Counter Attendant - Gjusta

Salary Range: $18.42 per hour (DOE and State) + Tips. Availability on weekends required.

About Us

We define hospitality as 'warmth to strangers' and believe it has a place in any business and across all positions. We are a group interested in creating diverse hospitality experiences—whether a hotel, pizza slice shop, grocer, flower shop, home goods store, bakery, or restaurant. Regardless of your role—retail, wholesale, maintenance, driving, events, design, accounting, HR, or food & beverage—we enjoy working with people who share our definition of hospitality and are curious to learn about the different types of businesses we offer.

About the Role

As a team member of the Gjelina Group, every role is key in our mission to consistently create thoughtfully nuanced experiences for guests in each of our locations. We ask all team members to participate in knowledgeable and respectful communication with guests and each other, coming to work with a desire to learn and collaborate. The role requires teamwork, a flexible schedule, the ability to stay calm in a busy environment, and the ability to multitask while staying organized.

The Counter Attendant is the primary guest point of contact at the counter. Counter Attendants ensure excellent quality and superb service are enjoyed by all guests.

General Attributes

• Maintain a high customer service focus by prioritizing guest satisfaction.
• Take responsibility and initiative to resolve issues, communicating clearly with guests and colleagues.
• Be decisive, accept responsibility for making things happen, and think ahead to develop contingency plans.
• Approach all tasks with enthusiasm and seize opportunities to learn new skills.
• Respond quickly and positively to changing environments.
• Maintain a strong team focus by showing cooperation and support to colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Know all dishes on the menu, including ingredients and preparation.
• Adhere to all health, safety, alcohol control, and sanitation protocols.
• Provide prompt, attentive service; greet and thank all customers as they enter/exit.
• Take guest orders in the Point of Sale (POS) system.
• Suggest product alternatives to enhance the guest’s food experience.
• Complete sales transactions accurately and in a timely manner.
• Prepare espresso drinks and other beverages according to provided recipes.
• Work with the back-of-house (BOH) team to expedite orders efficiently.
• Organize, clean, and maintain all areas of the counter.
• Prepare the floor and stations at the opening and closing of each shift (stocking, cleaning, and setting up for service).
• Ensure all stations are equipped for service and assist others as needed.
• Maintain cleanliness and restock throughout the shift (wiping down surfaces, cases, etc.).
• Attend pre-shift meetings to learn about menu changes, 86s, and the chef’s vision for new dishes.
• Respond to menu or drink queries with knowledgeable answers.
• Escalate service issues to the floor manager and communicate unresolved issues at the end of the shift.
• Understand and respect the right of way (guests, counter, and staff).
• Perform other duties as assigned by a supervisor or manager.

Requirements

• Minimum 1–2 years of restaurant or related experience (preferred).
• Minimum 1 year of barista experience.
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Proficiency in using relevant equipment.
• Understanding and ability to comply with safety, sanitation, and food handling procedures.
• Ability to prioritize work and respond to management or colleague requests in a timely, courteous manner.
• Ability to remain calm in unusual situations.
• Basic math skills.
• Ability to take guest orders in the POS system.
• Ability to take and follow direction.
• Ability to work in a team environment and under pressure.
• Problem-solving abilities, self-motivation, and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Neat, clean, and professional appearance.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and nights.
• Exhibit a sense of urgency and enthusiasm.
• Willingness to work on your feet for extended periods.
• Knowledge of proper food handling and kitchen systems/forms.
• High school education, diploma (or in process), or GED (preferred).
• Food Handler Certification (desired).
• Understanding of Department of Health rules related to food service.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to stand and walk for long periods.
• Must regularly lift and/or move up to 15 pounds, frequently up to 25 pounds, and occasionally up to 35 pounds.
• Ability to work with restaurant equipment (food warmers, ovens, fryers, knives, pots, plates, pans, etc.).
• Frequent bending, stooping, reaching, twisting, grasping, pinching, smelling, tasting, and lifting above shoulders.
• Use of hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
• Ability to work with cleaning solutions.
• Specific vision abilities required: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

• Moderate to loud noise levels.
• Surrounding areas may be wet, hot/cold, slippery, or humid.