Barista - La Jolla (Part-Time + Tips)
About this role
Position: Barista
Location: Destiny Coast - La Jolla, California
Destiny Coast, La Jolla's premier coastal dining destination, seeks a skilled and passionate Barista to join our team. You'll be responsible for creating exceptional coffee and tea experiences while providing outstanding service in our stunning oceanfront location.
Position Overview
The Barista will play a vital role in delivering our morning and afternoon beverage service, including our signature wellness smoothies and specialty coffee drinks. This position requires a detail-oriented professional who can maintain high standards of quality while managing multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
Essential Responsibilities
Beverage Preparation
- Craft high-quality espresso drinks, pour-over coffee, and specialty beverages
- Prepare signature wellness smoothies according to established recipes
- Maintain consistency in drink preparation and presentation
- Follow proper recipes and presentation standards for all menu items
- Keep up to date with seasonal menu changes and special offerings
Customer Service
- Provide warm, attentive service to all guests
- Handle customer inquiries and resolve complaints promptly and courteously
- Build rapport with regular customers and Elite Members
- Make informed recommendations based on guest preferences
- Escalate complex issues to management when necessary
- Stay knowledgeable about menu offerings, ingredients, and preparation methods
- Proactively upsell and promote menu items to enhance guest experience
Cash Handling & Operations
- Process payments accurately using POS system
- Handle cash, credit/debit cards, and digital payment methods
- Provide correct change and receipts for all transactions
- Maintain organized cash drawer and ensure accurate reconciliation
- Follow established cash handling protocols and security measures
To-Go & Delivery Operations
- Receive and process takeout and delivery orders from various platforms
- Verify order details, quantities, and special requests
- Coordinate with kitchen staff for timely order preparation
- Properly package orders to maintain quality and prevent spillage
- Work with delivery drivers and third-party services
- Provide accurate delivery instructions and address any issues
- Maintain organized takeout counter and packaging station
Cleaning & Maintenance
- Keep work areas clean and organized throughout shift
- Maintain cleanliness of coffee bar, equipment, and customer areas
- Stock and organize supplies, condiments, and utensils
- Assist with general cleaning duties including sweeping and mopping
- Follow all food safety and hygiene standards
- Properly clean and maintain coffee equipment
Team Collaboration
- Work effectively with kitchen and wait staff
- Communicate special requests and modifications clearly
- Support positive and inclusive work environment
- Assist with front of house tasks as needed
- Help with seating guests and taking reservations when required
Required Qualifications
- Minimum 1 year of specialty coffee experience
- Knowledge of coffee preparation techniques and equipment
- Food Handler's certification
- Excellent customer service skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Basic math and cash handling abilities
- Ability to multitask in fast-paced environment
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience in upscale dining establishment
- Formal barista certification
- Knowledge of wellness beverages and smoothies
- Experience with online ordering platforms
- Understanding of specialty tea service
Schedule and Availability
- Must demonstrate scheduling flexibility
- Early morning availability required
- Weekend and holiday availability
- Ability to work special events
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand for extended periods
- Lift up to 50 pounds
- Reach, bend, and perform repetitive motions
- Manual dexterity for equipment operation
- Work in various temperatures and conditions
Company at a glance
Behind the Scenes Catering and Events is a large well-established catering and event company serving the corporate, social, and production industry for over 30 years. The company is headquartered in San Diego, California, and services large corporations, private clients, major sports and news broadcast companies, venues, concert tours, PGA golf events, corporate marketing tours, and major sporting events throughout San Diego and across the globe.
The key to our success is summed up in one word, “Flexibility.” We understand that in today’s world the best-laid plans will change. We pride ourselves on our experienced and well-trained staff that is capable of managing changes while still providing outstanding service. This flexibility allows our kitchen staff to accommodate almost any special request the guests may have. In corporate catering and event management this is essential. Our experience within the catering and food service industry is extensive and sought after.
Our company is committed to providing a creative and enjoyable dining and overall event experience to each and every guest. This is why our menus are specially selected to accommodate the most discriminating palate. We use only the freshest ingredients in every menu item.
Tired of cold applications?
Sign up with Clera and we'll reach out the moment a role actually fits you — no more spraying applications into the void.
Know someone who'd be great for this?