deliver creative, brand-aligned experiences that exceed expectations.

Other Duties

• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by Management to support departmental success and ensure exceptional guest experiences.

Requirements/Skills

• Minimum of 1 year of barista or café experience required; supervisory or lead experience strongly preferred
• Must meet minimum age requirements to serve alcohol (per state law)
• Strong knowledge of beverage service, including espresso, tea, and specialty drinks
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Proficient in using POS systems and handling cash
• Highly organized with strong time management skills
• Ability to lead by example in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
• Available to work a flexible schedule including weekends and holidays
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal beverage regulations

Physical Demands

• Must be able to stand, walk, bend, and lift throughout the shift
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs occasionally

Ability to model Choice’s Cultural Values: Welcome and Respect Everyone, Be Bold, Be Quick, Listen, Be Curious and Show Integrity are key to our success in inspiring Loyalty, Growth, and the Hospitality Spirit.

Choice Hotels International is an equal opportunity employer and affirmative action employer. Employment practices and decisions are not influenced by an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or express, disability veteran status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, this offer of employment is conditional upon your presenting documents verifying your identity and legal authorization to work in the United States. All offers of employment are conditional upon the satisfactory completion of a background check and E-Verify.

Ability to model Choice’s Cultural Values: Welcome and Respect Everyone, Be Bold, Be Quick, Listen, Be Curious and Show Integrity are key to our success in inspiring Loyalty, Growth, and the Hospitality Spirit.

Choice Hotels International is an equal opportunity employer and affirmative action employer. Employment practices and decisions are not influenced by an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or express, disability veteran status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, this offer of employment is conditional upon your presenting documents verifying your identity and legal authorization to work in the United States. All offers of employment are conditional upon the satisfactory completion of a background check and E-Verify.