Job Overview

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Employment Type

Part-time
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Work Schedule

Flexible
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Benefits

employee discount
EAP
sick pay
Paid Time Off
Paid maternity and parental leave
Company paid holidays
401(k) with Company Match

Job Description

Barnes & Noble is a well-established and beloved bookstore chain known for being a vibrant gathering place for readers and communities across the United States. The company has built a reputation for creating an inviting environment that combines the love of books with the enjoyment of quality café experiences. Each Barnes & Noble bookstore offers a unique blend of bookselling and café services, making it a preferred destination not just for book lovers, but also for those looking to relax with a cup of coffee or enjoy a casual bite to eat. With a commitment to excellent customer service and a team-oriented culture, Barnes & Noble fosters a working atmosphere where employees can grow and bring joy to visitors every day.

Within this community-focused environment, the role of a Barista stands as a crucial member of the Barnes & Noble café team. The Barista is more than just a coffee maker — they are the welcoming face of the café, consistently creating positive customer experiences by greeting patrons warmly, answering their questions, and expertly helping match readers with just the right beverages and food items. This role combines customer interaction with operational duties, requiring proficiency in using various technologies such as registers and tablets to provide fast and friendly service.

Baristas are responsible for maintaining an attractive and clean café presentation, efficiently handling deliveries, and replenishing stock to keep the café inviting at all times. Attention to detail is vital, as part of the job involves following safety and sanitation procedures meticulously while preparing food and beverages to exacting standards based on recipe guides and product information. This position demands physical activity including prolonged standing, repetitive bending, lifting, and walking, making it both dynamic and engaging.

A successful Barista at Barnes & Noble demonstrates strong behaviors like being reliable and punctual, showing flexibility with scheduling, maintaining a positive and energetic approach to work, and supporting their colleagues with kindness and teamwork. This role encourages continuous learning, with opportunities to develop caféspecific skills like merchandising, loss prevention, and customer engagement, alongside progressive knowledge about products from beverages to bakery items and café promotions.

As Baristas gain experience and master their skills, they contribute more to the store’s success by sharing product knowledge, supporting sales objectives, customizing food and beverage orders effectively, and adhering strictly to safety and hygiene standards. Driven Baristas who excel are encouraged to advance to Senior Barista roles, opening pathways for further professional growth within Barnes & Noble’s career framework.

This full-time or part-time role offers varied benefits depending on hours worked, including employee discounts, paid time off, medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) with company match, and tuition reimbursement, reflecting Barnes & Noble’s commitment to valuing and supporting their employees. This opportunity is ideal for individuals who are passionate about being baristas, enjoy engaging with customers, and thrive in a collaborative community environment.

Job Requirements

  • Maintain reliable and punctual attendance for scheduled shifts
  • Be flexible and responsive to store scheduling needs including weekends and holidays
  • Perform assigned tasks with energy and purpose
  • Be supportive and considerate of colleagues
  • Demonstrate cheerful and helpful customer service
  • Show aptitude and willingness to learn new skills and knowledge
  • Enjoy being a barista
  • Comply with all company policies and procedures
  • Physical capability for standing, bending, lifting, and walking during shifts

Job Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent preferred
  • Previous customer service or café experience advantageous
  • Ability to work efficiently with register and technology tools
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
  • Positive attitude and willingness to learn
  • Physical ability to stand for prolonged periods and perform repetitive tasks
  • Basic knowledge of food safety and sanitation is a plus

Job Duties

  • Welcome customers in a cheerful and helpful way
  • Answer questions and connect readers with appropriate beverages and café items
  • Maintain attractive café presentation and cleanliness
  • Unpack and stock deliveries efficiently
  • Operate registers quickly and accurately
  • Prepare food and beverages according to recipes and guidelines
  • Follow safety, hygiene, and sanitation procedures
  • Support bookfloor team as needed
  • Understand and execute loss prevention and de-escalation techniques
  • Attend to daily and weekly cleaning tasks to maintain café standards
  • Use technology and tools proficiently
  • Foster a positive team environment
  • Promote café products and seasonal items

Job Criteria

Experience

Entry Level (1-2 years)


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