Barista

Ground Up Coffee & Bites is a locally owned and rapidly growing coffee company in Chicago with two locations in the West Loop (near Greektown) and River North neighborhoods. We’re a unique blend of second and third wave coffee with a Greek twist, serving specialty coffee, pastries, and food inspired by our roots.

We believe coffee is more than just a drink, it’s the fuel that gets people going and brings communities together. As a family run business, you’ll work directly with ownership and management in a team oriented environment that values teamwork,reliability,and growth.

We’re looking for a personable, detail-oriented, and energetic barista to join our team. Our baristas are cross-trained across multiple roles, allowing for variety in your daily work and flexibility for team support. If you’re passionate about coffee, hospitality, and working in a fast-paced yet supportive environment, we’d love to meet you.

• Greet customers, answer questions, and provide a welcoming and informative experience.
• Prepare and serve a variety of specialty coffee drinks and Greek-inspired food items according to company recipes.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and well-stocked workspace and dining area.
• Educate guests about our menu items, brewing methods, and retail offerings.
• Assist with food and pastry preparation, including assembling sandwiches and displaying baked goods.
• Operate and maintain brewing equipment; perform basic troubleshooting and cleaning.
• Close and open the café in a sanitary and efficient manner according to local health regulations.
• Restock inventory and supplies as needed; support retail product sales.
• Contribute to team efforts and café improvement through feedback and initiative.

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• At least 1 year of prior barista or café experience is preferred.
• 2+ years of customer service experience required.
• Familiarity with point-of-sale systems and food safety protocols.
• Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a customer first mindset.
• Ability to multitask in a high energy environment and maintain professionalism under pressure.
• Reliable transportation and ability to commute to either Chicago location.

• Flexible shifts available, including weekends and holidays.
• Store hours:
  Monday–Friday 5:30 AM–7:00 PM | Saturday–Sunday 7:00 AM–4:00 PM
• Shifts range from 8–10 hours with rotating opening and closing responsibilities.

• Employee discounts and shift beverages
• Opportunities for growth and advancement

Location: West Loop, River North, Loop Chicago, IL

Pay: $17.00 – $23.00per hour

Job Type: Full-time (30–40 hours/week)