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barista, Experience Bar - Chicago Roastery

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Benefits

Medical insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life insurance
Paid parental leave
Paid vacation
401(k) retirement plan
Employee stock purchase plan
Tuition coverage
Paid holidays
Disability insurance

Job Description

Starbucks Coffee Company is a globally recognized coffeehouse chain that has revolutionized the coffee culture by blending tradition with innovation. Founded with the mission of celebrating coffee and fostering a sense of connection and community, Starbucks has grown into a leading coffee retailer with a rich heritage and a passionate commitment to quality and customer experience. Starbucks Reserve, a unique segment within the Starbucks portfolio, elevates this mission by offering a premium, craft coffee experience through its flagship locations, Starbucks Reserve Stores, and Reserve Kitchens across the United States.

Starbucks Reserve locations are designed to be immersive environments where coffee lovers can indulge in a multisensory journey that highlights the art, science, and theater of coffee. These locations serve as community hubs where customers gather to enjoy expertly crafted coffee using a variety of methods such as Pour Over, Chemex, Coffee Press, Siphon, Espresso, and the Clover Brewing system. Complementing the exceptional coffee offerings are innovative food selections created by Reserve Cafe partners and Reserve Kitchens. Starbucks Reserve partners, including baristas, play a crucial role in delivering this elevated customer experience by acting as ambassadors of coffee expertise and stewards of quality.

The barista role at Starbucks Reserve is both dynamic and demanding. It requires not only a deep knowledge of coffee and food products but also an ability to provide an exceptional, personalized service that fosters a welcoming environment for all customers. Partners at the Experience Bar are expected to maintain composure and professionalism even during high-volume periods or unusual situations. They work collaboratively in a team setting to operationalize Starbucks' mission and core values, ensuring all operational standards for food safety, sanitation, and quality are met consistently.

As a Starbucks Reserve barista, you will be entrusted with many responsibilities. You will serve as a brand ambassador and coffee expert, delivering a coffee-forward customer experience while maintaining knowledge of a diverse range of beverage and food items, including rotating offerings and retail products. You will anticipate customer needs, provide tailored recommendations, and support store events and full-service models. Operationally, your role involves maintaining clean and organized workspaces, managing inventory, following cash handling procedures, and using production planning tools to meet demand efficiently.

Starbucks values partners who bring experience from service, culinary, restaurant, or entertainment industries and who thrive in a fast-paced, innovative environment. Physical stamina and the ability to memorize complex menus and instructions are essential in this role. The company supports its partners through comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision insurance, paid parental leave, paid vacation, and access to educational programs such as the Starbucks College Achievement Plan. Starbucks is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity, ensuring a supportive workplace culture for all employees.

Joining Starbucks Reserve as a barista means becoming part of a community that values leadership, connection, and excellence in coffee craftsmanship. It offers a chance to engage with customers in meaningful ways, hone your coffee and culinary skills, and grow within one of the most respected names in the coffee industry. This role is perfect for individuals passionate about coffee, eager to learn, and committed to delivering an extraordinary experience with every cup. Apply today to embark on a rewarding career path with Starbucks.

Job Requirements

  • high school diploma or equivalent
  • 1-2 years specialty retail sales experience beneficial
  • facilitation and presentation skills beneficial
  • ability to carry and balance a tray beneficial
  • baking or culinary certification/degree beneficial
  • pizza making and baking experience beneficial
  • basic culinary knife skills
  • ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions
  • high attention to detail with multitasking ability
  • strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
  • ability to work in multiple store departments and positions
  • additional languages beneficial
  • ability to learn quickly

Job Qualifications

  • experience in service, culinary, restaurant, or entertainment industry
  • ability to bend, twist, squat, reach, crawl, push/pull, climb stairs, and stand for long periods
  • proficiency in English
  • available to work flexible hours including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays
  • ability to carry 35lb consistently
  • ability to memorize complex menus and beverage/food builds
  • health code certification per jurisdictional requirements

Job Duties

  • act with integrity, honesty, and knowledge that promote the culture and values of Starbucks
  • provide a unique coffee and food-forward experience for every customer
  • serve as a coffee and food expert with exceptional product knowledge
  • maintain composure during high-volume or unusual events
  • provide quality beverages and food products consistently by adhering to standards
  • follow health, safety, and sanitation guidelines
  • contribute to a positive team environment
  • anticipate customer and store needs
  • deliver exceptional customer service
  • support store events and execution
  • take responsibility for full-service model where applicable
  • maintain knowledge of rotating food, beverage, and retail items
  • engage customers with recommendations and pairings
  • follow operational policies including cash handling and safety
  • maintain clean and organized workspaces
  • support inventory management and product availability
  • prepare and assemble beverages and food items
  • stock and maintain display tables and supplies
  • proof doughs and laminates

Job Criteria

Experience

No experience required


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