Barista - Hiring Immediately

Oak Park, IL, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Part-time

Hourly

Compensation

Hourly

Exact $18.50

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Flexible

Benefits

Weekly mystery shopper bonus plan

Tips when good service is provided

Paid Time Off

Free breakfast and lunch when working

health benefits

Dental benefits

vision benefits

401k Retirement Plan

Child bonding leave

The Pret Academy

Friendly fast paced environment

Transit program

FSA available

HSA available

Pet insurance

Job Description

Pret A Manger is a globally recognized food and coffee company known for its commitment to quality, freshness, and sustainability. Established with a passion for creating delicious, natural food without additives, Pret has grown into an international brand serving millions of customers daily in fast-paced, welcoming environments. The company prides itself on its ethical approach to sourcing ingredients, supporting education and training for employees, and fostering a positive workplace culture. Pret A Manger is not just about food; it’s about creating genuine moments of connection and bringing warmth to every interaction.

The Barista role at Pret A Manger is a dynamic and vital position within the team that goes beyond simply crafting coffee. Baristas are the heart and soul of the coffee experience, responsible for delivering excellent drinks consistently and engaging customers with passion and enthusiasm. This role involves coaching and training team members in the art of Barista Prepared Drinks, ensuring that quality and speed meet Pret’s high standards, including the 60-second service target. The Barista will also play a key role in maintaining cleanliness and operation of equipment, controlling waste, and helping to maximize sales through exceptional service and product knowledge.

In this position, the Barista becomes a leader in the coffee counter operation, attending training sessions, updating materials, and liaising with management to ensure continuous improvement and adherence to standards. The candidate must have strong guest-service orientation, reliability, and the ability to stand and move for extended periods, along with proficiency in espresso-based drinks. Pret offers comprehensive benefits including competitive hourly pay of $18.50 plus tips, weekly mystery shopper bonuses, paid time off, free meals during shifts, health benefits, and a supportive training academy designed to foster employee growth and career development.

Working as a Barista at Pret A Manger means being part of a passionate, fast-paced, and fun team environment that values each member’s contribution. Full-time employees can benefit from health, dental, vision insurance, 401K retirement plans, and other perks like child bonding leave, pet insurance, and transit programs. The role demands a commitment to Pret’s values, from immaculate personal presentation to delivering the famous "Pret Buzz" through exceptional coffee experience and customer interaction. This opportunity is ideal for someone who loves coffee, thrives in a busy environment, and wants to develop and share their skills while contributing to a globally respected brand.

Job Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
minimum one year experience as a barista
proficiency in espresso based drinks
strong guest-service orientation
ability to stand and walk for extended periods
ability to lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects up to 50 pounds
ability to bend, reach overhead, squat, kneel and use stairs as needed
ability to safely maneuver through tight or compact spaces
ability to operate restaurant equipment and handle tools such as tongs, pots, and pans with dexterity
ability to work in environments ranging from hot to cold
ability to maintain close, distance and peripheral vision
ability to communicate continuously with team members
reliability and punctuality
NYC Food Handlers Card preferred

Job Qualifications

Minimum of one year experience as a barista
proficiency in espresso based drinks
strong guest-service orientation
ability to stand for extended periods
reliability and punctuality
knowledge of Pret’s coffee prepared drinks program
excellent communication skills
ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Job Duties

Coach and train team member star and baristas-in-training on barista prepared drinks and standards
Deliver drinks within the 60-second service standard, communicating proactively when delays occur
Liaise with management to ensure all barista prepared drinks training is planned and carried out as appropriate
Carry out coffee team briefs and attend relevant meetings and courses relating to barista prepared drinks
Ensure all hot drinks training material is available and up to date
Follow Pret’s dress code and be immaculately presented, wearing the correct uniform at all times
Positively engage with customers and the team about Pret’s coffee story and coffee menu to ensure Pret Buzz
Serve barista prepared drinks to the 60 seconds standards, communicating to customers and the team when this is not possible
Wow customers with latte art
Make all barista prepared drinks to Pret standards
Role model coffee knowledge and maintain an understanding about Pret’s barista prepared drinks and standards
Maintain the barista prepared drinks equipment, barista box and daily and weekly checks to Pret standards
View the barista prepared drinks counter through a customer’s eyes and clean as you go
Carry out log checks, thermometer calibration and dribble tests in line with Pret standards
Manage the waste levels of barista prepared drinks ingredients
Action any issues relating to stock variances and waste for barista prepared drinks as required by your manager
Have a weekly sales target and share this with the team
Know your shop barista prepared drinks sales versus total sales and the mix
Use promotional waste to sample and recognize regular customers with appropriate volume of drinks via Joy of Pret