Lobby Barista Brand Ambassador

Katz Coffee; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Training & development

Paid time off

Job summary

A leading specialty coffee roaster in Houston is seeking a Lobby Barista. This role is not just about brewing coffee; it's about educating guests on coffee fundamentals and serving as a brand ambassador. The ideal candidate should have a passion for coffee, strong hospitality skills, and a willingness to learn. Join us to contribute to a vibrant café environment and elevate the coffee experience.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of barista, hospitality, or restaurant experience preferred.
• Experience leading tastings and trainings is a plus.
• Solid understanding of coffee fundamentals or willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Calibrate and dial in espresso for quality.
• Prepare coffee and tea beverages for guests.
• Maintain and manage inventory of coffee and merchandise.
• Lead coffee education sessions and brewing trainings.

Skills

Friendly & hospitable personality

Strong sense of urgency

Calm under pressure

Team-oriented

Passion for coffee

Education

High School, GED, or higher education

Job description

Benefits:

Competitive salary

Training & development

Paid time off

Job Purpose: Are you passionate about the bean? When you wake up, is your first instinct to brew for your crew? Then we’ve got news for you. We’re looking for a friendly, curious, and hospitality-driven individual to serve as the face of Katz Coffee in our lobby café.

This isn’t just a barista role, it’s a hands-on position rooted in education, presentation, and people. From dialing in espresso to preparing for client tastings, you’ll help us make every cup count. Lobby Baristas arrive at 8 a.m. to ensure the space is dialed, the product is tasting great, and the bar is ready to welcome guests throughout the day Monday-Friday.

Duties and Responsibilities: • Calibrate and dial in espresso to ensure consistent quality • Prepare complimentary coffee and tea beverages for guests • Fulfill retail orders for whole bean sales in the lobby • Maintain and manage inventory of coffee and merchandise • Receive and check in product deliveries and restock shelves • Prepare coffee service and materials for client presentations in the training room • Assist the roaster with roasting and packaging sample batches • Lead coffee education sessions and brewing trainings for clients and visitors • Answer questions about our coffees, sourcing, and sustainability efforts • Educate the public about our offerings and serve as a brand ambassador • Curate and update the lobby menu in coordination with the roasting and sales team • Keep the lobby bar and surrounding areas clean, welcoming, and on brand

Required Qualifications • Friendly & hospitable personality • Strong sense of urgency and ownership • Calm under pressure with great communication skills • Team-oriented, coachable, and curious • Dependable and on time — always • Passion for coffee, tea, and ongoing learning

Education • High School, GED, or higher education required

Experience • 3+ years of barista, hospitality, or restaurant experience preferred • Experience leading tastings, trainings, or working in a customer education role is a plus — but not required. We can teach you about coffee; we can’t teach you to care.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities • Solid understanding of coffee fundamentals (or a willingness to learn quickly)

• Strong communication skills with a knack for storytelling and teaching

• Ability to multitask and stay organized in a dynamic setting

• Creative eye for menu curation and presentation

• Appreciation for specialty coffee, transparency, and sustainability • Good social skills & able to communicate with others

About Katz Coffee Founded in 2003 by a University of Houston alumni, Katz Coffee started on West 20th Street in the Heights with a simple goal: to make exceptional hand-roasted coffee. What began as a small operation has since grown into one of the largest specialty coffee roasters in Texas. Today, our coffees are proudly served in some of the nation’s top restaurants, cafés, and institutions.

Rooted in Houston and fueled by coffee, we’ve built our reputation on quality, consistency, and a deep respect for the craft. Everything we do, from sourcing to roasting to service to wholesaling, is done with care and attention to detail. If you believe great coffee starts with intention, we’d love to meet you.