Barista and Cafe Associate

This is a full-time position with shifts at both of our locations in Avon and West Hartford.

The Small State Cafe Associate / Barista plays a critical role in delivering the warm, thoughtful hospitality our customers expect from Small State. This is a cross-trained Front of House position for someone who is comfortable moving between guest service and the coffee bar throughout a shift based on the needs of the business.

At the register and service counter, the Cafe Associate / Barista is responsible for greeting each guest with a warm, friendly hello, accurately entering purchases, carefully packaging baked goods and prepared foods, and helping customers navigate our daily selection. A strong understanding of Small State’s breads, pastries, prepared foods, coffee program, ingredients, and seasonal offerings is essential.

Behind the coffee bar, the Cafe Associate / Barista is expected to confidently prepare and serve our full menu of espresso-based drinks and other beverages while maintaining Small State’s standards for quality, consistency, speed, and presentation. Previous barista experience is preferred, but not required.

Because this position floats between stations, flexibility, strong communication, and the ability to recognize where support is needed are key. Depending on the shift, the associate may spend significant time on guest service, on bar, or moving between both during busy service periods and break coverage.

All Front of House team members also share responsibility for maintaining a clean and welcoming cafe, including keeping tables and seating areas tidy, clearing debris from floors, restocking supplies, and staying attentive to the overall guest experience.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Welcome each customer into the bakery/caf.
• Provide friendly and efficient customer service, answering questions and ensuring a positive guest experience.
• Walk customers through our baked goods and breads with a deep understanding of each product we sell.
• Slice bread when needed.
• Efficiently manage transactions and orders at the register.
• Handle orders for bread and baked goods, ensuring they are packaged to customer satisfaction.
• Maintain cleanliness of register and pastry case areas.
• Ensure the caf area is clean and tidy and free of debris on tables and floors.
• Complete running sidework tasks during periods of slower business such as cleaning projects, packaging retail items, or loading the dishwasher.
• Maintain our exceptional customer service by walking sandwiches and baked goods around the coffee bar for guests.
• Communicate with Shift Lead and/or Front of House Operations Manager about low inventory, guests complaints and compliments, and register change needs.
• Cover for the Coffee Specialist during breaks, maintaining the quality and service of the coffee program.

Team Support: Work collaboratively with the Coffee Specialist and broader Front of House team to provide support wherever needed, including during breaks and busy service periods. Take direction from the Shift Lead and/or Front of House Operations Manager and help ensure each shift runs smoothly, efficiently, and with a consistent focus on the guest experience.

• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Attention to detail and motivation to learn.
• Experience in a fast-paced retail or food service environment.
• Previous barista experience is preferred, but not required.
• Ability to multitask and work as a team.

Benefits:

• 5 Days PTO
• Health Care Reimbursement for Employee (40% of self-purchased policy)
• 401k savings program

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