Job Summary
Join our vibrant team as a Specialty Coffee Barista / Shift Lead, where you will bring your passion for exceptional coffee and customer service to life! In this dynamic role, you’ll craft high-quality beverages, lead daily operations, and ensure an inviting atmosphere for our guests. Your energy and leadership will help create memorable experiences while maintaining efficient café functions. This paid position offers a fantastic opportunity to grow your skills in a fast-paced, coffee-loving environment.
What You’ll Do
- Dial in, pull, and craft espresso beverages with consistency and speed on commercial equipment (La Marzocco).
- Prepare specialty ceremonial matcha beverages, cold foams, teas, and house-made signature drinks.
- Deliver engaging, attentive guest service, guiding customers through our menu and coffee offerings.
- Maintain clean, organized bar workflows, food safety protocols, and daily sanitation standards.
- Open/close the bar, manage daily stock replenishment, and support station prep.
- (For Shift Lead track) Oversee daily bar operations, coordinate break schedules, train new team members, and ensure quality control during peak rushes.
pecialty Coffee Barista / Shift Lead
Company: ELIO
Location: Lake Forest / Foothill Ranch area, CA
Position Type: Full-Time / Part-Time
Compensation: Competitive Hourly + Tips + Growth Incentives
About ELIO
ELIO is a modern specialty coffee and tea concept dedicated to elevated craft, thoughtful aesthetics, and warm community hospitality. We focus on single-origin coffees, meticulous espresso preparation, artisanal matcha, and distinctive signature beverages. As an opening-team member, you will help shape our cafe culture, craft standards, and daily guest experience with clear opportunities to step into shift management and leadership roles as we grow.
What You’ll Do
- Dial in, pull, and craft espresso beverages with consistency and speed on commercial equipment (La Marzocco).
- Prepare specialty ceremonial matcha beverages, cold foams, teas, and house-made signature drinks.
- Deliver engaging, attentive guest service, guiding customers through our menu and coffee offerings.
- Maintain clean, organized bar workflows, food safety protocols, and daily sanitation standards.
- Open/close the bar, manage daily stock replenishment, and support station prep.
- (For Shift Lead track) Oversee daily bar operations, coordinate break schedules, train new team members, and ensure quality control during peak rushes.
What We’re Looking For
- Specialty Coffee Experience: 1+ years of specialty coffee/barista experience with hands-on comfort dialing in and operating multi-group commercial machines (La Marzocco preferred).
- Matcha & Beverage Craft: Strong working familiarity with matcha preparation, milk steaming/texturing, and signature drink execution, Latte Art.
- Leadership Experience: Prior experience opening/closing shifts, running daily floor flow, or leading small teams is a strong plus.
- Eye for Quality: High attention to detail regarding grind size, dose, yield, beverage presentation, and bar cleanliness.
- Positive Energy: Excellent communication, reliability, and an authentic desire to connect with guests and teammates.
- Certifications: Valid California Food Handler Certificate (or ability to obtain prior to start).
Why Join ELIO?
- Ground-Floor Opportunity: Join at the launch phase with genuine pathways into Shift Supervisor, Head Barista, and Management positions.
- Top-Tier Tools: Work on industry-leading equipment in a beautifully designed, modern workspace.
- Collaborative Culture: Work directly with the leadership team where your input and creative ideas are valued.
- Perks: Generous beverage/food discounts, flexible scheduling, and competitive tip pooling.
Join us in creating an energetic environment where passion for coffee meets exceptional service! This role is perfect for motivated individuals eager to lead with enthusiasm while honing their skills in a supportive team setting.
Pay: $18.00 - $22.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person