Team Member [Barista + Kitchen] at Lofty Coffee, Inc – Encinitas, California

Job Title: Café Team Member (Barista & Kitchen)
Reports to: General Manager

Our Café Team Members are the heart of the guest experience. This cross-trained role supports both front-of-house barista service and back-of-house kitchen operations. You will craft high-quality beverages, prepare food, and create a welcoming, hospitality-driven environment for every guest.

This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced café setting, enjoys both coffee and food preparation, and takes pride in teamwork, consistency, and attention to detail.

• Create a genuine, welcoming environment where every guest feels valued and cared for from the moment they enter.
• Deliver exceptional guest service with confidence, warmth, and attention to detail in every interaction.
• Serve as a knowledgeable brand ambassador by confidently sharing information about our coffee and libations, menu offerings, seasonal items and retail coffee.
• Anticipate guest needs, proactively offer thoughtful recommendations, and resolve questions or concerns with professionalism and grace.
• Uphold and reflect LOFTY Coffee’s core values of integrity, quality, excellence, and community in all guest and team interactions.

• Prepare espresso-based beverages, manual pour-overs, batch brew, teas, and specialty drinks with precision and consistency according to company recipes and presentation standards.
• Dial in espresso daily by calibrating grinders, monitoring extraction time, yield, and taste, and making real-time adjustments to maintain optimal flavor profiles.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of espresso theory, milk chemistry, and proper steaming techniques to achieve ideal texture, temperature, and latte art presentation.
• Maintain strict quality control standards by tasting espresso regularly, identifying flavor defects, and ensuring every beverage meets LOFTY Coffee’s expectations before serving.
• Execute drink preparation efficiently during peak service while maintaining composure, cleanliness, and attention to detail.
• Properly operate, clean, and maintain espresso machines, grinders, brewers, filtration systems, and related equipment to preserve performance and longevity.
• Accurately enter orders using the Square POS system, confirm guest modifications, and ensure seamless communication with the kitchen when applicable.
• Maintain an organized, fully stocked, and immaculate bar station at all times, following FIFO standards for milk, syrups, and coffee beans.

• Prepare cafe offerings including egg plates, specialty sandwiches, and composed bowls with precision, efficiency, and attention to presentation.
• Execute all recipes according to established portioning, plating, and quality standards to ensure consistency.
• Maintain strict freshness standards by properly rotating ingredients (FIFO), monitoring product quality, and minimizing waste.
• Complete daily prep tasks with accuracy and urgency, ensuring stations are fully stocked, organized, and service-ready at all times.
• Reset and maintain a clean, efficient workstation throughout service to support seamless kitchen flow.
• Monitor ingredient levels during your shift and proactively communicate low inventory or prep needs to management to avoid service disruption.
• Uphold food safety and sanitation standards in all aspects of preparation, storage, and handling.

• Execute opening and closing procedures for both front and back of house ensuring the café is fully prepared for service and properly reset at the end of each day.
• Maintain clean, fully stocked, and well-organized stations at all times to support efficiency and a seamless guest experience.
• Follow FIFO (First-In, First-Out) inventory practices, maintain accurate prep pars, and actively minimize waste through product management.
• Uphold strict cleanliness and sanitation standards throughout the shift, ensuring all work areas, equipment, and storage spaces meet health department regulations and company expectations.
• Safely operate and maintain equipment in accordance with company SOPs, reporting maintenance or safety concerns promptly.
• Maintain professional appearance, personal hygiene, and adherence to dress code standards reflective of our brand.
• Collaborate closely with front- and back-of-house team members to ensure smooth café flow, especially during peak service periods.
• Communicate clearly, respectfully, and proactively to support efficiency, accuracy, and team morale.
• Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, and accountability in completing assigned responsibilities and upholding operational excellence.

At LOFTY Coffee, we look for team members who:

• Take ownership of their station
• Show initiative and urgency during service
• Care deeply about product quality and guest experience
• Support their teammates and contribute to a positive culture
• Represent our brand with professionalism and warmth
  
  

• Previous café, restaurant, or food service experience preferred
• Experience as a barista and/or kitchen team member highly desirable
• Knowledge of basic cooking techniques and safe food handling practices
• Passion for coffee and willingness to learn about espresso and brewing methods
• Strong time management and multitasking abilities in a fast-paced environment
• Highly organized with attention to detail
• Positive, team-oriented attitude
• Proficiency with SQUARE POS systems
• Food Handler’s Permit
• Flexible availability including mornings, weekends, and holidays
• Physically able to stand for extended periods, lift up to 75 lbs, and perform repetitive tasks