Barista

The Durham Hotel Durham, North Carolina, United States Customer Service

About this position

REPORTS TO: Food and Beverage Manager


OUR WHY

As humble ambassadors of our namesake city, we prioritize quality, kindness, and inclusivity so all feel welcome.


OUR CORE VALUES

INSPIRE WONDER Innovation and Creativity | Surprise and Delight

FOSTER HOSPITALITY Inclusive Culture | Home Away from Home

PURSUE EXCELLENCE Exceptional Experiences | Attention to Detail | Focus on Quality

DEMONSTRATE INTENTIONALITY Empathetic Engagement | Anticipatory Service | Sense of Ownership

CULTIVATE COMMUNITY Team Collaboration | Community Engagement | Take Time to Celebrate


POSITION SUMMARY:

The Barista is a guest-facing role in The Coffee Bar at The Durham Hotel, providing warm, professional service while preparing and serving coffee, beverages, and food. This position supports both counter and cocktail service, maintains cleanliness and organization of service areas, and helps create a welcoming, hospitality-driven environment.

Flexibility in scheduling is required to support our all-day Coffee Bar concept, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and special events. The Barista also assist with banquets and hotel meetings. Cross-training into bartending and serving within the Coffee Bar and on the Roof is encouraged and offers opportunities for growth. All service must follow standard recipes, operational guidelines, and health and safety regulations.


DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:


Food and Beverage Preparation and Service

· Appropriately welcome, interact with, and take food and drink orders from guests

· Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the coffee preparation process, including specialty drinks

· Prepare and serve beverages according to hotel standards and specification

· Ensure that the assigned espresso and bar area is fully equipped with tools and products needed for mixing beverages and serving guests

· Set and maintain guests with appropriate service ware and serve, check on, and run food

· Demonstrate the ability to consistently speak knowledgeably about the menus (both food and drink)

· Accurately and efficiently enter orders into POS system

· Prepare service drinks for the servers (Brunch shifts) in a timely manner


Customer Service Skills

· Assess customers’ needs and preferences and make appropriate recommendations

· Ability to utilize sales tactics to upsell on food or drink as appropriate

· Serve customers in a friendly and helpful manner

· Provide guidance to guests on hotel activities, dining options and general hotel and regional information.

· Stay guest focused and nurture an excellent guest experience


Cash Handling and Inventory

· Ring in and collect payment for all food and beverage served

· Handle an assigned house bank and follow all cash handling procedures as per hotel standard

· Communicate ordering needs to minimize running out of items


Communication and Teamwork

· Perform other duties as assigned by managers

· Communicate scheduling conflicts, vacations, and shift changes to managers according to policies and procedures

· Communicate in a professional manner to all other staff, guests, managers

· Work together with other staff in a “One Team, One Dream” mentality


Cleanliness, Health, and Safety Standards

· Ensure all work surfaces are kept in neat and tidy condition throughout service

· Maintain clean bar top throughout service

· Wash glassware, prep and coffee bar tools to maintain health standards

· Comply with all NC Department of Food and Safety regulations

· Comply with all NC ABC regulations


COMPENSATION and BENEFITS:

Earn $30+ per hour on average — $8/hr base pay plus tips

Employee Discount

Flexible Schedule

Employee Referral Program

Full Time Employees Qualify for:

PTO (Paid Time Off)

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

· More than 1 yr of previous barista experience required

· Customer-oriented and upbeat personality

· Demonstrates a high level of organization, attention-to-detail, and a sense of urgency

· Displays a positive and outwardly friendly attitude toward guests and co-workers

· Must be able to communicate in English writing and speaking

· Must be eligible to work in the United States

· Must have the ability to work a variety of shifts, nights, including holidays and weekends

EDUCATION:

High School diploma, general education degree or international equivalent preferred, but not required.

PHYSICAL ABILITY:

  • Ability to be on your feet and alert for extended periods of time
  • Ability to lift up to 35 lbs. as needed
  • Continuous use of hands and arms
  • Continuous bending, reaching, and twisting
  • Maintains strong personal image and uniform standards

Salary Information

$15.0 - $35.0 Hourly Wage