Café Staff Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the bustling world of hospitality, the role of café staff has never been more essential.

As the café culture continues to flourish, the demand for skilled individuals who can brew, serve, and maintain the atmosphere of our beloved coffee houses increases.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from café staff?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the essentials of this role,
• A café manager outlining the ideal team member,
• Or simply captivated by the dynamics of café operations,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable café staff job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Café Staff Duties and Responsibilities

Café Staff perform a range of duties related to food and beverage preparation and service, customer interaction, and general café upkeep and administration.

They are responsible for providing a pleasant and efficient café experience for customers.

Their daily duties and responsibilities include:

• Greeting customers as they enter the café
• Taking customer orders accurately
• Preparing and serving beverages such as coffee and tea
• Preparing food items such as sandwiches, pastries, and salads
• Processing customer payments and providing change as needed
• Maintaining cleanliness and sanitation in the café, including cleaning tables, counters, and kitchen areas
• Restocking café supplies and ingredients as needed
• Assisting with inventory management and ordering supplies
• Providing excellent customer service, including resolving any customer complaints or issues
• Adhering to health and safety regulations

 

Café Staff Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a friendly, efficient Café Staff member to join our team.

This role involves serving customers, preparing food and beverages, and maintaining cleanliness in our café.

Café Staff responsibilities include taking customer orders, handling cash transactions, preparing food and drinks, and ensuring the café remains clean and well-stocked.

Our ideal candidate has a positive attitude, enjoys interacting with people, and has a knack for customer service.

Ultimately, the Café Staff’s role is to ensure our customers have a memorable and enjoyable visit to our café.

 

Responsibilities

• Greet and welcome customers in a friendly and professional manner
• Take and prepare customer orders accurately and promptly
• Handle cash transactions with customers, issue receipts and return change
• Ensure all food and drinks are prepared to a high standard
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the café
• Restock display cases and keep track of inventory
• Adhere to all food safety regulations and quality controls
• Provide excellent customer service, addressing customer concerns or complaints
• Work effectively as part of a team

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience in a café, restaurant, or similar customer service role
• Knowledge of food and beverage preparation
• Ability to handle cash transactions and operate a cash register
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work well in a team
• Ability to stand for extended periods
• High school diploma or equivalent; relevant training will be a plus

 

Benefits

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance (if applicable)
• Paid time off
• Opportunities for advancement

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Café Staff
• Work Environment: Busy café environment. Must be able to work on weekends and holidays.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Café Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $10.00 minimum to $15.00 maximum per hour
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time/Part-time (specify according to the role)
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our café. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter detailing your interest and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Café Staff Do?

Café Staff typically work in coffee shops or cafes across a variety of settings, from standalone establishments to those located in shopping malls, bookstores, or airports.

They are responsible for preparing and serving a variety of coffee drinks, such as espresso, cappuccino, and latte, as well as teas and other beverages.

This includes operating coffee machines, frothing milk for lattes and cappuccinos, and mixing ingredients for other drinks.

Café Staff also serve food items, such as sandwiches, pastries, and salads.

They take customer orders, handle cash transactions, and provide excellent customer service to ensure a pleasant café experience for all patrons.

In addition to these tasks, café staff are often tasked with maintaining a clean and tidy work area.

This includes cleaning tables, counters, and coffee machines, restocking display cases, and occasionally performing light kitchen duties.

Café Staff should also have knowledge of the different types of coffee beans and brewing methods to inform and recommend options to customers.

They may also be responsible for creating appealing displays and promotions for products.

Whether a customer is stopping in for a quick coffee to go, or sitting down to enjoy a leisurely brunch, the Café Staff plays a crucial role in providing a welcoming and satisfying café experience.

 

Café Staff Qualifications and Skills

A proficient café staff member should possess the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Excellent customer service skills to provide a memorable and comfortable experience for customers
• Strong communication skills to interact efficiently with customers, understand their needs, and address any queries or complaints
• Food and beverage preparation skills to make and serve items on the café’s menu to standard
• Basic math skills to handle cash transactions, give correct change, and manage the cash register
• Knowledge of food safety and hygiene practices to ensure a clean and safe environment
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple orders, and prioritize tasks
• Teamwork skills to work cohesively with other café staff members
• Physical stamina to stand for long periods, carry heavy trays, and perform other physically demanding tasks

 

Café Staff Experience Requirements

Entry-level café staff positions typically require no previous experience and provide on-the-job training.

Roles such as Barista, Waitstaff, or Kitchen Helper are often entry-level and give candidates a chance to learn the basics of the café industry, customer service, and food and beverage preparation.

Candidates with 1 to 2 years of experience may have acquired solid skills in customer service, cash handling, and basic food preparation.

They may have experience in operating café equipment such as espresso machines, commercial blenders, and point-of-sale systems.

These individuals are often considered for roles that require more responsibility such as Shift Supervisor or Lead Barista.

Those with more than 3 years of experience usually have more advanced skills and a deep understanding of café operations.

They may have experience in managing inventory, scheduling staff, and maintaining high levels of customer service during busy periods.

With this experience, they may be ready to take on managerial roles like Café Manager or Assistant Manager.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience may have a track record of success in managing a café or similar foodservice establishment.

They may have extensive experience in team management, financial planning, and business development.

These individuals are often considered for senior roles such as Café Operations Manager or General Manager.

 

Café Staff Education and Training Requirements

Café Staff typically require a high school diploma or equivalent qualification.

However, some employers may not require formal education, especially for entry-level positions.

In addition to basic education, café staff usually receive on-the-job training to familiarize themselves with the café’s operations, procedures, and customer service standards.

This training typically covers food handling and preparation, sanitation procedures, point-of-sale system operation, and often includes barista training for coffee preparation.

While not always required, individuals may opt to complete a food safety and handling certification.

This certification can increase job prospects and demonstrates a commitment to maintaining a high standard of food safety.

Experience in customer service can be beneficial, as café staff interact with customers on a daily basis.

They need to provide excellent customer service, manage complaints, and ensure customer satisfaction.

Some café staff, particularly those with supervisory roles, may have completed courses in hospitality, business management or a related field.

Voluntary barista or coffee brewing courses can be beneficial for those wanting to demonstrate a higher level of skill and knowledge in the café industry.

These courses can range from basic coffee-making techniques to more advanced latte art skills.

In general, the most important qualities for café staff are strong communication skills, the ability to work in a team, and a friendly, customer-oriented attitude.

 

Café Staff Salary Expectations

The average wage for café staff is $11.36 (USD) per hour.

However, the actual earnings can vary based on factors such as experience, location, and the size of the café or restaurant.

Additionally, tips can significantly increase the total income for café staff.

 

Café Staff Job Description FAQs

What skills do Café Staff need?

Café Staff should have excellent interpersonal and communication skills to interact with customers effectively.

They should be able to multitask, work in a fast-paced environment, and have basic numeracy skills for handling cash and payments.

They should also have an understanding of food safety and hygiene regulations.

 

Do Café Staff need any specific qualifications?

No specific qualifications are needed to be part of a Café Staff, although a high school diploma might be preferred by some employers.

It is also beneficial to have a food handler’s certificate.

On-the-job training is usually provided to help staff understand café operations and customer service standards.

 

What should you look for in a Café Staff resume?

A Café Staff resume should highlight any previous experience in a similar role or environment, indicating their ability to manage the demands of the job.

Look for customer service skills, familiarity with Point of Sale (POS) systems, and any training or certification in food handling and safety.

 

What qualities make good Café Staff?

Good Café Staff are friendly, outgoing, and capable of providing excellent customer service.

They should be attentive and detail-oriented, ensuring customers receive their orders accurately and promptly.

Punctuality, reliability, and a positive attitude are also important qualities for Café Staff.

 

What are the daily duties of Café Staff?

On a typical day, Café Staff start by cleaning and preparing the café for opening.

They serve customers, taking orders, preparing food and beverages, and processing payments.

Throughout the day, they keep the café clean and well-stocked, manage any customer inquiries or complaints, and sometimes, help with inventory management.

They also close down the café at the end of the day, ensuring everything is ready for the following day.

 

Is it difficult to hire Café Staff?

Hiring Café Staff is not generally difficult, but finding staff with the right combination of skills, experience, and personality can sometimes be a challenge.

Offering competitive wages, a positive work environment, and opportunities for advancement can help attract qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you an insider’s peek into the bustling world of being a café staff.

Surprise!

It’s not just about serving coffee.

It’s about brewing the perfect cup of hospitality, one customer at a time.

With our handy café staff job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to leap into action.

But why stop there?

Immerse yourself further with our job description generator. It’s your springboard to meticulously-crafted job listings or perfecting your resume to a T.

Remember:

Every cup of coffee is a part of a bigger experience.

Let’s brew that future. Together.

How to Become a Café Staff (Complete Guide)

The Last Stand of Humanity: Jobs AI Won’t Claim

Lifestyle Upgrade: Simple Jobs That Guarantee a Hefty Paycheck!

Your Career, Your Choice: High-Paying Remote Jobs for a New Generation!

Money Moves: Discover the Jobs That Offer the Biggest Paychecks in 2025!