Barista - Temporary

Location: Richmond, VA (Short Pump) · Classification: Temporary

About the role

A Barnes & Noble bookstore is a gathering place for readers and the community. As a Barista, you are an integral member of the team at the heart of our Cafés. You welcome customers in a cheerful and helpful way by saying hello, answering questions and consistently going out of your way to connect readers with the right beverages and café items. Equally, you are an essential part of the café team in maintaining the attractive presentation and ensuring the efficient running of the Café.

Responsibilities

• Greet customers warmly, answer questions, and connect them with beverages and café items
• Maintain attractive café presentation and ensure efficient café operations
• Unpack and stock deliveries; tidy the bakes case and dining area
• Operate registers quickly and professionally
• Maintain reliable and punctual attendance for scheduled shifts
• Fill scheduling gaps when able; remain flexible for early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and most holidays
• Approach work positively and energetically; perform assigned tasks with purpose
• Support and show kindness to colleagues; go out of your way to help the team
• Consistently provide cheerful, proactive customer service
• Demonstrate aptitude and willingness to learn new skills and knowledge
• Master operational competencies including:
  • Using registers, computers, tablets, programs, and other tools efficiently
  • Developing strong merchandising skills for café presentation and cleanliness
  • Applying visual merchandising skills to counter and floor retail fixtures
  • Running a register competently for quick, reliable service
  • Supporting receiving, unpacking, and accurate stocking of deliveries
  • Preparing food and drinks accurately using recipes, spec sheets, and guides
  • Executing daily and weekly cleaning tasks reliably
  • Following First In First Out (FIFO) practices and dating product correctly
  • Supporting the bookfloor team when needed
  • Understanding loss prevention procedures and de-escalation techniques
• Perform physical activities including prolonged standing, repetitive bending, lifting, and extensive walking
• Work in other stores as needed to support the wider cluster
• Build café product knowledge across beverage, bakery, savory, and gifting categories
• Maintain presentation in an interesting, appetizing manner
• Communicate key sales objectives (LTO items, promotions) to customers and colleagues
• Make effective food and beverage customization recommendations
• Develop knowledge and engagement for café retail execution
• Use café training tools appropriately
• Apply café safety, hygiene, and sanitation guidelines to maintain all standards
• Support the success of key products and promotions
• Comply with all company policies and procedures

Requirements & Qualifications

• Positive, willing attitude with purpose and energy
• Supportive and considerate team player
• Cheerful, customer-focused demeanor
• Willingness to learn and acquire new skills
• Enjoyment of the barista role
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Physical capability for prolonged standing, bending, lifting, and walking
• Comfort with technology (registers, computers, tablets, programs)
• Strong merchandising and visual presentation skills
• Attention to detail for food/drink preparation, cleaning, FIFO, and dating
• Understanding of loss prevention and de-escalation techniques

Career progression

As you develop and demonstrate mastery of the skills outlined in this role, you are expected to advance to the next step in the career path — Senior Barista — where you will take on new challenges and gain further opportunities for growth.

Benefits

• Scheduled less than 20 hours/week: Employee Discount, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Sick Pay
• Scheduled 20–29.99 hours/week: Employee Discount, EAP, Sick Pay, Paid Time Off (including paid Maternity and Parental Leave), Company Paid Holidays, Transit, 401(k) with Company Match
• Scheduled 30 hours or more/week: Employee Discount, EAP, Sick Pay, Paid Time Off (including paid Maternity and Parental Leave), Company Paid Holidays, 401(k) with Company Match, Comprehensive Health Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision), Healthcare and Dependent Care Spending Accounts, Healthcare Spending Account, Disability Benefits, Life Insurance, Transit, Tuition Reimbursement

All benefits are provided in accordance with the terms of the current plan and may be subject to future change. Benefits may vary depending on location/state regulations.

Pay

Hourly rate starting at $14.00, depending on experience, seniority, geographic location, and other factors permitted by law.