Coffee & Beverage Lead

• Location: Chinatown Los Angeles CA
• Job Type: Part-time
• Pay: $21.75/hour pooled tips
• Expected Hours: 2535 per week
• Work Location: In person

Please Note: This position is slated for a mid-July 2025 start date. Our hiring process will take place throughout May and June 2025 with training for successful candidates beginning in late June or early July to ensure a smooth onboarding experience.

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About Caf Tondo:
Caf Tondo is a new all-day neighborhood caf and bar located in Chinatown Los Angeles. Inspired by the rhythm of Mexico City we serve coffee in the morning wine and small plates at nightall while fostering community from open to close. Because our footprint is intimate every team member is cross-trainedmoving fluidly from steaming milk at sunrise to pouring a glass of natural wine at sunset. The space shifts with the day and so does the role.

Tasks

Job Overview:
As Shift Lead at Tondo youre the floor generalguiding service setting the tone and leading by example. Youll keep the bar humming and the team aligned jumping into any station as neededfrom dialing in espresso to prepping wine pours. This role demands calm command sharp multitasking and a deep care for both product and people. Youll ensure every guest gets our best every timewhile helping the team stay focused efficient and inspired. Note that we will be hiring one for AM (morning/afternoon) service and one for PM (afternoon/evening) service.

Who this Job is For:

This role is for a natural leader with sharp service instincts and a deep love for hospitality. Youre proactive calm under pressure and thrive in the rhythm of a busy floor. You bring strong technical barista skills and take pride in crafting great coffee with bonus points if youre also comfortable around a wine list. You know how to guide a team with empathy hold high standards and keep the energy positive. Youre driven collaborative eager to growand youre excited to help shape something special in LA.

Responsibilities:

Quality Service & Guest Experience

• Craft drinks to spec. Nail every beverage from dialed-in espresso to a flawless wine pour.
• Keep equipment hummingclean calibrate sanitize repeat.
• Maintain a spotless stocked bar and service area.
• Pivot smoothly between barista register wine service runner and light prep to keep tickets flying.
• Engage guests with product knowledge and confident upsells.

Operational Leadership

• Steer the floor in real time. Monitor guest flow re-post staff between bar register and runner positions and time breaks to stay within labor targets.
• Perform opening/closing: cash counts inventory orders sanitation checks as needed.
• Lead by example at every station. Jump onto the espresso bar counter dining room or wine prep line to set the tempo uphold standards and close service gaps on the spot.

People Culture and Training

• Be the on-shift educator. Welcome and shadow new hires demonstrate best practices and give concise actionable feedback that develops skill and confidence.
• Cultivate a learning culture. Schedule and run short tastingscoffee cuppings wine flights or menu previewsso the team can speak knowledgeably and keep hospitality fresh.
• Champion a culture of collaboration and hospitality. Model hospitality and respect with coworkers and guests celebrate wins and create an environment where hard work teamwork and genuine enjoyment go hand in hand

Coffee Quality & Barista Duties

• Prepare all espresso-based beverages to spec (dial-in milk temperature timing) Keep equipment clean calibrated and running smoothly
• Stay curious about our coffee sourcing and brewing methods Participate in cuppings and bar training.

Service & Guest Experience

• Confidently serve wine by the glass (or learn fast!)
• Maintain a stocked clean and welcoming bar
• Transition gracefully from morning to evening vibe
• Know the menu make recommendations and upsell naturally

Teamwork & Operations

• Rotate across all stations (bar floor POS prep)
• Support opening/closing tasks
• Jump in to help teammates when needed
• Contribute to a culture of hospitality kindness and learning

Requirements

• Proven experience as a barista in a high-pace coffee shop or caf with strong skills in espresso preparation milk steaming and drink building.
• A general interest in hospitality and food & beverage service.
• Proven multitaskerequally at home steaming milk taking orders running food or staging wine service.
• Strong communicator who motivates and receives feedback with ease.
• Comfortable with inventory basics POS systems and cost awareness.
• Food Handler & Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) certificates (or obtain within 30 days).
• Able to stand 8 hrs and lift up to 35 lbs (coffee sacks kegs dish racks).
• While having both coffee and wine service is a plus it is not mandatory. However must have service experience in either of those mediums.

Benefits

• Hourly pay pooled tips
• Paid training & onboarding
• Flexible scheduling (mix of day and evening shifts)
• Employee discounts
• Regular tastings previews and cultural programming access
• A chance to grow with us from day one

To Apply
Please include your resume availability brief cover letter and Instagram and/or Twitter account handle.

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Equal Opportunity Employer: Caf Tondo is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value diverse backgrounds perspectives and experiences and foster a workplace where everyone is welcomed and respected. Discrimination of any kind has no place here.