NOT A COFFEE SHOP. A SYSTEM UPGRADE.
Adapt or Die was born because we got tired of accepting what the food system told us was normal.
Ingredients you can't trace. “Healthy” products that aren't actually healthy. Labels you need a chemistry degree to understand. Food designed for shelf life instead of human life.
We think people deserve better.
So we're building it.
Adapt or Die is a café and lounge built around real ingredients, radical transparency, really good coffee and food, and the belief that taking care of yourself shouldn't be so d*** complicated.
Our North Star is simple:
MAKE PEOPLE HEALTHY AGAIN.
We're building our first café in DTLA, and we're looking for baristas who are excited to build this thing with us—not just work another coffee shop job.
THE JOB
Yes, you're going to make coffee.
Really good coffee.
But the job is bigger than what's in the cup.
You're one of the people our guests will interact with every day. You set the tone. You make people feel welcome. You know what we're serving and why we're serving it. You care about the tiny details that most people don't notice.
We're looking for people who care about their craft, move with purpose, stay curious, and genuinely enjoy taking care of people.
You don't need to be a nutrition expert or wellness guru.
You do need to care about ingredients, quality, hospitality, and doing things really f****** well.
BEHIND THE BAR
You'll be responsible for:
- Making espresso, coffee, matcha, tea, functional beverages, and signature drinks according to our recipes and standards.
- Coming in with a strong understanding of espresso extraction and how to dial in espresso.
- Working within the coffee standards established by our Bar Lead and helping maintain quality and consistency throughout service.
- Steaming and texturing milk consistently and with precision.
- Knowing what's actually in every drink we serve—and why it's there.
- Following recipes, measurements, temperatures, and presentation standards. Consistency matters.
- Helping prep and execute food items as needed according to our recipes and food-safety standards.
- Keeping the bar clean, stocked, organized, and ready for service.
- Operating the POS and handling transactions accurately.
- Completing opening, closing, restocking, cleaning, and shift-transition responsibilities.
- Following all food handling, sanitation, allergen, and safety procedures.
- Speaking up when something isn't right—whether it's a drink, an ingredient, a piece of equipment, or a system that could work better.
WHO WE WANT
We're looking for someone who:
- Gives a s*** about the quality of what they serve.
- Has solid barista experience and knows their way around an espresso machine and is comfortable making matchas/teas.
- BONUS. Knows how to make a great high-quality smoothie
- Is genuinely interested in coffee, food, ingredients, health, or hospitality.
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Is warm with people without being fake.
- Moves quickly yet calmly when it's busy.
- Doesn't let quality fall apart just because there's a line.
- Notices what needs to be done and handles it.
- Cleans as they go.
- Shows up on time and ready to work.
- Does what they say they're going to do.
- Can take feedback and actually use it.
- Can respectfully speak up when something isn't working.
- Doesn't need someone standing over them to do a great job.
- Wants to keep learning.
- Wants to help build something from the beginning.
We care about experience.
We care just as much about how you show up.
EXPERIENCE
This is not an entry-level barista position.
We're looking for baristas who already have experience working behind an espresso bar and take pride in making exceptional coffee/matcha.
Ideal candidates have experience in an independent specialty coffee shop, third-wave café, or another high-quality coffee program where consistency, hospitality, and craftsmanship matter.
Experience in large chain coffee environments is valuable and can provide a strong service foundation. However, experience in those environments alone may not fully prepare candidates for this role. We're specifically looking for baristas who have developed—or are actively developing—a strong understanding of specialty coffee and espresso.
We're excited to meet people who already have experience with:
- Espresso extraction
- Milk steaming and texturing
- Maintaining coffee quality throughout service
- Specialty coffee workflows
- Matcha preparation (or a willingness to learn)
- High-volume café service
- Hospitality that feels genuine—not scripted
- Food safety and sanitation
If you're passionate about coffee, love learning, and care deeply about the quality of what you put in someone's cup, we'd love to hear from you.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
The food system is currently designed to make you sick.
We're here to build a better alternative.
Health is your birthright.
Better ingredients and useful information shouldn't only belong to people with money or a nutrition degree.
Transparency matters.
We want to know what's in our food. We want our guests to know what's in their food. No mystery ingredients. No hiding behind marketing language.
We are the community.
The people behind the bar matter just as much as the people sitting in front of it.
We evolve.
We're opening something new. That means we're going to learn, adjust, fix things, and keep making them better.
That's what Adapt or Die means.
Compensation
- $18.42–$22.50/hour + tips, depending on experience and qualifications.
- Spa/Gym membership
- 401k
Pay: $18.42 - $22.50 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Employee discount
- Paid sick time
- Paid training
Experience:
- Barista: 2 years (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Los Angeles, CA 90017 (Required)
Work Location: In person
