Barista

BARISTA - FREEHAND CHICAGO
We want to make coffee approachable by offering our best representation of coffee in a simple, unpretentious way. We passionately approach coffee and meticulously consider every detail to arrive at a specific end result. Our desire is to pique the curiosity of those unfamiliar with specialty coffee and to meet the demands of those looking for great coffee.

WHO ARE WE

Freehand is on a journey. Appropriate, given that we're a shared accommodation brand. Freehand swung through the US coolest cities on its way to dominating the world. It burst onto the scene in the Americas with the launch of our properties in the country’s biggest markets (NYC, LA, Miami and Chicago) with the acquisition of Freehand Hotels. Created for a new generation of urban travelers, Freehand combines the social culture of a hotel with innovative design by Roman and Williams, comfort and quality food and beverage at an affordable price.

No biggie. Fast Company named us one of the top 50 most innovative global companies. We, of course, agree. And now this top 50 most innovative global company (did we mention that?) wants a pretty awesome Barista.

Our spaces are safe and seriously social, in the proudest part of the beating heart of the cities we love. Cultural action, creative pulse and an outstanding way to waste some of the finite time the universe has given you - that's what Freehand offers. Holds true for staff and visitors equally, and while chic design is always the backdrop, every Freehand in every destination reflects the unique beat of that city's heart.

ABOUT FREEHAND CHICAGO

Welcome to Freehand’s second outpost! Designed by Manhattan-based Roman and Williams, the building celebrates the city’s Midwestern heritage with a string of evocative communal spaces and rooms located in the restored 1927 Art Deco building, set among the high-rises of the downtown River North neighbourhood – home to some of the city’s best art galleries, boutiques and restaurants. Featuring 217 rooms and amazing public spaces like Café Integral coffee and breakfast bar and the cozy Broken Shaker Bar, it’s a buzzing, busy space that represents the best of Freehand. Between the busy social calendar and the ever-changing makeup of guests and locals coming to play, it’s a particularly fun and fulfilling space for everyone in the Freehand Chicago team to work in.

NUTS AND BOLTS OF THE JOB

• Greeting customers and taking orders
• Ability to dial in Espresso, Fetco, and Pour Over coffees daily
• Maintain Stock/Preparing stock needed such as house made syrups and cold brewed coffee
• Demonstrated passion and enthusiasm for specialty coffee
• Ability to multi-task
• Attention to detail
• Maintain high quality and consistent product standards
• Effectively completing opening and closing duties.
• Maintaining the greatest customer service with those guests that are/are not guests of the Freehand Hotel

Naturally this is not intended as an exhaustive list of duties. Other duties as may be reasonably required will form part of this job description.

WHAT’S IN YOUR DNA

• A passion for great service and great coffee - full training in all equipment will be provided but the enthusiasm must come from you!
• A good team player to support and work with the whole team • Can-do attitude with ability to multi-task in a busy environment

YOUR ROCK STAR EXPERIENCE

• Previous experience within the in Coffee industry including latte art skills advantageous

OUR EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

• Birthday holiday in addition to your yearly holiday allocation
• Fertility Treatment Support Leave - up to three days' paid leave in any one year for an employee to undergo fertility treatment
• Employee Bounty Program providing opportunities to earn a compensation for new hire referrals with no cap on number of referrals made
• Company contribution towards gym membership fees for all eligible employees – look good, feel good, work good
• Ideas Award - Quarterly award to double gross basic salary for 1 month to employee with most valuable suggestion/feedback
• 2 free nights’ accommodation across any of our Generator x Freehand properties globally
• Reduced room rates for staff as well as friends and family members (we operate in several locations across Europe & US so your next holiday is sorted)
• International career opportunities so you can travel the world while working with us (win-win!)
• Social events, celebrations calendar & various employee recognition schemes – we never ever need an excuse to let our hair down!
• Online learning tools to help you develop, learn and grow

LOCAL EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

• 9 holidays
• Paid vacations (80 hours per calendar year)
• Paid sick leave (40 hours per calendar year)
• Medical + Dental + Vision (subsidised contributions)
• Life & Disability (employer paid)
• Commuter benefits
• Voluntary products: Voluntary Life, Legal Shield/ID Shield, Pet Insurance, Hospital Indemnity, critical illness, Accident Insurance and FSA

SO YOU THINK THIS MIGHT BE YOU?

That's cool. Send us your application in English. If you’ve got questions, get in touch!

Also, check out or our social media pages. Here you may well find the answers to life, the universe and everything, including why there are no penguins at the North Pole. We look forward to hearing from you.

Employment will be based upon personal capabilities and qualifications without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.

Join Us and help us achieve our Vision!