Deli Associate

Deli Associate

Carlino's Specialty Food Market & Bakery is seeking a friendly, outgoing, and customer-focused Deli Associate to join our specialty deli team. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys working with high-quality cheeses, charcuterie, prepared foods, and made-to-order sandwiches while providing an exceptional customer experience.

Our deli team plays an important role in showcasing our selection of specialty foods, helping customers discover new products, preparing delicious sandwiches, and keeping our service and merchandising areas organized, stocked, and visually appealing.

The ideal candidate is personable, detail-oriented, and comfortable engaging with customers, making recommendations, and identifying opportunities to upsell complementary products. This role also requires close communication with our kitchen and prepared foods teams to maintain product availability and ensure the deli operates smoothly throughout the day.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Greet customers, answer questions, and provide knowledgeable, friendly service at the deli counter.
• Assist customers with selecting specialty cheeses, charcuterie, olives, prepared foods, and other deli offerings.
• Make product recommendations, suggest pairings, and confidently upsell complementary items to enhance the customer experience.
• Prepare made-to-order sandwiches according to customer specifications and established recipes.
• Slice, portion, wrap, package, price, and label cheeses, charcuterie, and other deli products accurately.
• Maintain attractive, well-stocked deli cases and prepared food displays throughout the day.
• Monitor product levels and communicate with kitchen and prepared foods staff to coordinate replenishment.
• Maintain clean, organized, and properly stocked sandwich and deli prep stations.
• Replenish ingredients, condiments, packaging, and other supplies as needed.
• Assist with merchandising, product rotation, freshness, and overall presentation of the deli department.
• Follow proper food safety, sanitation, allergen awareness, and product-handling procedures.
• Operate the register and process customer transactions as needed.
• Work collaboratively with deli colleagues, kitchen staff, and other departments to support daily operations.
• Assist with additional department responsibilities during busy periods, weekends, and holiday weeks.

Qualifications

• Friendly, outgoing, and genuinely enjoys working with people.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Comfortable engaging customers, making recommendations, and suggesting additional products.
• Interest in specialty foods, including artisan cheeses, charcuterie, sandwiches, and prepared foods.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and product presentation.
• Ability to multitask and remain efficient in a fast-paced retail food environment.
• Willingness to learn product knowledge, preparation standards, and established recipes.
• Ability to work as part of a team and communicate effectively with kitchen and front-of-house staff.
• Dependable, punctual, and able to maintain a clean and organized workspace.

Preferred Experience

• Previous experience in a deli, specialty food market, cheese shop, café, or food service environment is a plus.
• Familiarity with specialty cheeses, charcuterie, food pairings, or sandwich preparation is beneficial.
• Experience with slicing equipment, food scales, packaging, labeling, and point-of-sale systems is preferred.
• Food safety training or certification is a plus.

Schedule & Availability

• Full-time and part-time positions available.
• Seasonal hours may be available during busier periods.
• Weekend availability is a plus.
• Availability during holiday weeks is required. Carlino's is closed on major holidays.

Join the Carlino's Team

At Carlino's Specialty Foods, we take pride in offering exceptional specialty foods and personalized service. Our deli team helps customers discover new favorites, find the perfect ingredients for entertaining, and enjoy freshly prepared sandwiches and quality products.

We are looking for team members who are enthusiastic about food, enjoy connecting with customers, and take pride in maintaining a beautiful, well-stocked, and inviting deli department. If you are personable, motivated, and eager to learn about specialty cheeses, charcuterie, and prepared foods, we would love to hear from you.

Compensation: Hourly ($18.00 - $24.00)

Benefits & Perks: Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Paid Time Off, 401k, Dining Discounts