Host - Barista

Havana Grill is now hiring a Barista/Food Runner with a minimum of 1 year of restaurant and/or coffee/barista experience for our new Mission Valley Location at the Westfield Mission Valley! MUST BE ABLE TO START IMMEDIATELY AND AVAILABLE EVENINGS AND WEEKENDS

Are you passionate about food and hospitality? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment? If so, Havana Grill is the place for you! No negative Nelly's will be accepted! Must have a positive attitude, outgoing and friendly.

As a member of our team, you'll enjoy excellent opportunities for advancement in a fast casual environment, all while working in a positive and uplifting restaurant. We have a fun, crazy, and close-knit team, so no shy people will be accepted. All candidates must be dependable, and be able to hustle! Punctuality is a must!

Job Duties Include:

Guest Interaction & Hospitality

• Greet all guests with a warm, welcoming attitude
• Provide clear information about menu offerings, specials, and seating options
• Assist guests with seating, takeout orders, or general inquiries
• Handle customer complaints or concerns with professionalism and poise
• Recognize returning guests and build rapport to enhance loyalty
• Maintain a calm and positive demeanor during peak times

Beverage Preparation & Quality

• Prepare espresso-based drinks and brewed coffees to recipe standards
• Steam milk to proper texture and temperature
• Ensure all drinks are made consistently and presented neatly
• Maintain a clean and organized coffee station throughout the shift
• Restock beans, milk, syrups, and other supplies as needed
• Monitor product freshness and rotate stock according to FIFO practices

Order Handling & Point of Sale (POS)

• Accurately take and enter customer orders into the POS system
• Process payments (cash, card, mobile) quickly and securely
• Package and label takeout items neatly and correctly
• Upsell food or beverage items when appropriate
• Handle online orders and delivery apps when applicable

Cleanliness & Maintenance

• Keep host stand, coffee bar, and guest areas clean and tidy
• Regularly sanitize surfaces, equipment, and high-touch areas
• Monitor and restock restrooms and customer service areas
• Follow opening, mid-shift, and closing cleaning procedures
• Maintain cleanliness of equipment, including espresso machines and grinders

Seating & Flow Management

• Manage reservations and walk-ins using a seating chart or reservation system
• Communicate accurate wait times to guests
• Coordinate with servers to ensure even table distribution
• Answer phone calls professionally and assist with booking or information requests
• Adapt to real-time changes in guest traffic and table availability

Team Collaboration & General Support

• Communicate effectively with team members across all roles
• Support coworkers during busy periods without needing direction
• Participate in all assigned shift duties and side work
• Follow all health, safety, and hygiene protocols
• Arrive on time and consistently meet attendance expectations

We are looking to fill this position ASAP so please do not respond unless you are serious about working, are available 15-36 hours per week, and can start working immediately.
You must have evenings, weekends and holidays availability.
You must be a great team player, willing to pick up shifts on short notice, and take direction well.
You must be reliable and dependable and work well under pressure.
You must have your own transportation as well as a personal cell phone/email address with access to it on a regular basis.

• You must have current Food Handler’s Card or be willing to get one.
• Please do not apply if you do not have restaurant or cafe experience

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $17.75 - $19.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Hosting: 1 year (Preferred)
• Barista: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person