Barista and FOH Lead

Job Overview

Role Overview
The Barista / FOH Lead I is responsible for leading the coffee/drink bar and leading the guest experience at Sobuneh. You oversee beverage execution while also setting the tone for warm, consistent hospitality. As the leader of the drink bar, you work the station hands-on while overseeing and supporting the barista team. You ensure beverages are prepared with accuracy, consistency, and efficiency. You maintain organization, guide pacing, uphold drink standards, and help baristas stay aligned with Sobuneh’s expectations for quality and presentation.As the lead for guest experience, you create a welcoming environment for every guest who walks in. You guide the FOH team during service, model genuine hospitality, resolve guest needs with care, and ensure every interaction reflects the comfort and warmth Sobuneh is known for.This role is ideal for someone who leads with kindness, communicates clearly, and takes pride in delivering both exceptional drinks and exceptional hospitality.
Key Responsibilities
Coffee & Beverage Bar Leadership

• Lead the drink bar while working it hands-on during service.
• Oversee baristas to ensure consistent espresso, milk texture, matcha, and specialty drink execution.
• Dial in espresso, adjust recipes, and maintain drink quality throughout the day.
• Maintain an organized, clean, and fully stocked bar area at all times.
• Monitor pacing and workflow to keep drink times efficient and consistent.
• Uphold Sobuneh’s drink standards for taste, presentation, and accuracy.

Guest Experience & Hospitality

• Set the tone for warm, welcoming hospitality on every shift.
• Support baristas and cashiers in delivering an exceptional guest experience.
• Accurately hand out orders, ensuring correct labeling, modifications, and packaging.
• Manage third-party delivery orders (UberEats, DoorDash, Postmates), ensuring accuracy and timely pickup.
• Handle customer complaints professionally and provide solutions with care and urgency.
• Process refunds or adjustments when necessary, following Sobuneh procedures.
• Ensure dine-in, takeout, mobile, and delivery orders are all prepared and delivered with consistency and efficiency.
• Lead by example in communication, service style, and hospitality standards.

FOH Team Leadership & Shift Oversight

• Assign FOH tasks, support baristas/cashiers, and guide the team through service.
• Ensure all FOH opening, mid-shift, and closing checklists are completed thoroughly.
• Ensure clock-in/out compliance, proper breaks, and team accountability.
• Communicate shift updates, issues, and notes to management at EOD.
• Provide real-time coaching, positive reinforcement, and corrective direction when needed.
• Assist in training and onboarding new FOH team members.

FOH Operations, Systems & EOD Duties

• Maintain a clean, organized café environment across the bar, register, and service areas.
• Ensure accurate POS operation, cash handling, and order accuracy.
• Communicate low stock, shortages, or equipment issues to management promptly.
• Support inventory counts and restocking as needed.
• Make sure all closing duties are completed to Sobuneh standards—no exceptions.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• You’re warm, welcoming, and naturally create a comfortable, positive experience for guests.
• You have strong customer service skills and genuinely care about making every interaction feel special.
• You communicate clearly, kindly, and confidently — even during busy rushes.
• You stay calm, positive, and composed under pressure.
• You take pride in your craft and are committed to consistent, high-quality drinks.
• You have strong latte art skills and understand milk texture, balance, and drink presentation.
• You’re detail-oriented — from drink execution to cleanliness to the way you hand a drink to a guest.
• You’re a team player who uplifts others and leads with kindness and professionalism.
• You take initiative, anticipate needs, and solve problems without waiting to be asked.
• You have 1–2 years of barista experience in a high-volume café.
• Prior shift-lead or FOH leadership experience is a strong plus.
• Able to stand for long periods, move quickly, and lift up to 40–50 lbs.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Willing to work weekends and occasional overtime or schedule adjustments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual Spanish/English — highly valued in our hospitality environment.
• Experience training baristas or developing FOH team members.
• Comfort using a POS system and handling transactions.

General Employment Requirements:

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States and provide any required documentation.
• May be scheduled in different stations or areas of the café (within the same role and shift) based on business needs.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by your Supervisor or Shift Lead.
• Able to work independently and also collaborate effectively within a fast-paced team environment.
• Occasional overtime or schedule adjustments may be required to support business needs.

About Us:
Sobuneh is a fast-growing Los Angeles breakfast and lunch café built on one simple idea: great food made with care makes people feel at home. What began as a small local pop-up has grown into a neighborhood staple known for our signature breakfast burritos, thoughtful service, and warm, welcoming culture.
Our menu is built on consistency, care, and flavors that feel familiar and comforting. As we open our new Melrose café in West Hollywood, we’re looking for people who want to be part of something special.
We’re big on hospitality, strong systems, and taking pride in the details. Guests feel at home when they walk in, and our team feels supported and valued. Whether we’re rolling burritos, dialing in a latte, or serving a rush, we focus on consistency, teamwork, and making every visit memorable.
If you’re passionate about great food, love working with people, and want to join a growing, established brand with real opportunities for advancement, Sobuneh Melrose is for you.
Sobuneh Melrose LLC, is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
As a general policy, Sobuneh Melrose LLC, does not offer employment visa sponsorships upon hire or in the future.