Main Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Barista

A Barista is a professional who specializes in crafting and serving a variety of coffee-based beverages. They are skilled in the art of brewing, understanding different coffee beans, and creating delightful flavor profiles. In this blog post, we will explore the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Baristas.

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Main Responsibilities of a Barista

The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a Barista:

Acknowledge

Acknowledge and greet customers.

Act

Act with integrity and respect.

Address

Address guests by name whenever possible.

Adhere to

Adhere to all cleaning and maintenance care specifications of all equipment.
Adhere to all safety policies and procedures including proper food safety and sanitation.
Adhere to cash handling procedures and cash register policies.
Adhere to recipes and presentations for food and beverage items.

Adjust

Adjust coffee strength and flavors according to customer preferences.

Answer

Answer phones and pages promptly and courteously.
Answer questions about food, beverages, and other cafe functions and services.

Anticipate

Anticipate customer and store needs by constantly evaluating environment and customers for cues.

Apply

Apply feedback to improve performance.

Arrive

Arrive to work on time and have a good record for attendance.

Assist in

Assist customers of FARO with their food and beverage orders, including specialty coffee.
Assist in dishwashing and cleaning.
Assist with opening and closing of coffee shop area.
Assist with setup, cleanup, inventory and stock work.

Attend

Attend all allergy and foodborne illness in-service training.
Attend all required trainings and department meetings.

Build

Build rapport with guests and encourages return visits.

Clean

Clean and maintain coffee machines, grinders, and other equipment.
Clean and maintain the bar station to ensure an organized and efficient workspace.
Clean operation of barista space including opening and closing duties and more.
Clean service or seating areas.

Collaborate with

Collaborate with the team to ensure a smooth workflow and efficient service.

Communicate

Communicate and deliver a 5 star customer service standard always.
Communicate and work well with others, act maturely and professionally.
Communicate with kitchen for food ordering.

Complete

Complete all side work before the end of a shift.
Complete daily and weekly cleaning tasks.
Complete Initial Store Training and pass barista certification with a score of 90% or better.
Complete opening, closing and side-duties efficiently and safely.
Complete other duties as assigned and required to meet the needs of the business.

Contribute to

Contribute to new menu items seasonally.

Craft

Craft specialty beverages to a high quality standard.

Create

Create an environment that supports customer satisfaction.
Create a positive and friendly environment.

Deliver

Deliver and encourage other associates to deliver excellent customer service.
Deliver Operational Excellence.

Determine

Determine and respond to customer needs.

Develop

Develop alternative solutions.
Develop positive relationships with the team.

Direct

Direct guest to pick up area.

Discover

Discover and responds to customer needs.

Educate

Educate customers about different coffee blends, brewing methods, and flavor profiles.
Educate, sample, and serve customers food and beverage products.

Enhance

Enhance coffee shop reputation by moving in a spirit of excellence and ownership.

Ensure

Ensure adherence to health and safety regulations.
Ensure all coffee and bar related equipment go through daily and weekly cleaning procedures.
Ensure coffee grind, dose and shot times are maintained to company specifications.
Ensure exceptional operational support to drive "wow” experiences, sales, and superior service.
Ensure food safety standards are executed to provide high quality, safe drinks for customers.
Ensure general cleanliness of work area in accordance with all health and safety standards.
Ensure proper presentation, portion control and maintenance of proper serving temperatures.
Ensure that food being offered is fresh served daily.

Follow

Follow brand guidelines in environment and takes ownership in the store cleanliness.
Follow inventory and loss prevention guidelines.
Follow inventory stocking and recording guidelines.
Follow opening and closing procedures.
Follow operational procedures and policies for customer service, cash handling and coffee service.
Follow proper safety and sanitation procedures.
Follow specific recipes and guidelines for consistent quality.

Generate

Generate revenues by attracting new customers, defining new expanded services and products.

Greet

Greet customers and takes food / drink orders.
Greet customers in a polite and friendly manner.
Greet your customers as soon as they are spotted at the counter.

Grind

Grind coffee beans and ensure the proper measurement for each drink.

Handle

Handle all checks and cash according to procedures.
Handle cash transactions and operate the point-of-sale system.
Handle food according to HACCP guidelines and standards for quality food-service operations.
Handle multiple orders simultaneously during peak hours.

Help

Help drive processes to hit restaurant targets deemed from management team.

Inform

Inform the manager on duty of any operational inconsistencies.

Interact with

Interact with customers of diverse background with a positive attitude / outlook.

Keep

Keep a clean and orderly working station at all times.
Keep the store clean and organized as per Second Cup and Compass standards.
Keep the store clean, stocked, organized and decorate customer display areas.
Keep track of inventory and restock supplies as needed.

Lead

Lead and motivates colleagues by example and promotes teamwork.
Lead Barista team and make sure standards are followed.
Lead by example and be able to communicate unilaterally throughout the company.

Learn

Learn and maintain knowledge of menus and products.
Learn guest names and drink preferences.
Learn the names and personally recognize regulars.

Maintain

Maintain a clean and inviting store environment for customers and team members.
Maintain a level of excellence through great service and small-talk with each customer you assist.
Maintain and stock all products in cafe, including condiment stand.
Maintain a positive work environment.
Maintain cleanliness and organization of the coffee preparation area.
Maintain cleanliness of coffee bar / cafe.
Maintain coffee and tea Menu, and ensure product availability at all times.
Maintain efficient, friendly service standards.
Maintain inventories by replenishing coffee bean supply.
Maintain quality store operations.Follow store policy and procedures.
Maintain sanitation and orderliness of all equipment, supplies and utensils.
Maintain the cleanliness of the store.
Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and efficiency.

Make

Make and serves coffee / espresso drinks and related food and beverage items.
Make frequent repetitive movements.
Make recommendations and answer questions regarding beverages and pastries / food.

Monitor

Monitor brewing times and temperatures to achieve optimal flavors.

Offer

Offer seasonal or specialty drinks to enhance the menu.

Operate

Operate a cash register, accurately counts and provides change to customer.
Operate espresso machines and other coffee-making equipment.

Participate in

Participate in scheduled staff meetings when requested.

Perform

Perform opening, mid, and closing duties as assigned.
Perform other duties as assigned by store, regional, or national leadership.

Practice

Practice safe work habits and comply with sanitary, safety, security and emergency procedures.

Prepare

Prepare all drink orders to Neo Coffee Bar standards.
Prepare and serve coffee and espresso-based beverages.
Prepare and serves coffee, espresso, blended drinks, and teas.
Prepare beverages following recipes.
Prepare hand-crafted baked goods and sandwiches.
Prepare ingredients for drinks.
Prepare non-coffee beverages like tea, hot chocolate, or smoothies.
Prepare peripheral products, such as pastries, soda and water service.
Prepare quality beverages and food items consistently for all customers.
Prepare quality beverages including espresso drinks, texturing milk.

Print

Print daily credit card and payroll deduction transactions.

Process

Process cash, debit and credit card payments.

Promote

Promote coffee consumption by educating customers.
Promote coffee or juice consumption by educating customers.

Provide

Provide consistent quality in the preparation of drinks and brewing of coffee and tea.
Provide customers with product details, such as coffee blend or preparation descriptions.
Provide excellent customer service, addressing inquiries and concerns.
Provide exceptional service according to standards.
Provide prompt and courteous service to all customers.
Provide the best service for making espresso based products.

Receive

Receive, unpack and store supplies in refrigerators, freezers, cupboards and other storage areas.

Report

Report all accidents and injuries in a timely manner.
Report equipment or guest challenges to supervisor.
Report potentially unsafe conditions.

Respect

Respect customers by exhibiting a sense of urgency and working.

Respond to

Respond promptly to customer needs.
Respond to any reasonable task as assigned by supervisor or manager.
Respond to customer complaints tactfully and professionally.
Respond to requests for service and assistance.
Respond well to questions.

Re-stock

Re-stock merchandise as necessary in the selling areas.

Routine

Routine cleaning & maintenance.

Sanitize

Sanitize and wash dishes and other items by hand.

Seek

Seek opportunities to educate and suggestively sell.

Sell

Sell daily features and menu add ons.

Serve

Serve beverages and prepared food, like cookies, pastries and muffins.
Serve beverages that look attractive, no spills or overflowing whip cream.
Serve customers quickly and efficiently.
Serve food and beverages, general plate service.

Stay

Stay updated with industry trends and new coffee products.

Steam

Steam milk and create latte art for visually appealing presentations.

Study

Study and taste our menu so that you can help customers decide what to order.

Take

Take customer orders and convey them to other employees for preparation.
Take customer orders and provide recommendations based on preferences.
Take customer orders, listen to the customers, use the pos and accept payment.
Take initiative to best serve both customers and teammates.
Take orders, use P.O.S (Touch Bistro) , and perform cash balancing.

Use

Use tongs, gloves or deli paper.

Wash

Wash, peel and cut vegetables and fruit.

Welcome

Welcome customers by determining their coffee, juice interests, and needs.
Welcome questions and educate the guests.

Work

Work efficiently and does not expend products or resources needlessly.
Work harmoniously and professionally with co-workers and management.

Most In-demand Hard Skills

The following list describes the most required technical skills of a Barista:

Expertise in espresso extraction and understanding of brewing ratios.
Knowledge of different coffee beans, origins, and roast profiles.
Proficiency in latte art techniques and milk texturing.
Ability to operate and maintain coffee machines, grinders, and brewing equipment.
Understanding of various brewing methods, such as pour-over, French press, or cold brew.
Knowledge of coffee grinding techniques for different beverages.
Familiarity with the appropriate water temperature and pressure for brewing.
Skill in adjusting grind size and tamping pressure for desired extraction.
Ability to calibrate equipment to achieve consistent results.
Understanding of coffee bean storage and freshness maintenance.
Proficiency in using different brewing tools, such as scales, timers, and thermometers.
Knowledge of alternative milk options and their suitability for different beverages.
Skill in adjusting flavors by incorporating syrups, spices, or alternative sweeteners.
Ability to maintain accurate inventory and track product usage.
Knowledge of health and safety regulations regarding food handling and preparation.
Proficiency in troubleshooting equipment issues and performing basic repairs.
Understanding of allergens and dietary restrictions related to coffee beverages.
Familiarity with the principles of cupping and coffee tasting.
Knowledge of coffee-related terminology and industry jargon.
Skill in multitasking and managing time efficiently during busy periods.

Most In-demand Soft Skills

The following list describes the most required soft skills of a Barista:

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for engaging with customers.
Friendly and approachable demeanor to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Active listening skills to understand customers' preferences and requests.
Attention to detail in ensuring beverage quality and presentation.
Ability to work well under pressure and handle a fast-paced environment.
Teamwork and collaboration to support colleagues during busy periods.
Flexibility and adapt ability to changing customer needs and preferences.

trong problem-solving skills to address customer concerns or equipment issues.

Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
Outstanding customer service skills, including patience and empathy.
Professionalism and a positive attitude in all interactions.
Ability to work with precision and consistency to deliver high-quality beverages.
Adaptability to work flexible schedules, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends.
Time management skills to ensure timely service and minimal wait times.
Ability to handle cash transactions accurately and efficiently.
Hygiene and cleanliness to maintain a safe and sanitary workspace.
Resilience and composure in handling challenging or demanding customers.
Creative flair and a passion for experimenting with flavors and new recipes.
Strong organizational skills to keep track of inventory and supplies.
Willingness to continually learn and stay updated on industry trends and techniques.

Conclusion

Being a Barista entails more than just making a cup of coffee. It requires a combination of technical expertise, customer service skills, and a passion for the art of coffee-making. In this blog post, we have explored the main responsibilities of a Barista, ranging from beverage preparation to customer interaction. Additionally, we have highlighted the most in-demand hard skills, such as coffee brewing techniques and equipment operation, as well as essential soft skills, including communication, teamwork, and attention to detail. By possessing the right skills and a genuine love for crafting exceptional coffee experiences, Baristas can excel in their role and create memorable moments for their customers.