Barista

Overview

Dark Horse Espresso Bar is a pioneer in the Toronto specialty coffee community and has become a hotspot attracting those who like great coffee, handmade pastries, and a comfortable environment. Dark Horse is a place where they could come to relax, reflect or socialize, and re‑energize with seriously great coffee. Over the past 15 years, we have evolved from one beloved neighborhood cafe to a collection of six shops in vibrant neighborhoods across the city.

Barista – Full Time/Part Time at Dark Horse’s café will work closely with the Store Manager to maintain an incredible employee and customer experience. Candidates should possess a business sense, natural hospitality and soft‑skills. The successful candidate will be excited at the chance to grow a coffee‑focused hospitality business and embrace the challenges that come along with it. This position is for an existing vacancy.

• Prepare and serve beverages and products in accordance with company standards
• Operate point‑of‑sale (POS) systems and handle cash accurately and responsibly
• Provide knowledgeable and engaging service through continuous learning about coffee and tea products to make appropriate recommendations
• Ensure all products delivered to customers meet established quality and presentation standards
• Create a warm, friendly, and inviting atmosphere for all customers
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the café, including service areas, equipment, and customer spaces
• Follow all health, safety, and food‑handling procedures
• Contribute to a healthy, respectful, and safe work environment for customers and coworkers
• Comply with all company policies and applicable Ontario workplace legislation

• Minimum 1 year of hospitality or customer service experience
• 1 year of barista experience preferred
• Food Handler Certification preferred (or willingness to obtain if required)
• Genuine passion for coffee, beverages, and quality service
• Strong interpersonal skills and a love for working with people and community
• Basic math skills and comfort handling cash transactions
• Ability to stand for extended periods during scheduled shifts
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow standards and procedures

• Expected hours: 30‑40 hours per week for full‑timers
• Expected hours: 18‑28 hours per week for part‑timers
• Hourly wage of up to $18.50 per hour depending on experience
• Our corporate benefits are available for all supervisory positions
• This position also participates in gratuities provided by customers in store, according to our tip allocation policy, as well as variable compensation related to the top line success of the store

While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected for interviews will be contacted. Artificial intelligence may be used to assist with resume screening.

A fast‑paced environment with plenty of room to learn and grow, while also contributing to a successful and exciting business environment.

Big League Food Company (parent company of Dark Horse Espresso Bar) is the next generation of beloved food brands. Our goal is to maintain the magic of local food brands while building category leaders.

We are committed to equal employment opportunity and respect, value and welcome diversity in our workplace. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code, accommodation will be provided to candidates with disabilities during the recruitment and selection process. If you are invited to participate in the process and require an accommodation, please let us know in advance.