Cafe Team Member (Wallingford)

Grand Central Bakery, founded in 1989, sparked a bread revolution by introducing rustic artisan loaves to Northwest tables. As a Certified B Corporation, the bakery embraces a mission of sustainability, ethical sourcing, and community investment, demonstrating how businesses can operate as a force for good. Rooted in strong values, Grand Central Bakery emphasizes caring for its employees and maintaining a vibrant workplace culture while serving high-quality artisanal products made from thoughtfully sourced ingredients. This commitment underpins every aspect of the bakery’s operations, from ingredient procurement to daily employee interactions, making it a beloved and trusted brand in the region.

Grand Central Bakery is currently seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Café Team Member to join its vibrant café team. The Café Team Member role is pivotal to maintaining the welcoming ambiance and operational efficiency for which the bakery’s cafés are renowned. This position involves preparing and serving delicious food and beverages to a loyal customer base while embodying the bakery’s mission and values. The role requires a team-oriented individual who is eager to deliver exceptional customer service by following the company’s "3 Steps to Great Service" - a core customer interaction framework designed to ensure a memorable and positive guest experience.

As a Café Team Member, you will be expected to work across various stations and shifts, including retail opening and closing, sandwich bar preparation, pastry baking, baking prep, and mid-shifts. You will become proficient in company systems like POS (Point of Sale), R365, and KDS to handle transactions accurately and efficiently. Accuracy in processes such as cash handling and adherence to food safety standards are critical components of the role. The café environment is dynamic and fast-paced, requiring team members who can remain calm under pressure, multitask efficiently, and proactively assist team members to maintain a clean and organized workspace.

This is a full-time or part-time position that requires schedule flexibility, including the ability to work weekends. Remote work is not an option for this role, as hands-on presence within the café is essential. The pay rate is $22.05 per hour plus tips, with tips averaging between $7.00 and $9.00 per hour. Reporting to the Café Manager, this position offers an opportunity to contribute to a company that values continuous learning, personal growth, and inclusivity. The company culture promotes anti-racism and cultural inclusivity, encouraging employees to actively support a respectful and welcoming environment for all.

Grand Central Bakery values individuals who demonstrate a proactive "pitch-in" mindset and are committed to ongoing skill development and superior customer interactions. Regular attendance, punctuality, and the ability to maintain composure and professionalism during busy periods are vital. Physical activities include standing, walking, lifting, and handling café equipment like serrated knives, espresso machines, and dishwashers. The café is located in a building shared with production facilities, which means team members will be exposed to wheat and grain dust in the environment.

Joining Grand Central Bakery as a Café Team Member means becoming part of a passionate, inclusive community where your work directly impacts the customer experience and supports sustainable community values. This role is ideal for individuals passionate about artisan food, customer service excellence, and contributing to a socially responsible organization.