Barista / Cashier - $21/hr - New Neighborhood Grocery & Café

Richmond Beach Foods is a new neighborhood grocery and coffee shop opening soon in the Richmond Beach area of Shoreline. We’re hiring a full team from the ground up, with both full-time and part-time positions available across a variety of morning, daytime, and evening shifts. Our store will feature thoughtfully sourced groceries, a high-quality coffee bar, fresh pastries, prepared foods, rotating beverages on tap, and a curated gift section. As a new business, we’re looking for friendly, flexible team members who want to help shape our opening, create a welcoming community space, and grow with us.

In addition to a starting wage of $21 per hour and a raise to $22 per hour after six months of employment, Richmond Beach Foods offers a structured annual pay system that includes both a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) and a merit-based raise program. Full-time employees are eligible for healthcare coverage, and all employees gain access to a 401(k) with employer match after one year of service. Team members also receive an employee discount and other perks as the business grows. We’re committed to providing competitive, transparent compensation and supporting long-term employee success.

Position Summary

The Barista/Cashier is responsible for providing friendly, efficient service to customers at Richmond Beach Foods. This role includes preparing and serving beverages from our cafe, operating the cash register, assisting with grocery purchases, restocking products, maintaining a clean and welcoming environment, and supporting overall store operations. In the early stages of store operations, all team members will be cross-trained in both barista and cashier responsibilities to support flexibility and smooth day-to-day workflows.This is a non-exempt, hourly position and is eligible for overtime pay in accordance with Washington State law.

Primary Responsibilities

Customer Service & Sales

Greet customers warmly and provide knowledgeable, attentive service.
Take customer orders accurately and efficiently.
Operate the cash register/POS system, process transactions, and handle payments responsibly.
Assist customers with grocery questions, product locations, and recommendations.
Pour beverages from the tap (including alcohol) and bus tables as needed. Employees must be 18+ and possess a class 13 MAST permit or be 21+ and possess a class 12 MAST permit to pour or handle alcoholic beverages.

Barista Duties

Prepare espresso drinks, brewed coffee, tea, and other café beverages according to recipe standards.
Maintain cleanliness of the coffee bar, espresso equipment, and pastry area.
Restock and rotate café supplies, pastries, and ingredients.
Complete training provided both off-site and on-the-job.
Stocking & Store Operations
Restock shelves, face products, and assist with inventory presentation.
Communicate restocking needs and low-inventory items to management.
Receive and organize deliveries as directed.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Cleaning responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Sweeping, mopping, light dusting, and general tidying of the store.
Cleaning counters, equipment, café areas, and customer seating.
Cleaning windows and glass surfaces.
Restroom cleaning and routine maintenance.
Emptying trash and recycling as needed.

Compliance & Safety

Follow all food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards.
Wash hands regularly and follow health department requirements.
Follow all safety rules, including use of equipment and reporting hazards.
Maintain proper certifications (Food Worker Card; MAST permit)
Understand and follow Richmond Beach Foods’ Accident Prevention Program (APP).
Comply with Richmond Beach Foods’ Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace policy, particularly when performing safety-sensitive or alcohol-service duties.

Qualifications

Strong customer service skills and a positive, team-oriented attitude.
Prior retail and/or grocery experience preferred.
Ability to learn cafe equipment and drink preparation; prior barista experience preferred.
Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with frequent customer interaction.
Ability to handle cash and operate POS systems accurately and responsibly.
Must hold or obtain a Washington State Food Worker Card within 14 days of hire.
Employees (age 18+) must complete Washington State approved MAST training prior to independently serving alcohol and must obtain the MAST permit within 60 days of hire.
Must be able to meet physical requirements of the role (standing, bending, lifting, etc.), with or without reasonable accommodation.
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a job-related background check, conducted in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment.

Physical Requirements

Ability to stand for up to 8 hours per shift.
Ability to squat, bend, reach, and lift at least 30 pounds and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Ability to perform repetitive motions such as tamping espresso, lifting milk jugs, sweeping, etc.
Ability to work around hot equipment and cleaning chemicals safely.

Training

Off and on-site barista training will be provided.
On-the-job training in cafe operations, register use, alcohol service, stocking, and store procedures.
Cross-training is required for all barista and cashier tasks.

Compensation and Benefits

Starting wage: $21/hour and $22/hour after 6 months of employment
Employee tips are pooled and distributed in accordance with Washington State law
Annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) based on Seattle CPI-U (capped at 3%)
Annual merit-based raises
Paid sick leave accrued in accordance with Washington State law
Healthcare coverage available for full-time employees (30+ hours a week)
401(k) with employer match after one year of service
10% employee discount on groceries, coffee, and merchandise

Richmond Beach Foods is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

Employment with Richmond Beach Foods is at-will and may be terminated by either the employee or the employer at any time, with or without cause or notice, consistent with applicable law.