Barista ( Experienced )

Job Overview

About Lab 1860 Lab 1860 is a Levantine café and kitchen concept opening in Orland Park, Illinois. We draw from the pantry traditions of the Eastern Mediterranean — mana'eesh, mezze, fresh bread, house-made sweets, and an intentional soft serve program — and translate them into a fast-casual, all-day format built for how people actually eat. This is a pre-opening hire: you will be part of the team from day one.
The Role The Barista at Lab 1860 owns the drinks program. You are responsible for crafting consistent, high-quality coffee and beverage service that complements our Levantine café concept. You report to the Front-of-House Manager and work closely with the counter team to keep beverage flow in sync with the floor. Our beverage program draws on café traditions of the Eastern Mediterranean — think cardamom, rose water, orange blossom, and bold espresso. We will train the right person on our specific recipes and standards.

This position also participates in a tip share in addition to the posted hourly rate.

What You'll Do
• Prepare and serve espresso-based drinks, filter coffee, and specialty beverages to spec — consistently and efficiently
• Maintain the bar station — cleanliness, organization, and equipment upkeep throughout the shift
• Monitor stock levels and communicate restocking needs to the FoH Manager
• Work in sync with counter staff to ensure beverage tickets flow with food orders
• Speak knowledgeably to guests about the drinks menu — ingredients, flavor profiles, and preparation
• Follow all food safety and sanitation standards at the bar station
• Assist with opening and closing duties for the beverage station
• Other duties as assigned by management

What We're Looking For
• 1+ year of barista or specialty coffee experience in a café or restaurant setting
• Solid espresso technique and comfort with manual and semi-automatic equipment
• Ability to work at pace without sacrificing drink quality or consistency
• Warm, guest-focused personality — the bar is often the first stop for guests
• Interest in Middle Eastern or Mediterranean flavor profiles is a strong plus • Flexibility to work a variety of shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Must be able to stand or walk for extended periods, and lift/carry objects up to 25 lbs without assistance
• Food Handler certification required (or ability to obtain before opening)

Compensation & Benefits • Competitive hourly rate: $16.00–$18.00 per hour, commensurate with experience
• Participation in tip-pool
• Full-time position • Health insurance coverage
• 401(k) with company matching
• Food & beverage discounts for all staff
• Pre-opening start date — be part of building the drinks program from day one