Catering Barista

• Private Events Across Chicagoland Black Fodder Coffee River Forest, IL Job Details Contract $25
• $29 an hour 9 hours ago Benefits Employee discount Flexible schedule Qualifications Espresso machines Café experience Catering experience English Driver's License Coffee shop experience Full Job Description We cater private events across Chicagoland — and we need baristas who can bring the café experience to any venue.

Black Fodder Coffee is a specialty coffee company based in River Forest, IL. We run a café, cater private events, and teach espresso and pour-over classes. We're family-owned, obsessively quality-driven, and growing fast. Our catering baristas work weddings, corporate events, private parties, and pop-ups across the greater Chicago area. You'd be representing Black Fodder at every event — pulling shots on professional equipment, pouring latte art, and making every guest feel like they're getting something special. This is a 1099 independent contractor position with flexible, event-based scheduling. You pick the events that work for your schedule. What you'd actually do

• Pull espresso, steam milk, and pour latte art at private events across Chicagoland
• Brew pourovers on a Kalita Wave, V60, and Aeropress when the menu calls for it
• Set up and break down mobile coffee bars at event venues
• Make every guest feel genuinely welcome — not scripted, not forced
• Talk to guests about coffee like you genuinely find it interesting (because you do)
• Handle equipment with care — you're working with professional gear at someone else's venue
• Drive to event locations across Chicagoland (driver premium available) What we're looking for
• At least 1 year behind an espresso machine at a specialty shop (not a chain — you know the difference)
• Strong latte art — we'll ask for a few photos of your pours
• You actually know what extraction, dose, and yield mean, and you care about getting them right
• Comfortable working independently — at events, you're often the only barista or leading a small team
• Reliable transportation and a valid driver's license — events are all over Chicagoland
• You can lift 50 lbs (espresso machines, kegs, event gear)
• Rock-solid reliability — if you commit to an event, you show up. Period.
• Fluent in English
• Experience with hand brew methods (Kalita Wave, V60, Aeropress) is a plus What it's like working with us
• Work with a Slayer Steam and professional mobile setup
• $25•29/hr depending on experience — flat rate, no tips•+$3/hr driver premium when you drive the BFC van•Flexible scheduling — pick the events that fit your calendar•Free coffee and training when you're at the cafe•A small, tight team that genuinely gives a damn•Family-owned, founder-operated — no corporate layers, no nonsense If you love making great coffee and want to do it at some of the coolest venues in Chicago — we'd love to hear from you.

Pay:

$25.00

• $29.

00 per hour

Benefits:

Employee discount Flexible schedule Application Question(s): Describe your experience with espresso — how do you ensure consistency in extraction, dose, and yield? What are your latte art skills? Describe what you pour consistently (hearts, tulips, rosettas) — we'll ask for a few photos of your pours later.

Experience:

Barista:

1 year (Required)

Work Location:

In person