Coffee & Beverage Lead

• Location: Chinatown, Los Angeles, CA
• Job Type: Part-time
• Pay: $21.75/hour + pooled tips
• Expected Hours: 25–35 per week
• Work Location: In person

Please Note: This position is slated for a mid-July 2025 start date. Our hiring process will take place throughout May and June 2025, with training for successful candidates beginning in late June or early July to ensure a smooth onboarding experience.

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About Café Tondo:
Café Tondo is a new all-day neighborhood café and bar located in Chinatown, Los Angeles. Inspired by the rhythm of Mexico City, we serve coffee in the morning, wine and small plates at night—all while fostering community from open to close. Because our footprint is intimate, every team member is cross-trained—moving fluidly from steaming milk at sunrise to pouring a glass of natural wine at sunset. The space shifts with the day, and so does the role.

Job Overview:
As Shift Lead at Tondo, you’re the floor general—guiding service, setting the tone, and leading by example. You’ll keep the bar humming and the team aligned, jumping into any station as needed—from dialing in espresso to prepping wine pours. This role demands calm command, sharp multitasking, and a deep care for both product and people. You’ll ensure every guest gets our best, every time—while helping the team stay focused, efficient, and inspired. Note that we will be hiring one for AM (morning/afternoon) service and one for PM (afternoon/evening) service.

Who this Job is For:

This role is for a natural leader with sharp service instincts and a deep love for hospitality. You’re proactive, calm under pressure, and thrive in the rhythm of a busy floor. You bring strong technical barista skills and take pride in crafting great coffee, with bonus points if you’re also comfortable around a wine list. You know how to guide a team with empathy, hold high standards, and keep the energy positive. You’re driven, collaborative, eager to grow—and you’re excited to help shape something special in LA.

Responsibilities:

Quality, Service & Guest Experience

• Craft drinks to spec. Nail every beverage, from dialed-in espresso to a flawless wine pour.
• Keep equipment humming—clean, calibrate, sanitize, repeat.
• Maintain a spotless, stocked bar and service area.
• Pivot smoothly between barista, register, wine service, runner, and light prep to keep tickets flying.
• Engage guests with product knowledge and confident upsells.

Operational Leadership

• Steer the floor in real time. Monitor guest flow, re-post staff between bar, register, and runner positions, and time breaks to stay within labor targets.
• Perform opening/closing: cash counts, inventory orders, sanitation checks as needed.
• Lead by example at every station. Jump onto the espresso bar, counter, dining room, or wine prep line to set the tempo, uphold standards, and close service gaps on the spot.

People, Culture, and Training

• Be the on-shift educator. Welcome and shadow new hires, demonstrate best practices, and give concise, actionable feedback that develops skill and confidence.
• Cultivate a learning culture. Schedule and run short tastings—coffee cuppings, wine flights, or menu previews—so the team can speak knowledgeably and keep hospitality fresh.
• Champion a culture of collaboration and hospitality. Model hospitality and respect with coworkers and guests, celebrate wins, and create an environment where hard work, teamwork, and genuine enjoyment go hand in hand

Coffee Quality & Barista Duties

• Prepare all espresso-based beverages to spec (dial-in, milk, temperature, timing) Keep equipment clean, calibrated, and running smoothly
• Stay curious about our coffee, sourcing, and brewing methods Participate in cuppings and bar training.

Service & Guest Experience

• Confidently serve wine by the glass (or learn fast!)
• Maintain a stocked, clean, and welcoming bar
• Transition gracefully from morning to evening vibe
• Know the menu, make recommendations, and upsell naturally

Teamwork & Operations

• Rotate across all stations (bar, floor, POS, prep)
• Support opening/closing tasks
• Jump in to help teammates when needed
• Contribute to a culture of hospitality, kindness, and learning

• Proven experience as a barista in a high-pace coffee shop or café, with strong skills in espresso preparation, milk steaming, and drink building.
• A general interest in hospitality and food & beverage service.
• Proven multitasker—equally at home steaming milk, taking orders, running food, or staging wine service.
• Strong communicator who motivates and receives feedback with ease.
• Comfortable with inventory basics, POS systems, and cost awareness.
• Food Handler & Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) certificates (or obtain within 30 days).
• Able to stand 8 hrs and lift up to 35 lbs (coffee sacks, kegs, dish racks).
• While having both coffee and wine service is a plus, it is not mandatory. However, must have service experience in either of those mediums.

• Hourly pay + pooled tips
• Paid training & onboarding
• Flexible scheduling (mix of day and evening shifts)
• Employee discounts
• Regular tastings, previews, and cultural programming access
• A chance to grow with us from day one

To Apply
Please include your resume, availability, brief cover letter, and Instagram and/or Twitter account handle.

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Equal Opportunity Employer: Café Tondo is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, and foster a workplace where everyone is welcomed and respected. Discrimination of any kind has no place here.