Barista (Part-Time)

Barista Cafe, Coffee & Food Service | Part-Time | Zoomies Chicago About Zoomies Chicago Zoomies is Chicago's premier indoor/outdoor dog park experience — a one-of-a-kind destination where dogs play and people unwind. Our facility features expansive off-leash dog parks, a full-service café, a craft beverage bar, daycare and boarding, professional grooming, and private runs, all under one roof. We're building a team that loves dogs as much as our members do. At Zoomies, every role matters — from the bark rangers keeping our parks safe to the baristas fueling the humans who love them. We’re building the future of pet services with a high-energy eatertainment vibe. Because we’re a startup, our hiring needs are tied to our 2026 launch milestones. We’re starting interviews now to find the perfect fit, with the goal of bringing this role onboard in a few months as we move into our next phase of execution. We value transparency and want to find someone who thrives in a dynamic, startup environment. Position Overview Our Barista is the heartbeat of the Zoomies café — the person responsible for fueling the humans who love their dogs as much as we do. You'll run the full Zoomies cafe operation — crafting espresso drinks and brewing pour-overs alongside a variety of convenient snacks and café favorites — while surrounded by happy dogs and the people who love them. Cafe hours run 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and we're looking for morning-focused individuals who are equally comfortable behind an espresso machine and a panini press, and who thrive in a fast-paced, high-energy environment. Candidates open to cross-training for bar shifts are strongly preferred. What You'll Do Prepare and serve espresso-based drinks, drip coffee, teas, and non-alcoholic beverages to Zoomies members and day-pass guestsCoordinate the display of pre-packaged sandwiches and café snacks; follow established guidelines for inventory stock and presentation consistency.Operate and maintain espresso machines, grinders, and related cafe equipmentTake food and drink orders accurately; manage ticket flow and maintain speed and quality during high-traffic morning rushesFollow all Illinois food safety, allergen awareness, and sanitation protocols at all timesMaintain a clean and organized cafe and kitchen prep station throughout your shift; perform full station clean-down at the end of the dayRestock cafe supplies, food ingredients, pastries, and merchandise; communicate inventory needs to managementEngage warmly with members and guests — you are a core part of the Zoomies experienceHandle cash and card transactions accurately using our POS system Shifts Available Cafe Hours: 6:00 AM - 3:00 PM daily Primary Shifts: 5:45 AM - 3:45 PM Note: Candidates open to cross-training for bar service will be given strong preference What We're Looking For 1+ year of barista or cafe experience required; experience in high-volume grab-and-go retail or food merchandising strongly preferredProficiency with espresso equipment and milk texturingComfort in a dual-role environment — equally at home crafting a latte and efficiently managing grab-and-go food stock during a rushGenuinely friendly and personable — you enjoy people (and dogs)Dependable, punctual, and comfortable with early morning startsAble to stand for extended periods and lift up to 40 lbsIllinois Food Handler Certification required (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire)Experience with POS systems a plusInterest in cross-training as a bartender is a strong plusDog-friendly personality is non-negotiable — you'll be working around dogs every single day Benefits Health, dental, and vision insurance (eligible full-time employees)Paid time off (PTO)Employee discounts on all Zoomies products and services Equal Opportunity & Legal Disclosures Zoomies Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Employment at Zoomies Chicago is at-will, meaning either the employee or the Company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice. This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with it. Job responsibilities are subject to change at the discretion of management. Zoomies Chicago participates in E-Verify. Upon hire, we will provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process should contact us at info@zoomieschicago.com. By applying to this job, you agree to receive periodic text messages from this employer and Homebase about your pending job application. Opt out anytime. Msg & data rates may apply. Powered by Homebase. Free employee scheduling, time clock and hiring tools.