Barista

Head Barista

Location : Plenty Goods Café — 1000 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Compensation : $19.00 – $21.00 per hour + tips (average $100 – $140 per week)

Employment Type : Full-Time (5 days per week)

About Plenty Goods Café

Plenty Goods is a wellness-driven café and meal-prep concept rooted in hospitality, creativity, and community.

Our new coffee bar celebrates craft coffee, artisan baked goods, and genuine connection.

We’re seeking a Head Barista to lead our coffee program, train staff, and help shape an inspiring beverage experience that complements our kitchen’s seasonal menu.

Schedule & Availability

Must be available :

Monday – Thursday : 6 : 30 AM – 3 : 00 PM

Saturday & Sunday : 7 : 30 AM – 4 : 00 PM

Scheduled 5 days per week with rotating weekend coverage

Responsibilities

Prepare espresso-based drinks, batch brew, teas, and seasonal specialty beverages consistently and with care

Calibrate espresso grinder and machine daily to maintain consistent volumetrics and ensure perfect extraction

Clean and maintain all coffee equipment , including espresso machine backflushing, grinder burr checks, and proper daily upkeep

Train, mentor, and support other baristas and front-of-house team members

Collaborate with chefs on seasonal drink concepts and flavor development

Pitch and test new beverage ideas aligned with our brand and seasonal ingredients

Maintain cleanliness, organization, and quality standards behind the bar

Manage restocking, inventory, and bar prep for daily service

Cross-sell and upsell during transactions; support POS operations during busy times with strong menu knowledge

Uphold café standards for hospitality, efficiency, and presentation

Qualifications

1–2 years barista experience (required); lead or head barista experience preferred

Strong understanding of espresso equipment, milk steaming, grinder calibration, and workflow efficiency

Excellent communication and training skills

Creative mindset with interest in recipe development and seasonal flavors

Reliable, detail-oriented, and self-motivated

Passion for coffee, hospitality, and team collaboration

Compensation & Perks

Hourly wage : $19 – $21 / hour (based on experience)

Tips : Average $100 – $140 per week

Shift meal : Free breakfast or lunch each shift

Staff discount on café items

Creative collaboration with chefs and bakers on seasonal offerings

Growth opportunities as our coffee program expands

To Apply

Please submit your résumé and a short note sharing your experience with coffee leadership, training, and creative beverage development.

We’re excited to meet a barista who takes pride in craft, precision, and hospitality — and wants to grow with Plenty Goods!