Barista

Position: Barista Support (Full-Time)
Scope: Specialty Coffee Execution, Food Assembly, & FOH Operational Support

Locations: West Town & Wicker Park, Chicago
Requirement: Full open availability (weekends required; shifts start as early as 6:30 AM)

Prequel Cafe is a quality-driven operation built on clear systems, craft, and consistency. We run a structured, tight-knit environment where precise operational workflows allow our team to deliver exceptional quality efficiently.

We are seeking a reliable, detail-oriented professional to step into a key support role within our established system.

The Role

This position is designed to keep daily operations seamless, consistent, and well-supported across both coffee and kitchen functions. Rather than managing systems, you will execute clearly defined protocols with precision and discipline.

• Bar Execution: Execute coffee service to exacting standards (dialing in, weighing shots, milk execution, batch brewing, and tea prep) within our established dialing and ratio systems.

• Food & Pastry Assembly: Support the kitchen flow by executing prep, line assembly, and pastry handling to specification.

• System & Facility Maintenance: Perform routine opening/closing checklists, continuous sanitation, station resets, and proactive restocking to maintain high operational flow.

• Service Support: Maintain steady, professional front-of-house guest interactions and uphold room awareness during peak volume.

Candidate Profile & Qualifications

• Experience & Skills: Background in specialty coffee or fast-paced food service required. Familiarity with modern point-of-sale systems (e.g., Square) and digital scheduling platforms (e.g., 7shifts) preferred.

• Certifications: Current City of Chicago / Illinois Food Handler Certificate required upon hire (Food Sanitation Manager Certification is a plus).

• System-Oriented: Thrives in structured environments with standardized recipes, defined checklists, and clear expectations.

• Physical & Operational Demands: Able to work standing shifts up to 8 hours and routinely lift up to 40–50 lbs (milk boxes, batch coffee containers, dry goods) throughout a shift.

• Reliable & Precise: Punctual, steady under pressure, and attentive to small operational details.

• Team-Focused: Comfortably transitions between coffee bar, food prep, and service support tasks based on daily operational demand.
• Availability: Full open availability, including weekends and early mornings (starting as early as 6:30 AM).

What We Offer

• Competitive Hourly Rate + Tips

• Insurance: Subsidized Health & Dental Insurance
  
  
• Perks: Daily Staff Meals & Coffee
  
  
• Growth Pathways: Clear progression pathways into Lead Support, Shift Supervisor, or Kitchen/Coffee Leadership roles as operations expand
  
  
• Professional Environment: Structured, logic-driven workspace with consistent scheduling

How to Apply
If you appreciate clear standards, structured systems, and take pride in executing supporting duties at a high level, submit your resume along with a brief note detailing your relevant experience.

Note: Please apply strictly online via Culinary Agents or our website submission form. In-person drop-offs will not be reviewed.