Barista Cashier

This independent specialty tea house, located in the vibrant Fulton Market district of Chicago, is a unique establishment dedicated to crafting high-quality, handcrafted teas, matcha, fruit teas, and specialty coffee. Fulton Market is known as Chicago's highest-traffic and highest-check dining corridor, making this tea house a prime destination for beverage enthusiasts and foodies alike. The company takes pride in a precision beverage program that emphasizes consistency, finesse, and quality built on extensive hands-on training in Japan and Asia. The concept is lean, operator-led, and driven by a tight Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)-driven menu that eliminates chaos and waste, ensuring focused execution and exceptional customer experiences.

As the tea house is just about to open its doors to the public, it offers an exciting opportunity to join as a Barista and Cashier. This role is crucial in upholding the establishment's reputation for meticulous beverage preparation and outstanding customer service. Working alongside a Lead Barista, the candidate will be cross-trained to master the full bar program, manage the point-of-sale register, and provide light table support when necessary. The role demands a fast, consistent, and quality-driven approach, especially during peak hours, ensuring every beverage served meets the high standards set by the company.

The position offers a full-time employment opportunity with an hourly wage ranging from 16 to 19 dollars depending on experience. Additionally, employees receive tips on all shifts, paid pre-opening training from Day 1, and a clear pathway to progress into the Lead Barista role as the volume increases. The role involves preparing a variety of beverages based on precise SOPs, including fruit teas, milk teas, matcha, and coffee. Employees will be responsible for operating the POS system accurately and handling cash transactions efficiently while supporting the lead barista during busy times.

Candidates will also participate in ongoing restocking, maintaining cleanliness, and organizational standards throughout each shift to ensure a smooth operation. As part of the opening team, the Barista and Cashier will play an integral role in shaping the workplace culture in a new concept environment, contributing ideas and energy to help the tea house thrive. The owners are actively present during every shift, ensuring a close-knit, committed, and hands-on leadership style that fosters growth and development.

This role is perfect for individuals who have at least one year of barista or café experience, are comfortable with POS systems (Toast experience is a plus), and thrive in fast-paced environments without compromising precision and customer satisfaction. Illinois Food Handler Certification is required or willingness to obtain it is necessary. Preferred candidates will have specialized knowledge in specialty tea or Asian beverage concepts, particularly matcha preparation, and a genuine interest in participating in and growing with a new food and beverage concept in one of Chicago's most exciting neighborhoods.

Overall, this role combines a passion for quality beverages with excellent customer service, offering robust training, competitive pay, and a supportive environment to cultivate both personal and professional growth. Being part of the opening team offers an unparalleled chance to influence how this unique tea house grows and wins the hearts of Chicagoans and visitors alike.