Barista + Line Cook The Forum Cafe Chicago, IL Job Details Part-time $18 an hour 10 hours ago Benefits Paid time off Qualifications Kitchen health and safety standards Retail sales transactions Teamwork Food service health code compliance Café experience ServSafe Customer service Food service cleaning Safety regulations Basic math In-person customer service Barista experience Cash register operations Food safety sanitizing procedures Coffee shop experience Customer engagement POS systems Food preparation equipment operation Full Job Description About Us The Forum Cafe brings together neighborhood residents, creatives, and commuters within the historic Forum complex at 43rd and the Green Line through a celebration of Bronzeville's unique history and culture. We are dedicated to crafting exceptional food and beverages and fostering a warm, culture-forward environment that celebrates community and connection. Job Summary We are seeking an enthusiastic and customer-focused Barista/Line Cook to craft our beverages, serve front-of-house operations, and support the culinary operations of Forum Cafe. This role is responsible for delivering exceptional coffee, tea, and beverage service, creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests, and preparing food that aligns with our community-inspired vision. The ideal candidate is passionate about coffee, community-oriented, and thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced kitchen and cafe environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Culinary & Kitchen Operations:

Set up stocking stations, execute hot line items during service, prep food (chopping vegetables, meat, sauces), cook menu items, and follow chef instructions/recipes.

Quality & Safety:

Ensure food comes out simultaneously in high quality and timely fashion; diligently stock inventory using correct labeling and the F.I.L.O method; adhere strictly to health, safety, and ServSafe regulations.

Beverage & Front-of-House Service:

Craft high-quality coffee, tea, and specialty beverages; provide warm, professional, and engaging service to guests; handle digital transactions on our POS system smoothly.

Community & Culture:

Act as an ambassador for Forum Cafe, building customer relationships, keeping service areas clean and inviting, and assisting the Cafe Manager with community events and cultural programs. Manage time effectively during busy periods to ensure smooth service flow from drink preparation to food delivery.

Qualifications & Requirements:

3 years of experience in a cafe, coffee shop, or hospitality role (barista experience preferred). Proven cooking experience as a line cook, restaurant cook, or prep cook with positive references. Active ServSafe certification. Solid understanding of cooking methods, ingredients, equipment, and industry best practices. Friendly, courteous, accurate, and fast-paced under high-volume rushes. Culinary school diploma or a minimum of 2 years of line cook experience is preferred. Proven experience as a barista with knowledge of beverage service techniques and coffee industry standards. Passion for coffee culture is a plus. Familiarity with POS systems such as Aloha POS and Micros POS for efficient sales processing. Strong understanding of food handling procedures, food safety regulations, and proper cleaning practices. Excellent customer service skills with the ability to engage positively with diverse guests. Basic math skills for cash handling, retail transactions, and order accuracy. Ability to multitask efficiently in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.

Core Competencies Consistency:

Delivering the same high quality in every dish and beverage.

Speed:

Successfully managing high-volume breakfast or lunch rushes.

Cleanliness:

Keeping a tidy, safe, and organized workspace. Physical Requirements Frequently required to stand, walk, and occasionally sit. Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Requires the ability to climb stairs, bend, stoop, stretch, and maintain manual dexterity to operate equipment and POS systems. Normal range of hearing and eyesight to communicate and record reports accurately.

Pay:

$18.00 per hour Expected hours: 20.0 per week

Benefits:

Paid time off

Work Location:

In person