Lead Barista - FT

Job overview

This full-time Lead Barista role is based at Crystal Lake Plaza in Destin, Florida. Barnes & Noble describes its bookstores as community spaces where readers gather, and the café is an important part of that experience. In this position, you will serve as a hands-on leader within the café, helping the team deliver strong product presentation, smooth daily operations, and a friendly environment for both customers and colleagues.

The role calls for someone who can lead by example, support baristas, and respond quickly to questions or concerns. You will be expected to help maintain high standards, keep the shift organized, and contribute to the overall success of the café and bookstore.

What success in this role looks like

• Maintain dependable attendance and arrive on time for scheduled shifts so the team has consistent leadership coverage.
• Step in to cover schedule gaps when possible and remain flexible across early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and most holidays.
• Bring a positive, energetic, and solution-focused approach to daily work while encouraging the same attitude in others.
• Support teammates generously, stay approachable, and set a strong example for service and teamwork.
• Provide customers with a warm, cheerful experience and go out of your way to help them.
• Stay open to learning new tasks and applying new knowledge effectively while helping others do the same.
• Show curiosity, initiative, and interest in building a long-term career in café or bookselling work.
• Serve as a resource for baristas and booksellers by addressing concerns and escalating issues when needed.
• Prioritize support and available resources so the shift stays on track.
• Bring genuine enthusiasm for barista work and the café environment.

Core duties and operational focus

You will be trained to operate as a proficient Barnes & Noble barista and to coach others in key café tasks. This includes preparing drinks and food, using café tools and processes correctly, and setting the standard for best practices.

• Demonstrate strong drink-making and food-preparation skills, and coach the team to follow effective procedures.
• Help maintain an appealing, full bake case and support clean, attractive merchandising across the café.
• Guide the team in building neat and well-presented counter and floor displays.
• Coach baristas to improve register speed, accuracy, and customer interaction.
• Support proper receiving, unpacking, and stocking of deliveries while following FIFO practices.
• Reinforce daily and weekly cleaning routines to keep the café orderly and sanitary.
• Assist the bookfloor team with presentation and upkeep standards when needed.
• Coach the team on loss prevention, safety, theft awareness, and calm de-escalation of difficult situations.

Physical demands and workplace expectations

This position involves active, physically demanding work, including extended periods of standing, frequent walking, and repetitive bending and lifting. You may also be asked to work in other stores when needed to support the broader cluster.

As you build experience, your barista skills and product knowledge are expected to grow, along with your contribution to the business.

Growth, ordering, and café support responsibilities

• Accurately and promptly place food and beverage orders so the café remains stocked.
• Prepare and submit monthly inventory and waste records on time and with accuracy.
• Coach the team on making helpful food and beverage recommendations to customers.
• Support sales priorities such as new limited-time offers, café promotions, and Membership by sharing information with customers and coworkers.
• Use café training tools and resources to broaden the team’s knowledge and experience.
• Apply café safety, hygiene, sanitation, and procedure standards consistently.
• Follow all company policies and procedures.

Benefits

Benefits vary by scheduled weekly hours:

• Less than 20 hours per week: Employee Discount, EAP, and Sick Pay.
• 20 to 29.99 hours per week: Employee Discount, EAP, Sick Pay, Paid Time Off, paid Maternity and Parental Leave, Company Paid Holidays, Transit, and 401(k) with Company Match.
• 30 hours or more per week: Employee Discount, EAP, Sick Pay, Paid Time Off, paid Maternity and Parental Leave, Company Paid Holidays, 401(k) with Company Match, Comprehensive Health Benefits (Medical, Dental, and Vision), Healthcare and Dependent Care Spending Accounts, Healthcare Spending Account, Disability Benefits, Life Insurance, Transit, and Tuition Reimbursement.

All benefits are offered under the terms of the current plan and may change in the future. Benefits may also vary based on location and state regulations. Additional details can be provided by a recruiter or Human Resources.

Location

FL - Destin - Crystal Lake Plaza - 2051

Classification

Full-Time