Retail-Barista Associate

About the role

Multiple open positions across three locations:

• Preston (Cary) — 4248 NW Cary Parkway
• Glenwood (Raleigh) — 122 Glenwood Avenue
• UNC/On Campus (Chapel Hill) — 36 Lenoir Dr

Hours: 8:00 AM – 1:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Follows the school calendar.

Responsibilities

Team & Values

• Embody La Farm values through action, example, and communication: Exceed Customer Expectations, Quality, Dignity, Community, Learning, Teaching, and Innovation.

Customer Service

• Ensure and exude world‑class customer service and sales to internal and external customers.
• Greet every customer with “bonjour” and engage verbally with each one.
• Effectively sell through product knowledge and suggestive selling.
• Show pride in every aspect of work and perform it with friendliness, energy, and enthusiasm.

Product Knowledge

• Actively demonstrate knowledge of bread, pastry, baked goods, coffee, cheese, and specialty goods to enable effective sales, up‑selling, sampling, pairing, merchandising, and fronting of products.

Other Essential Duties

• Prepare and maintain samples (minimum of 3 samples always available).
• Correctly time‑out products during shift.
• Follow the CARE acronym and greet customers within 15 seconds.
• Work the register accurately and with speed.
• Ensure accuracy and efficiency of cash handling and reporting (invoicing, special orders, deposits, change orders, petty cash, register accuracy, gift certificates, donations, cooking classes).
• Complete store merchandising walk‑through within the first 30 minutes of shift.
• Receive, manage, and follow through on special orders.
• Merchandise to La Farm standards: properly signed products, samples, store packaging, and labeling.
• Maintain coffee station: full fresh hot coffee, fresh cold creams, full condiments and packaging, clean and organized, with backup stock below.
• Perform proper rotation and quality control.
• Answer the phone to La Farm standards.
• Give out cookies to “cookie eaters”.
• Complete daily checklists and tray outs.
• Complete production schedule: ensure items are available on production sheet for sale and write out‑of‑stock/leftover amounts.
• Communicate with production staff on out‑of‑stock items and excessive leftovers.
• Bake breads, cookies, and prep tarts as needed for retail sales.
• Hawk bread loudly.
• Ensure overall unit safety and sanitation goals and policies.
• Maintain grade “A” or better by beating health and sanitation inspection standards.
• Uphold company standards and policies for opening/closing.
• Ensure safe working conditions and comply with all laws.

Other duties as assigned: The statements above reflect the job’s principal functions but are not an all‑inclusive listing. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned or needed.

Requirements

• Exceptional customer service skills and demonstrated sense of urgency to serve every customer.
• Experience with customer service, food service, or high‑end retail preferred.
• Cash handling and sales experience preferred.
• Ability to solve business‑related problems quickly and efficiently.
• Great relationship‑building skills and demonstrated positive demeanor as a team player.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment and multitask.
• Flexibility required: weekends required, holiday work may be required, two days off (not consecutive).
• Strong verbal communication and people skills.
• Ability to develop constructive and cooperative working relationships with others.
• Willingness to learn — training will be provided.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to bend and lift 50 lbs.
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time.