Barista - PT

Barnes & Noble is a renowned bookstore chain that serves as a vibrant gathering place for readers and the community. With a commitment to fostering a welcoming environment, each Barnes & Noble bookstore combines a passion for books with an inviting café atmosphere. The cafés within the stores enhance the overall customer experience by offering a variety of beverages and café items alongside a diverse collection of literature. Known for their dedication to connecting readers with the right books and creating a warm space for social interaction, Barnes & Noble has established itself as a beloved destination for book lovers and coffee enthusiasts alike.

As a Barista at Barnes & Noble, you become an integral member of a dynamic team that plays a crucial role in the heart of the café. Your primary responsibility is to welcome customers cheerfully, assist them with inquiries, and go above and beyond to connect readers with the right beverages and café items. The role requires providing outstanding customer service by working the registers efficiently and maintaining a professional yet friendly demeanor at all times. In addition to customer interaction, you will be responsible for upholding the attractive presentation and smooth operation of the café. This includes unpacking and stocking deliveries, tidying the bakery case and dining area, and ensuring the café space remains clean and inviting.

The position demands a strong sense of teamwork, reliability, and a willingness to engage positively with both customers and colleagues. Good behaviors are emphasized, including punctuality, flexibility in scheduling, positivity in approach to tasks, kindness towards team members, cheerfulness towards customers, eagerness to learn new skills, and a genuine enjoyment of being a Barista. Mastery of operational competencies is expected, such as proficiently using registers, computers, tablets, and other technology, strong merchandising skills to maintain the café’s presentation, and accurate preparation of food and drinks.

Baristas at Barnes & Noble are also responsible for maintaining café cleanliness by following daily and weekly cleaning protocols, practicing First In First Out (FIFO) for product management, supporting the bookfloor team when needed, and understanding loss prevention and de-escalation techniques. The role requires physical activity including prolonged standing, repetitive bending, lifting, and considerable walking. Baristas may also be asked to work in other stores within the cluster to provide collaborative support.

As you gain experience, your role as a Barista evolves with increased expertise in café products including beverages, bakery, savory items, and gifting. You will develop the ability to effectively recommend food and beverage customizations, support sales objectives through product knowledge, and reliably maintain safety, hygiene, and sanitation standards. Advancement opportunities exist, such as moving up to the Senior Barista position, which opens the door to new challenges and growth within the company.

Barnes & Noble offers a range of benefits based on hours worked per week. Part-time employees working under 20 hours benefit from employee discounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and sick pay. Those working between 20 and 29.99 hours have these benefits plus paid time off including maternity and parental leave, company-paid holidays, transit benefits, and a 401(k) plan with company match. Employees working 30 hours or more enjoy comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage, healthcare and dependent care spending accounts, disability benefits, life insurance, and tuition reimbursement among others. Benefits are subject to location and state regulations and may change over time, and more detailed information is available through recruitment or human resources.