Bar/Cafe Prep Specialist

Job Title: Bar & Cafe Prep Specialist

Location: Cafe Yaya

Employment Type: Full-time

Company Overview:

Cafe Yaya is the second concept from the team behind Galit, a Middle Eastern Restaurant in the Lincoln Park neighborhood in Chicago. Cafe Yaya is owned and operated by Chef Zachary Engel and Andrés Clavero. The "all day cafe" will include a robust pastry program led by Pastry Chef Mary Eder-McClure that will include breakfast pastries, fresh breads, and bistro desserts as well as desserts for our upstairs event space. The restaurant is a space for community: hospitality professionals, guests and suppliers will come together and celebrate food and drink in a respectful, friendly, and caring manner. The menu focuses on a seasonal and localized approach to approachable cafe dishes from the sidewalk bistros of Paris and Tel Aviv.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a detail-oriented and efficient Bar & Café Prep Specialist to support our bar and coffee programs. This role is vital in ensuring seamless daily operations by handling all aspects of production for cocktails, coffee beverages, and other menu items. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, values precision, and takes pride in setting up their team for success. This role also includes receiving and organizing product orders, setting up ice stations and service wells, completing daily and weekly cleaning duties, occasionally assisting bartenders and baristas during service, and occasionally acting as a barback when needed. While the primary hours are during the daytime, the role may occasionally include nights and weekends based on business needs.

Key Responsibilities:

Ingredient Preparation:

• Batch syrups, infusions, and other components for cocktails.
• Prepare fresh juices, garnishes, and other bar mise en place.
• Roast, grind, and portion coffee beans as needed for service.
• Assist with the preparation of specialty syrups, sauces, and alternative milk options for the coffee program.

Receiving and Inventory Management:

• Receive and inspect deliveries to ensure all products meet quality standards and match orders.
• Organize and stock incoming inventory for both bar and coffee programs.
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels of all bar and coffee ingredients.
• Monitor and communicate low-stock items to management promptly.
• Rotate and label stock to ensure freshness and minimize waste.

Station Setup:

• Set up ice stations and service wells to ensure the bar is fully prepped and ready for service.
• Restock glassware, tools, and other supplies for bartenders and baristas.
• Ensure all stations are organized and meet cleanliness standards before service begins.

Cleaning and Maintenance:

• Complete daily and weekly cleaning duties, including deep cleaning of equipment, surfaces, and storage areas.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the prep area, storage spaces, and equipment.
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards and protocols.
• Assist with light maintenance of bar and coffee equipment, reporting issues as needed.

Quality Control:

• Follow recipes and preparation guidelines meticulously to ensure consistency and quality.
• Conduct regular taste tests of syrups, juices, and other prep items.

Service Support:

• Occasionally assist bartenders and baristas during busy service periods.
• Occasionally act as a barback, helping to restock supplies, clean glassware, and support smooth service flow.

Team Collaboration:

• Work closely with bartenders, baristas, chef team and management to anticipate prep and product needs for service as well as ordering coordination.
• Respond to feedback and adjust prep quantities as required for events or menu changes.

Qualifications:

• Previous experience in a bar, café, or prep-focused kitchen role preferred.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to follow recipes precisely.
• Familiarity with receiving and organizing product orders.
• Understanding of basic bar and coffee equipment operation (e.g., juicers, grinders, espresso machines).
• Food safety certification or willingness to obtain one.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods.
• Flexibility to assist bartenders and baristas or act as a barback as needed.

More detail about Cafe Yaya part of Galit & Cafe Yaya