Bakery Associate

Bakery Associate Job Description

The Bakery Associate is responsible for preparing, finishing, packaging, and selling bakery products while delivering an elevated guest experience. This role combines food preparation, beverage preparation, customer service, and point-of-sale responsibilities and requires strict adherence to food safety, sanitation, quality, and presentation standards.

Bakery Associate Essential Duties

• Prepare, portion, assemble, garnish, decorate, and package bakery items including cakes, pastries, desserts, and confections.
• Follow standardized recipes, preparation methods, portion guidelines, and presentation standards for all bakery products.
• Assist with basic food preparation such as slicing cakes, portioning desserts, assembling components, and finishing products.
• Prepare and serve coffee, espresso-based beverages, and specialty non-alcoholic drinks according to standardized recipes and presentation guidelines.
• Prepare and serve a limited selection of approved alcoholic beverages, such as wine, champagne, or specialty beverages, in accordance with company standards and applicable alcohol service laws.
• Demonstrate working knowledge of beverage ingredients, preparation methods, and allergens to answer guest questions accurately.
• Monitor product quality, freshness, and presentation of both food and beverages throughout the shift.
• Label, rotate, and store food and beverage products according to FIFO and food safety standards.
• Stock bakery cases, beverage stations, coolers, and storage areas with prepared items and supplies.
• Greet guests warmly and provide a professional, brand-aligned customer experience.
• Take customer orders accurately in person, by phone, or through approved ordering channels when applicable.
• Operate the POS system to process sales, payments, refunds, and gift cards accurately.
• Package bakery items and beverages for dine-in and to-go orders according to presentation and safety standards.
• Provide guests with product information, including ingredients, preparation methods, beverage options, and allergen guidance.
• Inform guests of daily specials, seasonal items, featured desserts, and beverage offerings.
• Perform suggestive selling and upselling of bakery and beverage items to enhance the guest experience.
• Follow all health department regulations, food safety procedures, sanitation standards, and alcohol service requirements.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of workstations, beverage equipment, tools, display cases, prep areas, and guest-facing service areas.
• Properly handle, store, and dispose of food, beverage products, and waste.
• Report equipment issues, safety concerns, or service issues to management immediately.
• Maintain adequate supplies of ingredients, packaging materials, bakery tools, and beverage supplies.
• Assist with opening and closing bakery and beverage service procedures as assigned.
• Support other team members during peak service or production periods.
• Communicate product shortages, guest concerns, or operational issues to management promptly.
• Perform additional bakery- or beverage-related duties as assigned to support operations.

Timekeeping and Pay

• Bakery Associates must accurately record all hours worked through the timekeeping system.
• Off-the-clock work is strictly prohibited.
• Manager approval is required for any shift extensions.
• Bakery Associates may participate in an approved tip pool, subject to the Company's tip pooling policy.
• Bakery Associates are paid overtime at the applicable regular rate, with the correct tip credit applied for straight-time hours as required by law.

Position Requirements

• Prior experience in fine dining, upscale service, bakery, or café environments strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of coffee, espresso-based beverages, and basic alcoholic beverage service preferred.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to multitask and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Professional appearance and adherence to company grooming standards.
• Accuracy when handling money and operating a point-of-sale system.
• Ability to stand, walk, and carry trays for extended periods.
• Ability to comply with all food safety and alcohol service requirements.

Other Duties

This job description is intended to describe the general requirements of the position. Management may assign additional related duties within compliance standards.