Lead Café Associate – Barista, Counter Service & Food Prep

Provisions Lead Associate

Earl’s Premier is a coastal-inspired neighborhood oyster bar in Kansas City, offering a rotating raw bar, classic American seafood, and a thoughtful wine and cocktail program in a warm, hospitality-driven setting. Located next door, Earl’s Provisions Shop is a neighborhood market concept serving espresso, grab-and-go bites, and curated local favorites — designed for easy takeaway and everyday provisions with the same hospitality-forward spirit.

Scope & General Purpose: The Provisions Lead Associate plays a key role in the daily operations of the shop by supporting food preparation, packaging, inventory oversight, and guest-facing counter service. This is a hands-on role designed for someone who thrives in both back-of-house production and front-of-house hospitality.

This position helps maintain product quality, organization, and stock levels while collaborating closely with management on purchasing decisions and inventory planning. This role acts as a reliable point person during service, ensuring the shop operates smoothly while delivering a warm, efficient guest experience.

The Provisions Lead Associate is committed to the following job components, designed to create a meaningful, growth-oriented position:

• Act as the face of the shop, leading the business with professionalism, integrity, and care
• Support business-focused decision-making by maintaining awareness of how purchasing and daily store operations influence the overall success of the group.
• Cultivate meaningful relationships with the management team, staff, and guests that express a commitment to the group’s identity, growth, and guest experience
• Recognize that the shop’s success depends on working well with all team members of varying skill sets and experience levels, while holding team members accountable and complying with HR

Schedule: Full-Time, varying schedule, across business hours

Management Structure: Reports to Earl’s Premier General Manager & Culinary Director

Core Responsibilities:

Food Prep & Product Execution

• Assist with daily food prep, portioning, and packaging of provisions and grab-and-go offerings
• Ensure products are prepared, labeled, and displayed according to company standards
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of prep and storage areas
• Monitor product quality, freshness, and presentation throughout the day

Inventory & Purchasing Support

• Assist with inventory counts and stock tracking
• Help identify ordering needs based on sales trends, product movement, and par levels
• Make recommendations regarding inventory levels, quantities, and product rotation
• Coordinate with management on purchasing decisions and approvals
• Support receiving and proper storage of deliveries

Counter Service & Guest Experience

• Provide friendly, knowledgeable service at the counter
• Help guests with selections, questions, and product recommendations
• Operate POS and handle transactions accurately
• Maintain clean, well-stocked, and visually inviting displays
• Support efficient service flow during busy periods

Daily Operations & Team Support

• Serve as a reliable lead presence during shifts without formal management authority
• Help set the pace and model strong work habits for the team
• Assist with opening and closing responsibilities as assigned
• Communicate inventory needs, operational issues, or guest feedback to management
• Support a positive, collaborative team environment

Requirements:

• Previous experience in food service, café, market, or quick-service environments preferred
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively
• Guest-focused mindset with strong communication skills
• Ability to multitask between prep work and customer service
• Basic understanding of food safety and sanitation standards
• A positive, upbeat, and energetic attitude – leading by example
• Comfortable standing/walking for 8+ hours, and be able to bend, push, pull, and/or lift 50 lbs.

What you’ll get from us:

• Tipped Minimum Wage + Tips (Average of $25-$35 per hour)
• Employee discount at all locations

Pay: $25.00 - $35.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount

Work Location: In person