
Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Part-time
Compensation
Hourly
Range $13.50 - $15.50
Work Schedule
Flexible
Day Shifts
Weekend Shifts
Benefits
employee discount
EAP
sick pay
Paid Time Off
Company paid holidays
Transit Benefits
401(k) with Company Match
Comprehensive health benefits
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Disability Benefits
Life insurance
Tuition Reimbursement
Job Description
Barnes & Noble is a renowned bookstore chain, widely recognized as a community hub for readers and book lovers. The company operates a multitude of bookstores across the country, each serving as a welcoming atmosphere for customers to explore literature, attend events, and enjoy quality food and beverage offerings within their Cafes. Known for its broad selection of books, digital media, and carefully curated cafe menus, Barnes & Noble offers a vibrant and engaging retail experience that caters to a diverse customer base ranging from casual readers to serious bibliophiles.
As an established leader in the retail book industry, Barnes & Noble is committed to fostering a positive work environment where employees are encouraged to grow, learn new skills, and advance their careers. The company culture places a strong emphasis on teamwork, customer service excellence, and operational efficiency, creating an enriching workplace for those passionate about books, community, and service. Employment types include part-time and full-time opportunities, with comprehensive benefits available to employees based on their scheduled hours.
The Barista role at Barnes & Noble is integral to the store's Cafe operations, acting as the frontline ambassador for incredible customer experiences. Baristas greet customers warmly, answer their questions about the menu, and help them select the perfect beverages and cafe items tailored to their preferences. This role requires both excellent interpersonal skills and a knack for creating an inviting atmosphere where customers feel valued and cared for.
Baristas contribute to maintaining the store's inviting ambiance by ensuring the cafe area remains clean, organized, and visually appealing. They manage unpacking and stocking deliveries, tidying the baked goods case and dining spaces, and efficiently operating cash registers to provide quick and courteous service. Masters of multitasking, Baristas balance maintaining cafe presentation standards with high-volume customer service demands. Operative competencies include handling varied technologies like registers, tablets, and computers, supporting stock organization, effective visual merchandising, and adhering to health and safety standards.
Beyond day-to-day tasks, Barnes & Noble Baristas are expected to develop their product knowledge extensively, covering beverages, bakery items, savory food options, and gifts. Experienced Baristas engage in promoting limited-time offers, new LTO items, and cafe promotions, offering product recommendations and personalized customization suggestions to enhance customer satisfaction. Furthermore, the Barista plays an important role in loss prevention by recognizing and managing potential theft or disruptive behaviors.
The physical nature of the job includes prolonged standing, repetitive bending, lifting, and walking, reflecting the energetic demands of a busy cafe environment. Baristas may also provide support in other store locations within their cluster if required, highlighting the team-oriented and flexible nature of the role.
Career growth is strongly encouraged at Barnes & Noble with pathways from Barista to Senior Barista, bringing increased responsibilities and opportunities for professional development. Baristas are expected to uphold the company's behavioral standards, including punctuality, positivity, teamwork, customer cheerfulness, eagerness to learn, and demonstrating a genuine passion for the role.
Employee benefits vary depending on hours worked. Those scheduled less than 20 hours weekly enjoy employee discounts, an employee assistance program (EAP), and sick pay. Employees scheduled for 20 to 29.99 hours gain additional paid time off including maternity and parental leave, company paid holidays, transit benefits, and participation in the 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Employees working 30 or more hours also receive comprehensive health benefits encompassing medical, dental, and vision coverage, healthcare and dependent care spending accounts, disability benefits, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, and more. These benefits are subject to plan terms and location-specific regulations, ensuring competitive compensation and support for team members.
As an established leader in the retail book industry, Barnes & Noble is committed to fostering a positive work environment where employees are encouraged to grow, learn new skills, and advance their careers. The company culture places a strong emphasis on teamwork, customer service excellence, and operational efficiency, creating an enriching workplace for those passionate about books, community, and service. Employment types include part-time and full-time opportunities, with comprehensive benefits available to employees based on their scheduled hours.
The Barista role at Barnes & Noble is integral to the store's Cafe operations, acting as the frontline ambassador for incredible customer experiences. Baristas greet customers warmly, answer their questions about the menu, and help them select the perfect beverages and cafe items tailored to their preferences. This role requires both excellent interpersonal skills and a knack for creating an inviting atmosphere where customers feel valued and cared for.
Baristas contribute to maintaining the store's inviting ambiance by ensuring the cafe area remains clean, organized, and visually appealing. They manage unpacking and stocking deliveries, tidying the baked goods case and dining spaces, and efficiently operating cash registers to provide quick and courteous service. Masters of multitasking, Baristas balance maintaining cafe presentation standards with high-volume customer service demands. Operative competencies include handling varied technologies like registers, tablets, and computers, supporting stock organization, effective visual merchandising, and adhering to health and safety standards.
Beyond day-to-day tasks, Barnes & Noble Baristas are expected to develop their product knowledge extensively, covering beverages, bakery items, savory food options, and gifts. Experienced Baristas engage in promoting limited-time offers, new LTO items, and cafe promotions, offering product recommendations and personalized customization suggestions to enhance customer satisfaction. Furthermore, the Barista plays an important role in loss prevention by recognizing and managing potential theft or disruptive behaviors.
The physical nature of the job includes prolonged standing, repetitive bending, lifting, and walking, reflecting the energetic demands of a busy cafe environment. Baristas may also provide support in other store locations within their cluster if required, highlighting the team-oriented and flexible nature of the role.
Career growth is strongly encouraged at Barnes & Noble with pathways from Barista to Senior Barista, bringing increased responsibilities and opportunities for professional development. Baristas are expected to uphold the company's behavioral standards, including punctuality, positivity, teamwork, customer cheerfulness, eagerness to learn, and demonstrating a genuine passion for the role.
Employee benefits vary depending on hours worked. Those scheduled less than 20 hours weekly enjoy employee discounts, an employee assistance program (EAP), and sick pay. Employees scheduled for 20 to 29.99 hours gain additional paid time off including maternity and parental leave, company paid holidays, transit benefits, and participation in the 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Employees working 30 or more hours also receive comprehensive health benefits encompassing medical, dental, and vision coverage, healthcare and dependent care spending accounts, disability benefits, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, and more. These benefits are subject to plan terms and location-specific regulations, ensuring competitive compensation and support for team members.
Job Requirements
- Reliable and punctual attendance
- Flexibility to work early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays
- Physical ability to stand for prolonged periods and perform repetitive tasks
- Positive and energetic approach to work
- Supportive and considerate of colleagues
- Commitment to company policies and procedures
- Enjoyment of the barista role
Job Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred
- Previous customer service experience desirable
- Ability to use varied technology including registers and tablets
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Willingness to learn and adapt
- Basic merchandising and food handling knowledge
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment
Job Duties
- Welcome customers in a cheerful and helpful way
- Answer customer questions and assist in beverage and cafe item selections
- Maintain attractive presentation and cleanliness of the Cafe
- Operate cash registers efficiently and provide professional service
- Unpack and stock deliveries accurately
- Tidy the baked goods case and dining area regularly
- Follow FIFO practices and maintain product dating consistently
Job Criteria
Experience
Entry Level (1-2 years)
Job Location
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