Reports to:

Restaurant Manager Status:

Part-Time (10:00am - 2:30pm, Tuesday-Thursday, with some flexibility to support)

Location:

Sun Valley Kitchen

+ Community Center, 1260 Decatur St, Denver, CO 80204 About Sun Valley Kitchen Sun Valley Kitchen

+ Community Center supports, connects, and empowers Sun Valley residents so that all may thrive. Our restaurant is part of that work. We serve good, approachable food while creating a welcoming place where neighbors, families, staff, youth, and community members can gather. We are looking for a Counter / Barista Associate who enjoys people, takes pride in good service, and can help create a restaurant environment that feels warm, organized, and welcoming. Position Summary The Counter / Barista Associate is responsible for creating a positive guest experience from the moment someone walks through the door. This position takes orders, operates the point-of-sale system, prepares coffee and other beverages, supports food service, maintains a clean and welcoming front-of-house environment, and communicates closely with the kitchen and Restaurant Manager. The right person is friendly, dependable, attentive to detail, and comfortable working in a fast-paced community restaurant. You do not need to know everything on day one. We are looking for someone who is willing to learn, contribute, and treat every person who enters our restaurant with respect. Key Responsibilities Guest Experience Maintain a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive environment for all guests. Take food and beverage orders accurately and efficiently. Answer questions about the menu and communicate dietary or ingredient concerns to the kitchen and make appropriate menu recommendations. Respond to guest concerns with patience and professionalism and involve the Restaurant Manager when needed. Help create a restaurant experience where people feel comfortable returning, gathering, and connecting. Counter & POS Operate the restaurant's point-of-sale system accurately. Process cash and card transactions. Maintain accurate cash handling practices. Keep the counter, register area, bathrooms, condiment station, and other guest-facing areas clean and organized. Monitor the dining room and front-of-house areas and respond to guest needs. Communicate order information clearly and accurately with kitchen staff. Barista & Beverage Service Prepare coffee, espresso-based drinks, tea, and other beverages according to established recipes and standards. Maintain clean and organized coffee and beverage stations. Restock cups, lids, milks, syrups, coffee, tea, and other supplies as needed. Follow food safety and sanitation procedures. Monitor beverage inventory and communicate supply needs to the Restaurant Manager. Restaurant Support Assist with food running, packaging, bussing, and other service needs as needed. Support the kitchen during busy service periods when appropriate. Help maintain cleanliness throughout the restaurant, not just at the counter. Complete opening, closing, cleaning, and restocking tasks as assigned. Follow restaurant procedures and help maintain established standards. Communicate problems, equipment issues, low inventory, guest concerns, and other important information to the Restaurant Manager. Work as part of the restaurant team rather than focusing only on an individual station. Community & Team Culture Treat guests, coworkers, youth employees, volunteers, and community members with respect. Understand that Sun Valley Kitchen is both a restaurant and a community space. Help create an environment that reflects our values of belonging, dignity, connection, and service. Support youth and other team members in learning restaurant skills when appropriate. Be willing to step into different responsibilities when the needs of the restaurant change.

What We're Looking For Required:

Friendly, respectful, and customer-focused approach. Reliable attendance and punctuality. Ability to communicate clearly with guests and coworkers. Ability to learn and follow recipes, procedures, and food safety practices. Ability to work calmly and respectfully in a busy environment. Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and lift up to approximately 30 pounds as needed. Ability to work independently while also functioning as part of a team.

Preferred:

Previous restaurant, café, counter-service, or customer-service experience. Barista or coffee preparation experience. Experience with a POS system. Food safety certification or willingness to obtain one. Experience working in a community-based or mission-driven organization. Schedule The restaurant operates during week day, daytime hours, with the core service period running approximately 7:00 AM-1:45 PM . The schedule may include opening, service, and closing shifts depending on the needs of the restaurant. This position is required to work Tuesday-Thursday from 10:00-2:30. Some flexibility may be required for special events, catering, or community programming.

Compensation & Benefits Pay:

$20/hour + tip pool. Additional benefits and opportunities may include: Employee meals Paid time off, as applicable Opportunities for professional development A supportive, community-centered workplace Our Commitment Sun Valley Kitchen + Community Center is committed to creating a workplace where people are respected, supported, and able to contribute their skills and experiences. We encourage people from the Sun Valley community and people with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply. If you are someone who enjoys taking care of people, making good coffee, keeping things organized, and being part of a team, we'd love to hear from you.

Pay:

From $20.00 per hour Expected hours: No more than 20.0 per week

Benefits:

Employee discount

Work Location:

In person