A person who works in a coffee shop is known as a cafe barista. Depending on the cafe owner’s preference in hiring baristas, he or she either has prior experience preparing various types of coffee or learns on the job. The term “barista” comes from the Italian language and refers to a person who works in a coffee shop. Baristas can work in large coffee shops with a street entrance or small shops within a shopping mall. A barista is also likely to be hired a combination store, such as a bakery/bistro or a bookstore/coffee shop.
Baristas are generally expected to be outgoing and communicative with both customers and coworkers. A cafe barista must have excellent customer service skills as well as an excellent ability to make coffee to order. Baristas must also be quick learners because they are expected to make each drink item according to the establishment’s exact specifications. Customers expect quality and the same flavor every time they order their favorite foods or drinks, so consistency is crucial in the food service industry.
Coffee-based beverages are available in most coffee shops, both hot and cold. Espresso is a popular addition to a variety of coffee drinks, as well as a stand-alone beverage sweetened with sugar. Espresso is a strong coffee made from finely ground coffee beans from Italy. Espresso and steamed foamy milk are used to make a cafe latte. A cappuccino is an espresso drink with foamy milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and whipped cream that is commonly made and served a cafe barista.
Cafe baristas frequently prepare and serve chai, a black tea. Chai is a black tea with steamed milk that originated in India. Customers can also order herbal teas from most coffee shops. They also frequently serve frappes, which are various types of iced coffee that may or may not include fruit. Baristas can also make ice cream-based fruit smoothies.
A cafe barista may serve light salads or sandwiches while scooping ice cream into dishes or cones. In most coffee shops, heavier meals or extensive cooking are not available. Premade cookies, cakes, pastries and dessert bars are common accompaniments available for sale with the different flavored coffees that cafe baristas make and serve.
Cafe baristas are expected to work well with others. They are expected to work together with coworkers to provide the best possible customer service. A barista may also promote new products to customers in the store in addition to making and serving drinks. Customer cash and change are frequently handled a cafe barista. Another common barista task is to bag orders for takeout.