Shift Lead - Bucktown

Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee discounts

Flexible schedule

Free food & snacks

Training & development

Job summary

Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea is opening a new Bucktown cafe in Chicago and seeks a passionate Shift Lead to guide daily operations and deliver exceptional guest experiences. You will lead by example, train teammates, and support the opening team as they establish standards of quality and service.

The role requires hospitality experience, strong communication, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment, including early mornings and weekends. Compensation is hourly with tip eligibility.

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in shift supervision or management.
• Strong, clear communication with teammates and customers.
• Ability to solve problems quickly and adapt to busy periods.
• Capacity to multitask and stay organized during peak times.
• Detail-oriented with emphasis on quality, cleanliness, and food safety.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily shifts by assigning tasks and coordinating team deployment.
• Provide hands-on training and coaching to teammates.
• Maintain smooth service flow and communicate feedback to café leadership.
• Foster hospitality by creating a warm guest experience and addressing questions or concerns.
• Oversee opening/closing procedures, restocking, and daily prep; ensure cleanliness and inventory.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Multitasking

Attention to detail

Team mindset

Job description

Benefits

• Employee discounts
• Flexible schedule
• Free food & snacks
• Training & development

Location

Bucktown, Chicago, IL (New Café Opening)

Job Type

Full-time, Part-time

Compensation

$18.25/hour, tip eligible

Who We Are

At Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea, we believe that great food, exceptional coffee, and genuine hospitality bring people together. We’re a community-driven café dedicated to creating welcoming spaces, thoughtfully crafted beverages, and memorable guest experiences.

We are excited to open our newest Fairgrounds café in Bucktown and are looking for leaders who want to help create memorable experiences in a new community!

The Role

We’re looking for a passionate, dependable, and hospitality-driven Shift Lead to join our growing team at our newest Bucktown location!

As a Fairgrounds Shift Lead, you’ll lead by example, support your teammates, and help ensure smooth daily café operations. From delivering exceptional guest experiences to guiding the team through busy shifts, you’ll play an important role in maintaining Fairgrounds’ standards of quality, service, and teamwork.

As part of our opening team, you’ll have the opportunity to help establish a positive team culture and set the foundation for a successful new café.

Please Note: Our Bucktown location is not yet open. Initial onboarding and training will take place at another Fairgrounds café prior to the new location’s opening.

What You’ll Do

Shift Leadership & Team Development

• Lead daily shifts by assigning responsibilities, coordinating team deployment, and maintaining smooth service flow.
• Provide hands-on training and coaching to teammates to foster a positive, collaborative, and accountable team environment.
• Communicate team performance, operational concerns, and feedback to café leadership.

Hospitality & Guest Experience

• Lead by example in creating a warm, welcoming environment and delivering exceptional hospitality.
• Support teammates in providing attentive, efficient, and memorable guest experiences.
• Address guest questions, concerns, and feedback with professionalism and care.

Food, Beverage, & Café Operations

• Uphold Fairgrounds’ recipes, preparation techniques, and quality standards for all coffee, tea, specialty beverages, and food.
• Oversee opening and closing procedures, daily preparation, restocking, and shift checklists.
• Maintain product availability, inventory organization, and equipment cleanliness.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and operational procedures.

Teamwork & Collaboration

• Collaborate with café leadership to support daily operations and team development.
• Take initiative, problem-solve, and adapt to changing priorities during busy service periods.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, and consistent execution of Fairgrounds’ service and operational standards.

What We’re Looking For

• Previous leadership or shift supervisory experience preferred.
• Prior specialty coffee, restaurant, or hospitality experience preferred.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to lead by example, delegate responsibilities, and provide constructive feedback.
• A positive, dependable, and team‑oriented attitude.
• Ability to multitask, stay organized, and make decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality, cleanliness, and food safety.
• Availability for early mornings, weekends, or holidays as needed.
• Food safety certification or willingness to obtain one.

Why Join Fairgrounds?

• New Store Opening: Be part of the opening team and help shape the culture of our newest café.
• Employee Discounts: Discounts on eligible food, beverage, and retail purchases.
• Shift Drinks & Meals: Available in accordance with company policy.
• Training & Development: Hands‑on training and opportunities to develop new skills.
• Growth Opportunities: Opportunities for continued professional development and advancement.
• Supportive Team Culture: A collaborative and inclusive workplace built on teamwork and mutual respect.

Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace.