Barista - The Caf

Barista Position at Fairmont New Orleans

The Barista is responsible for providing exceptional beverage service and creating memorable guest experiences at The Caf by Chef Emeril at Fairmont New Orleans. This position prepares and serves high-quality coffee, espresso beverages, teas, and other caf offerings while maintaining exceptional standards of presentation, product quality, cleanliness, and efficiency. The Barista serves as an ambassador of Fairmont New Orleans, creating warm and personalized interactions with guests while supporting the caf's daily operations, revenue goals, and luxury service standards.

Responsibilities:

• Consistently provide professional, warm, engaging, and personalized service while representing Fairmont New Orleans and The Caf by Chef Emeril.
• Welcome guests promptly and create a positive first impression through attentive, knowledgeable, and genuine hospitality.
• Prepare and serve high-quality coffee, espresso beverages, teas, specialty beverages, and other caf offerings according to established recipes and presentation standards.
• Demonstrate knowledge of coffee varieties, espresso preparation, brewing methods, teas, ingredients, flavor profiles, and available caf offerings.
• Operate espresso machines, coffee brewers, grinders, blenders, point-of-sale systems, and other caf equipment safely and efficiently.
• Accurately take and process guest orders through the POS system and ensure orders are prepared and served correctly and efficiently.
• Maintain consistency in beverage preparation, portioning, temperature, presentation, and quality throughout service.
• Provide knowledgeable recommendations and assist guests in selecting beverages, food items, and other caf offerings based on their preferences.
• Utilize suggestive selling and upselling techniques to promote premium beverages, pastries, food items, specialty offerings, and other hotel experiences.
• Maintain thorough knowledge of The Caf by Chef Emeril menu, ingredients, pricing, promotions, hours of operation, and seasonal offerings.
• Communicate ingredient information, dietary considerations, and allergen information accurately and escalate questions or concerns to appropriate culinary leadership when necessary.
• Anticipate guest needs and proactively provide assistance to create a seamless and memorable caf experience.
• Handle guest questions, concerns, and service recovery opportunities promptly and professionally, escalating issues to leadership when appropriate.
• Maintain accurate cash handling, payment processing, and POS procedures in accordance with hotel policies and internal controls.
• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and presentation of the caf counter, beverage stations, dining areas, equipment, storage areas, and guest-facing spaces.
• Perform regular cleaning and sanitation of espresso machines, grinders, coffee equipment, counters, utensils, glassware, and other caf equipment in accordance with established procedures.
• Monitor inventory levels of coffee, tea, milk, syrups, garnishes, pastries, food products, cups, and other supplies and communicate replenishment needs to leadership.
• Follow proper food handling, storage, labeling, rotation, temperature control, and sanitation procedures in accordance with Fairmont standards and applicable regulations.
• Practice proper FIFO product rotation and minimize waste through effective product utilization and inventory awareness.
• Assist with opening, closing, stocking, and breakdown procedures for The Caf by Chef Emeril.
• Coordinate effectively with Culinary, Food & Beverage, Stewarding, Front Office, In-Room Dining, and other hotel departments to support seamless operations.
• Support VIP arrivals, special occasions, hotel events, group functions, and other special experiences as assigned.
• Participate in daily briefings, departmental meetings, training sessions, pre-opening initiatives, and hotel-wide programs as required.
• Contribute to the establishment of caf service procedures, beverage standards, workflows, and guest experience practices as part of the Fairmont New Orleans pre-opening team.
• Maintain a professional appearance consistent with Fairmont New Orleans grooming, uniform, and personal presentation standards.
• Maintain a positive, respectful, collaborative, and guest-focused working environment consistent with Fairmont's values of Respect, Integrity, Teamwork, Accountability, and Excellence.
• Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to support other Food & Beverage operations based on business needs.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned by management.

Qualifications:

• Previous barista, caf, restaurant, hotel, or food and beverage experience preferred.
• Previous experience in a luxury hotel, upscale caf, specialty coffee shop, or high-volume hospitality environment preferred.
• Specialty coffee or barista training is an asset.
• Knowledge of espresso preparation, coffee brewing methods, tea service, beverage ingredients, and caf operations preferred.
• Ability to prepare consistent, high-quality beverages while maintaining established recipes and presentation standards.
• Strong guest service orientation with a genuine desire to create memorable experiences.
• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to remain professional, calm, and solution-oriented in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to product quality, cleanliness, and presentation.
• Ability to work efficiently while managing multiple orders and guest requests during high-volume periods.
• Ability to operate POS systems and accurately process guest transactions.
• Strong cash-handling and basic mathematical skills.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, allergen awareness, and proper food handling procedures.
• Ability to maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary workstation throughout the shift.
• Professional appearance and demeanor consistent with Fairmont New Orleans standards.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with the Food & Beverage and Culinary teams.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended shifts as operationally required.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and safely perform the physical requirements of the position, including lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, bending, reaching, and working in a fast-paced caf environment.
• Ability to lift and carry caf supplies, beverage products, equipment, and other materials as required.
• Food safety certification or willingness to obtain required certification within the established timeframe.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Additional Information:

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.