About Us

We deliver the world’s best coffee. Farmers, employees, and guests are collaborators in our effort to create a memorable and enriching coffee experience. We are not afraid to ask questions, to try new things, and to admit that we are constantly learning. We strive for innovation and improvement. We know that extraordinary coffee is not the result of chance, but the product of hard work, skill, curiosity, and an unyielding commitment to quality.

We work each day to change the way the world understands and experiences coffee, elevating a daily ritual into a culinary experience. We celebrate coffee’s agricultural origins and the dedicated professionals who devote their lives to coffee. We embrace our responsibility to create positive change in the world. We use extraordinary coffee as our tool. We challenge traditional beliefs to create economic opportunity. We are stewards of the earth and advocates for our values of diversity, inclusion, and equality.

Working in the retail stores, baristas provide courteous, knowledgeable outstanding customer service through excellent product knowledge and superior barista skills. Baristas support all sales efforts in the retail stores through outstanding customer service, beverages prepared according to Intelligentsia’s highest standards, and a commitment to quality in all of the goods the company offers.

Chicago baristas are members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 1220

Operations

• Adhere to all company policies and protocols, both behind the bar and at the front of house, including those for cash handling and safety, while maintaining a clean and organized work space so fellow team members can locate resources and products quickly
• Ensure that the company’s brand is properly reflected by keeping a well maintained, clean, well-organized and stocked coffeebar
• Uphold the company’s standards regarding merchandising, inventory and rotation of store products
• Offer relevant, thoughtful ideas and suggestions for improving operations
• Ensure adherence to the company’s dress code, as well as all health and safety requirements

• Prepare and serve coffee and tea beverages that adhere to the company’s freshness and quality standards ensuring that they consistently reflect the company’s recipe and presentation standards
• Complete the required training modules contained in the Retail Training Manual; Baristas are encouraged to pursue the completion of additional training modules
• Maintain coffee knowledge on current offerings and confidently and accurately communicate product information to guests
• Actively participate in coffee and tea tastings to further product knowledge and help identify any issues or deficiencies
• Educate guests and staff on all coffee and teas carried
• Assist in the training and development of new staff
• Attend training sessions to constantly advance education on coffee, tea, merchandise, and espresso bar skills; work with your Educator to further your barista skills
• Demonstrate an ongoing pursuit of education, training, and industry trends

• Ensure guests are warmly received and welcomed; engage the guests in a sincere and friendly manner, including greeting customers with a smile, thanking them for their patronage, and preparing drinks in an expedient manner
• Respond to questions, orders, and concerns with patience, confidence, and professionalism
• Engage guests about their drink preferences and tailor suggestions accordingly
• Facilitate easy dialogue with guests regarding other product offerings, including whole bean coffee, tea, complementary food offerings, merchandise, as well as any current promotions

• Participate in store-wide profit initiatives
• Offer strategic input or suggestions as to how to increase store profitability
• Demonstrate initiative with routine tasks

• High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED), AND experience in the specialty coffee, retail, hospitality and/or customer service industries

• Service - Ability to maintain a pleasant disposition and sense of urgency with helping guests
• Passion - Demonstrate a passion for coffee and tea
• Cooperation - Capability to interface and maintain effective relationships with co-workers and guests
• Adaptability - Logical and methodological approach to problem solving
• Flexibility - Ability to multi-task in a highly demanding, stressful environment
• Hospitality - Maintain a calm demeanor during periods of high volume
• Teamwork - Ability to cooperate successfully as a member of a team
• Communication - Ability to communicate effectively with others, including giving and receiving feedback on the quality of services
• Resourceful - Ability to use available resources to answer questions
• Presence - Can maintain regular and consistent attendance and punctuality
• Procedural - Strong cash handling skills

• Ability to read and speak English proficiently.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to see, talk and hear.
• The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, or crouch.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• At times, may require more than 40 hours per week to perform the essential duties of the position.
• Fine hand manipulation (keyboarding and register).

• Retail store environment.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

• $16.10 per hour plus tips
• 401k / Company Match
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave
• Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
• Long and Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Commuter Benefits
• 1 Free Bag of Coffee Every Week
• 25% discount on merchandise, tea, food, bottled drinks, Special Selection, LR and Reserve Coffees

Intelligentsia Coffee, Inc is an equal opportunity employer of all qualified individuals.

We are committed to creating a diverse and welcoming workplace that includes individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We believe that enables us to better meet our mission and values while serving guests throughout our communities. People of color, women, LGBTQIA , veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with all federal state and local ordinances.

Intelligentsia is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at 312-521-7957 or via email at pc@intelligentsiacoffee.com