Line Cook/Barista/Operations Manager

Good Place; Illinois; On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Good Place Café is looking for a hands-on Line Cook / Barista / Operations Manager to join our busy café team in Illinois. The role blends beverage and food preparation with daily operations, staff support, and administrative duties as needed.

We value friendly, dependable individuals who can lead a small team, maintain quality standards, and thrive in a fast-paced environment. Full-time availability preferred; please share your available days when applying.

Qualifications

• Experience in café or food service is a plus.
• Leadership or supervisory experience is preferred.
• Knowledge of food safety and hygiene practices is expected.
• Strong customer service and communication skills are essential.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, hands-on environment.

Responsibilities

• Barista & Beverage Service: prepare coffee, espresso drinks, smoothies, and specialty beverages; operate espresso machines and equipment; ensure high-quality beverage presentation; provide friendly service.
• Line Cook & Food Preparation: prepare salads, bowls, light meals; assist with portioning, plating, and prep; bake gluten-free and vegan items; follow food safety standards; keep kitchen organized and clean.
• Operations Management: support day-to-day operations; coordinate staff and tasks; assist with scheduling and inventory; monitor cleanliness and policies; handle cash and POS reconciliation; communicate staffing and inventory needs to management.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Leadership

Multitasking

Organizational skills

Reliability

Initiative

Teamwork

Flexibility

Physical stamina

Education

Food Handler’s Certificate preferred

Willingness to obtain Food Handler’s Certificate

Tools

TouchBistro POS

Job description

GOOD Place Café is looking for a friendly, reliable, and motivated Line Cook / Barista / Operations Manager to join our team. This is a hands‑on role that combines café service, beverage preparation, food preparation, kitchen support, and day-to-day operational responsibilities.

As an Operations Manager, you will help ensure the café runs smoothly and efficiently, supporting staff, coordinating daily operations, maintaining quality and service standards, and helping with scheduling, inventory, ordering, and other administrative tasks as needed. This is an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys being hands‑on while also taking initiative and helping lead a team.

We are looking for someone who enjoys working with people, takes pride in quality food and drinks, is organized and dependable, and can thrive in a busy café environment.

Full‑time availability is preferred. Applicants are asked to include their available days and times when applying.

Key Responsibilities

Barista & Beverage Service

• Prepare coffee, espresso drinks, smoothies, and specialty beverages
• Operate espresso machines, blenders, and other café equipment
• Ensure beverages are prepared consistently and presented to a high standard
• Provide friendly and efficient customer service

Line Cook & Food Preparation

• Prepare fresh menu items including salads, bowls, smoothies, and light meals
• Assist with portioning, assembling, plating, and food preparation
• Prepare and bake gluten‑free and vegan treats
• Follow food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient kitchen and food preparation area
• Greet customers warmly and create a welcoming experience
• Process customer orders and payments using the POS system
• Keep the café clean, organized, and inviting
• Restock ingredients and supplies as needed
• Wash dishes and maintain kitchen and café cleanliness
• Assist with opening and closing duties

Operations Management

• Support the day‑to‑day operations of the café to ensure smooth and efficient service
• Help coordinate staff and daily tasks to maintain quality and customer service standards
• Assist with staff scheduling and shift coverage as needed
• Monitor inventory levels and assist with ordering food, beverages, and supplies
• Help ensure café policies, procedures, food safety, and cleanliness standards are consistently followed
• Support staff training, onboarding, and day‑to‑day guidance
• Help identify operational needs and provide solutions to improve efficiency and customer experience
• Assist with cash handling, POS reconciliation, and other administrative duties as required
• Communicate with management regarding staffing, inventory, customer feedback, and operational needs

Qualifications & Skills

• Previous café, barista, line cook, or food service experience is an asset
• Previous leadership, supervisory, or operations experience is an asset
• Experience with TouchBistro POS is an asset
• Strong customer service and communication skills
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast‑paced environment
• Strong multitasking and organizational skills
• Reliable, punctual, and dependable
• Ability to take initiative and confidently make decisions when needed
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs. when required
• Flexible availability, including evenings and weekends

Certification

• Food Handler’s Certificate preferred
• Willingness to obtain a Food Handler’s Certificate considered

It worked for them. It can work for you .