Bower Surf Club- To-Go Host / Barista

Host To-Go / Barista

Location: Santa Monica, CA 

Restaurant: Bower Surf Club 

Bower Santa Monica is a new restaurant opening this September at the Colorado Center, a premier 15-acre office campus in Santa Monica. Bower, spanning 6,500 square feet, brings together California Coastal cuisine with influences from Australian café culture as well as Mediterranean and Southeast Asian flavors. From daytime espresso, grain bowls, and smoothies to evening shareable plates, whole-grilled fish, and cocktails.

Founded by restaurateur Dave Harper (Bondi Harvest, Amigo Roasters, Likeminded Wellness Club, El Chucho) in partnership with BXP and New School Hospitality, Bower is rooted in a love of surfing, coastal living, and genuine community. With warm, earthy interiors, open-air accordion doors, and an outdoor patio, we're creating a laid-back yet vibrant gathering space for the people who work, live, and play on the Westside.

Position Overview

The To-Go Host / Barista is responsible for creating an exceptional guest experience from the moment an order is placed until it leaves the café. This role combines front-of-house hospitality with beverage preparation, including handcrafted coffee drinks and smoothies. The ideal candidate is friendly, organized, detail-oriented, and thrives in a fast-paced environment while maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency.

Qualifications/Requirements

• Ability to work with honesty and integrity
• Ability to maintain a professional and positive attitude that reflects Bower's values
• Ability to maintain a flexible schedule, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance
• Friendly, outgoing personality with a passion for hospitality
• Strong communication, multitasking, and organizational skills
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
• Ability to operate a POS system and handle cash/card transactions
• Willingness to learn coffee preparation, smoothie recipes, and menu knowledge
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 30 lbs.
• Previous restaurant or hospitality experience and Food Handler Certification (or ability to obtain one) preferred

Core Responsibilities

• Greet guests picking up to-go orders and provide friendly, efficient, and welcoming service.
• Answer phones and assist guests with menu questions, online orders, and pickup information.
• Manage online and third-party delivery orders while ensuring timely and accurate fulfillment.
• Verify order accuracy, package and bag food properly, and ensure all beverages, condiments, utensils, and special requests are included.
• Organize completed orders and coordinate pickups with guests and third-party delivery drivers.
• Monitor food quality, holding times, and presentation before orders leave the restaurant.
• Prepare and serve a variety of hot and cold coffee and espresso beverages, including lattes, cappuccinos, americanos, and other specialty drinks.
• Prepare smoothies and other non-alcoholic beverages according to Bower recipes and presentation standards.
• Operate espresso machines, grinders, blenders, and other barista equipment safely and efficiently.
• Maintain consistency in beverage recipes, portioning, presentation, and quality.
• Keep the coffee and barista station clean, organized, stocked, and ready for service throughout the shift.
• Restock coffee, milk, alternative milks, cups, lids, syrups, smoothie ingredients, and other beverage supplies as needed.
• Monitor beverage ticket times and coordinate with the to-go and cashier teams to ensure drinks are ready with the rest of the guest's order.
• Communicate guest allergies, dietary restrictions, modifications, and special requests to the appropriate team members.
• Maintain a clean and organized to-go pickup area and complete all opening, closing, and side work duties.
• Collaborate with FOH, BOH, bar, and management to ensure smooth daily operations.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, beverage preparation, and company standards while delivering exceptional hospitality.

Compensation

• $19.00 an hour
• Additional tip earnings

Teaching and teamwork are the core of what we do on all levels. We look forward to meeting you. 

Bower Surf Club provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. 

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.