Lead Barista

Caraluzzis Markets; Mill Plain (CT); On-site; USD 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Comprehensive benefits package

Healthcare coverage

401(k) with matching

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off / vacations

Sick time and holidays

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Caraluzzi's Markets seeks an experienced Lead Barista to oversee its in-store café operations across Bethel, Wilton, Danbury, and Newtown. The role focuses on fast, friendly service, high-quality drinks, cleanliness, and bright café presentation.

The successful candidate will train and develop baristas, guide daily activities, adhere to recipes and SOPs, and remain hands-on with day-to-day duties while driving menu development and customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Prior coffee shop and/or barista experience required.
• At least 1 year of supervisory or leadership experience.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Strong knowledge and passion for coffee, specialty beverages, and café service.
• Ability to work quickly and efficiently in a fast-paced environment while maintaining quality.
• Outgoing, engaging, and customer-oriented personality.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Self-starter who is motivated, dependable, and able to take initiative.
• Ability to train, coach, and motivate others.
• Ability to follow established programs and procedures while helping others do the same.
• Must be willing to travel between Caraluzzi's locations in Bethel, Wilton, Danbury, and Newtown as needed.
• Must be available to work weekends, holidays, and flexible hours as needed.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Lead by example with fast, friendly, and efficient service.
• Prepare specialty coffee drinks and beverages with consistent quality.
• Train and develop new and existing baristas.
• Oversee daily café operations and provide direction to staff.
• Ensure SOPs, recipes, cleanliness, and food safety standards.
• Motivate team to follow established programs and directives.
• Maintain a clean, welcoming café environment.
• Assist with menu and recipe development and bring ideas to development.
• Identify opportunities to improve operations and customer experience.
• Step in to produce drinks during busy periods.
• Support staff development and build a positive team environment.
• Communicate with management about operational needs and opportunities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job description

Lead Barista

Since 1949, Caraluzzi's Markets has been a family-owned and operated grocery store serving the Connecticut communities of Bethel, Wilton, Danbury, and Newtown. Our stores are packed with fresh produce, scratch-baked goods, chef-prepared meals, dock-fresh seafood, butcher-cut meats, and a wide selection of grocery, dairy, and frozen favorites. Caraluzzi's prides itself on product selection, customer-focused service, and having the best team around-many of whom spend the majority of their careers with us. Widely recognized as a progressive and forward-thinking independent grocer, we invite you to come grow with us!

Position Overview:

Caraluzzi's is looking for an experienced and motivated Lead Barista to help oversee our in-store café operations. The Lead Barista will help ensure a fast, friendly, and efficient customer experience while maintaining high standards for coffee, specialty drinks, cleanliness, and overall café presentation.

This position will play an important role in training and developing baristas, supporting daily café operations, maintaining standard operating procedures, and helping introduce and improve menu items and drink recipes. The ideal candidate is passionate about coffee and customer service, leads by example, and is able to motivate others while remaining hands‑on with day‑to‑day café responsibilities. The Lead Barista will support café` operations across Caraluzzi's Bethel, Wilton, Danbury, and Newtown.

If you are an outgoing, self-motivated team player who enjoys working in a fast‑paced environment and has a passion for coffee, beverages, and developing others, we would love to have you join our team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead by example by providing fast, friendly, and efficient customer service.
• Prepare specialty coffee drinks, beverages, coffee, and tea while maintaining consistent quality standards.
• Train and develop new and existing baristas on drink preparation, recipes, procedures, customer service, and café standards.
• Help oversee the daily operation of the café and provide direction and support to baristas.
• Reinforce and ensure compliance with standard operating procedures, recipes, cleanliness standards, and food safety requirements.
• Motivate and encourage team members to follow established programs, procedures, and company directives.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming café environment.
• Assist with menu and recipe development, including helping bring new ideas from concept through development and implementation.
• Identify opportunities to improve café operations, customer experience, product quality, and efficiency.
• Be prepared to step in and produce drinks and assist with café operations during busy periods.
• Support staff development and help build a positive, productive team environment.
• Communicate effectively with management and café staff regarding operational needs and opportunities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Prior coffee shop and/or barista experience required.
• At least 1 year of supervisory or leadership experience
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Strong knowledge and passion for coffee, specialty beverages, and café service.
• Ability to work quickly and efficiently in a fast‑paced environment while maintaining quality.
• Outgoing, engaging, and customer‑oriented personality.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Self‑starter who is motivated, dependable, and able to take initiative.
• Ability to train, coach, and motivate others.
• Ability to follow established programs and procedures while helping others do the same.
• Must be willing to travel between Caraluzzi's locations in Bethel, Wilton, Danbury, and Newtown as needed.
• Must be available to work weekends, holidays, and flexible hours as needed.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift and move up to 50 lbs. regularly.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, lift, and perform physical tasks throughout the shift.
• Ability to work in a multi‑temperature environment, including refrigerated areas.

Perks, Benefits & Career Growth

At Caraluzzi's Markets, we believe in recognizing and rewarding hard work with competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package.

Depending on eligibility, our perks and benefits package include:

• Comprehensive healthcare; medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Supplemental insurance options
• 401(k) retirement plan with matching
• Tuition reimbursement
• Student loan assistanceVacation time off
• Paid sick time and paid holidays
• Family oriented promote from within culture
• Opportunities for career advancement and growth

Note:

This document provides a general summary of the essential responsibilities and duties and is not meant to include all job duties or requirements for every position. Caraluzzi's reserves the right to change and/or add to the responsibilities as the needs of the business changes

Compensation is based on a range of factors, including experience, skills, training, certifications, and overall business needs. While we aim to be competitive within our pay ranges, starting rates are typically determined by individual qualifications, and initial offers are not typically made at or near the top of the stated range.