Experienced and Passionate Barista – Specialty Coffee Shop in River Forest

About us

At Black Fodder Coffee, we believe coffee truly makes everything better—but only the good kind. Picked at its ripest, patiently processed, roasted fresh in small batches to highlight its natural tasting notes, and skillfully brewed with deep appreciation for the gift it is—and for all the hands that made it possible to enjoy.

To us, specialty coffee isn't just a caffeine delivery method—it's a ritual.

We also believe every interaction holds the power to make someone's day a little better. We're always on the lookout for honest, values-driven people who will boldly represent our brand and everything we stand for.

 

Our people

Our baristas bring high emotional intelligence and a drive to excel in everything they do. They are growing into true experts in coffee, hospitality, and providing a guest experience that goes above and beyond expectations.

We are building a team of deeply passionate, skilled, and adaptable professionals—people with initiative, curiosity, ambition, a growth mindset, and a willingness to contribute broadly.

Benefits and perks

• Flexible schedule

• Working in a beautifully designed café with state-of-the-art equipment

• Free beverages during work hours

• 40% discount on food and coffee beans

• Being a part of a passionate, highly motivated team

• Working for a family-owned and operated business that genuinely cares

• World-class training

• Endless opportunities for growth and development in the coffee and tea industry
  
   

Why you should work here

At Black Fodder Coffee, we're committed to excellence in everything we do. Working with us means joining a team that values creativity, quality, and genuine customer satisfaction.

As a family-owned small business with a big hunger for growth, we're going back to the roots of specialty coffee and craft, nutritious food. If you're passionate about coffee and want to be the best at what you do, Black Fodder Coffee is an incredible place to grow and thrive as a coffee professional.

An ideal candidate will

• Have a genuine passion for specialty coffee and a desire to grow as a coffee professional

• Have at least 1 year of experience as a specialty coffee barista

• Possess strong latte art skills and a solid understanding of espresso (please include a few pictures of your latte art skills with your application or share a link to your portfolio/Instagram account)

• Have a solid knowledge and experience in using all the major hand brew methods

• Demonstrate insatiable curiosity and a constant eagerness to learn

• Show a deep sense of ownership and accountability for outcomes

• Be a person of high integrity, honesty, and loyalty

• Be fluent in English

• Exhibit high emotional intelligence and excellent communication skills

• Have the ability—and desire—to make every guest feel welcome and at home

• Pay close attention to detail, especially when it comes to cleanliness and visual presentation

• Be extremely punctual and reliable

• Respond quickly and clearly in all communications

• Be able to lift at least 50 lb

• Bonus: Have technical troubleshooting skills

• Bonus: Have experience in food preparation
  
   

Key traits

• Be the face of Black Fodder Coffee and represent our values with pride

• Genuinely enjoy engaging with people

• Be teachable, with a learner's mindset and a drive to get things done

• Be a true team player

• Thrive in fast-paced, high-pressure environments

• Serve our guests with integrity, warmth, and attentiveness

• Have deep knowledge of our beverages, food, products, and processes—or be willing to acquire it

• Be flexible and able to switch between café and catering shifts as needed

If you have a true passion for coffee and want to continue your journey as a coffee professional alongside a team of like-minded individuals, we'd love to meet you