Lead Barista

Eataly; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

Paid Parental Leave

401K with match

Free family meals

Discounts at Eataly

Referral bonus

Job summary

Eataly’s vibrant marketplace in Los Angeles seeks a Lead Barista to own and operate our coffee counters, ensuring exceptional espresso quality, friendly service, and a guest‑centered experience.

Reporting to the QSR General Manager, you will supervise Baristas, manage inventory, scheduling, and daily notes, while upholding health, safety and sanitation standards.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of lead or supervisory experience in food service.
• Strong money handling and math skills.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.
• Knowledge of coffee production; experience with manual espresso preferred.
• Understanding of Italian cuisine and beverage is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Owns day-to-day counter operations ensuring consistency and presentation.
• Leads by example on floor, delivering hospitality and engaging guests.
• Maintains beverage quality, speed of service, and cleanliness.
• Manages purchases, inventory, and pars for coffee and related supplies.
• Oversees ordering, scheduling, and shift notes.
• Records notes and assists with scheduling as needed.
• Ensures compliance with health, safety, and sanitation standards.
• Performs other duties as required.

Skills

Lead experience

Customer service

Money handling

Communication

Problem solving

Coffee knowledge

Italian cuisine knowledge

Education

High school diploma

Post-secondary degree preferred

Tools

Espresso machine

Cash register

Beverage blender

Juicer

Job description

Company Description

Eataly is the world’s largest artisanal Italian food and beverage marketplace! Eataly is not a chain; each Eataly is different, with its own character and own theme – but all with the same aim... for our guests to:

• SHOP a selection of high-quality Italian, local and homemade products
• LEARN through our classes and our team’s product knowledge

Company Description

Eataly is the world’s largest artisanal Italian food and beverage marketplace! Eataly is not a chain; each Eataly is different, with its own character and own theme – but all with the same aim... for our guests to:

• EAT authentic Italian food at our restaurants, cafés and to-go counters
• SHOP a selection of high-quality Italian, local and homemade products
• LEARN through our classes and our team’s product knowledge

Job Description

Eataly’s vibrant marketplace features a variety of quick service experiences, including our Lavazza and Vergnano coffee counter—an essential destination for authentic Italian espresso and beverage culture. The Lead Barista is responsible for owning and operating these counters, ensuring exceptional coffee quality, efficient service, and an elevated guest experience.

Reporting to the QSR General Manager and Assistant General Managers, the Lead Barista supervises Baristas and QSR team members while acting as the on-floor expert for all coffee operations.

• Owns the day-to‑day operations of the counter, ensuring consistency in execution, service flow, and overall presentation
• Leads by example on the floor, delivering exceptional hospitality and engaging with guests to create a welcoming and memorable coffee experience
• Maintains a strong focus on beverage quality, speed of service, and cleanliness at all times
• Purchases supplies, beverages and equipment per the direction of the QSR General Manager
• Oversees ordering, inventory, and pars for coffee, milk, pastries, and related supplies; ensures proper rotation and minimal waste
• Manages transactions and ensures accurate accounting
• Supports scheduling, shift organization, and daily communication through shift notes and team alignment
• Records shift notes and assists with administrative duties such as scheduling when needed
• Ensures department complies with all quality, health, safety and sanitation standards
• Documents, investigates and resolves guest incidents
• Performs other duties as required or assigned

Qualifications

• High school graduate or equivalent; post‑secondary degree preferred
• 2+ years of lead or supervisory experience in food service
• Math skills and ability to handle money accurately
• Strong knowledge of steps of service
• Excellent communication and problem‑solving skills
• Knowledge of coffee and coffee production, ideally using manual coffee machines preferred
• Knowledge of Italian cuisine and beverage preferred

Job Requirements

• Availability to work onsite with a flexible schedule often including evenings, weekends and holidays
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to exert well‑paced mobility for up to 8 hours, including standing, walking, bending and squatting
• Ability to operate equipment such as manual espresso machine, drink blender, juicer and cash register

Benefits and Perks

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• 401K with match
• Free family meal daily
• Discounts at Eataly
• Referral bonus program
• and more!

Compensation: Pay range is $24 - $26 an hour

Eataly is an equal employment opportunity employer. It is the Company’s policy to not unlawfully discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability or any other characteristic made unlawful to consider by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Eataly also prohibits harassment of applicants and employees based on any of these protected categories. It is also Eataly’s policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws regarding consideration of unemployment status, salary history, credit/bankruptcy history and criminal background/conviction history in making hiring decisions. If contacted for an employment opportunity, please advise Human Resources if you require accommodation.