Company Intro:
Oro Chocolate & Coffee is a mission-driven startup in Wicker Park, Chicago, dedicated to crafting exceptional, ethically-sourced coffee and chocolate products. Our café showcases our innovative bean-to-bar and crop-to-cup processes, offering an immersive experience that connects customers to the source of their food.
Role Overview:
We're looking for an enthusiastic and skilled Barista to join our team in creating unforgettable experiences for our customers. This role is perfect for someone who not only loves coffee and appreciates artisanal chocolate but also brings an innovative spirit and a passion for sustainable, ethical food practices.
Key Responsibilities:
- Craft and serve exceptional espresso drinks, pour-overs, and other coffee, chocolate & tea beverages with passion and precision
- Provide outstanding customer service, sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm for our products
- Be at the forefront of introducing customers to our unique crop-to-cup coffee and bean-to-bar chocolate offerings
- Maintain a clean, welcoming cafe environment
- Assist with inventory management and stock rotation, showing initiative in optimizing our processes
- Support chocolate and pastry sales, constantly expanding your product knowledge
- Play a key role in our community engagement initiatives, including educational workshops and local partnerships
- Contribute to the development of new beverage recipes that showcase our sustainable, single-origin ingredients
- Collaborate with team members to improve global menu offerings and customer experiences
- Assist in other areas of the business as needed, embracing opportunities to learn and grow
Required Qualifications:
- 1+ year of barista experience in a specialty coffee environment
- Strong knowledge of coffee preparation techniques and trends
- Excellent customer service skills and a positive, proactive attitude
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt quickly to changes
- Basic math skills and ability to handle transactions accurately
- Passion for sustainable and ethical food practices
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative and solve problems independently
Preferred Skills:
- Knowledge of chocolate or keen interest in learning about bean-to-bar production
- Experience with latte art and a creative flair for beverage presentation
- Food handler's certification
- Familiarity with POS systems
- Understanding of or interest in sustainable agriculture and ethical sourcing in the coffee/chocolate industries
- Enthusiasm for educating customers about the entire journey from crop to cup
What We Offer:
- Competitive hourly wage plus tips
- Chance to grow with our startup, taking on increased responsibilities as we expand
- Opportunities for growth and learning about chocolate making and coffee roasting
- Employee discounts on our artisanal products
- Vibrant work environment in a trendy Chicago neighborhood
- Chance to be part of a mission-driven, sustainable business
- Ongoing training and education in specialty coffee, chocolate, sustainability practices, flavor development, and industry trends
What to Expect:
As a key member of our startup team, you'll have the opportunity to grow far beyond the traditional barista role. We're looking for individuals who are curious, adaptable, and eager to learn about all aspects of our business. You might find yourself assisting with a chocolate-making session, contributing ideas for our next seasonal drink, or representing us at a local food festival. Your ideas and initiatives will be valued and encouraged.
As we grow, we're committed to promoting from within, offering opportunities for you to evolve into leadership roles. Bring your entrepreneurial spirit, your passion for exceptional products, and your desire to make a difference—together, we'll create something extraordinary!
Our Ideal Candidate:
We're looking for individuals who are not just skilled in their craft, but are also passionate about sustainability, eager to educate others, and excited to contribute to a growing business. You should be comfortable wearing multiple hats, ready to dive into new challenges, and committed to creating exceptional experiences for our customers. If you're excited by the idea of building something meaningful from the ground up and continuously pushing yourself to learn and improve, this is the place for you.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $15.00 - $18.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Paid training
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Job-related location requirement:
- Candidates must be within a 25-mile radius.
Work Location: In person
