Barista - Starbucks Coffee Company in Chicago, Illinois

About Starbucks Coffee Company

Starbucks Coffee Company is the premier coffeehouse chain worldwide, renowned for crafting the world's finest coffee one meaningful moment at a time. With thousands of stores across the globe, Starbucks creates warm, welcoming spaces where customers connect over exceptional beverages and food. In Chicago, Illinois, our Barry & Broadway location (Store# 26368) embodies this mission, offering a vibrant atmosphere for both partners and guests. As a Barista, you'll be at the heart of Starbucks' commitment to quality, community, and customer joy. Starbucks invests heavily in partner growth, providing industry-leading benefits and developmental opportunities that set us apart in the retail and coffee industry.

Role Overview

The Barista role at Starbucks in Chicago is perfect for energetic individuals who thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments. No previous experience is required, making it an ideal entry point into the coffee industry. You'll craft beverages, serve food, and create genuine connections with customers, turning every shift into an opportunity to brighten someone's day. Whether remembering a favorite order or offering a warm smile, Baristas at Starbucks make moments that matter. This position demands flexibility, with shifts that may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, nights, and holidays. Join our team at Store# 26368 on Barry & Broadway and become part of a supportive crew dedicated to excellence.

Key Responsibilities

As a Barista, your day-to-day duties focus on delivering outstanding service and maintaining high standards:

• Engage with customers through clear, pleasant communication to discover and respond to their needs.
• Prepare high-quality food and beverages according to standard recipes, including customizations like temperature adjustments, ingredient quantities, or substitutions.
• Handle cash transactions accurately while adhering to store safety, security, and operating policies.
• Perform a variety of tasks during each shift, from stocking to cleaning, ensuring a pristine store environment.
• Maintain regular attendance and punctuality to support team operations.

Customer-Centric Focus

At the core of the role is building relationships and fostering connections, aligning with Starbucks' brand promise of meaningful interactions.

Qualifications & Requirements

Starbucks seeks passionate individuals ready to learn and grow. Basic qualifications include:

• Maintain regular and consistent attendance and punctuality, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Availability for flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, nights, and holidays.
• Ability to meet store standards for quality beverages, food products, cash handling, safety, and security.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Ability to learn quickly and follow oral and written instructions, requesting clarification as needed.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Capacity to build lasting relationships with customers and colleagues.

Starbucks is an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusive hiring practices.

Benefits & Perks

Starbucks offers comprehensive benefits that support your well-being and future:

• Health & Insurance: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, short-term and long-term disability.
• Time Off: Paid vacation (up to 40 hours annually after introductory period), sick time (1 hour per 25-30 hours worked), paid parental leave, and family expansion reimbursement.
• Financial Wellness: 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, Bean Stock equity program, discounted company stock (S.I.P.), incentivized emergency savings, and student loan management resources.
• Education: 100% upfront tuition coverage for a first-time bachelor's degree through Arizona State University's online program via the Starbucks College Achievement Plan, plus other educational opportunities and DACA reimbursement.
• Exclusive Perks: Free coffee and tea markouts during shifts, Spotify Premium subscription, backup care, and additional pay for eight observed holidays.

Benefits comply with state and local laws, including Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act where applicable. Visit starbucksbenefits.com for details.

Career Growth at Starbucks

Starbucks is invested in your growth journey. Baristas gain hands-on experience in a supportive environment, with pathways to shift supervisor, assistant store manager, and beyond. Developmental programs, mentorship, and tuition coverage empower you to advance. Many partners start as Baristas and build thriving careers, leveraging skills in customer service, leadership, and operations.

Why Join Starbucks

Joining Starbucks means more than a job—it's a community. In Chicago's Barry & Broadway store, you'll work in a high-energy location, perfect for those who love people and coffee. Enjoy competitive pay (estimated $34,000-$42,000 annually based on market rates), premium benefits like Bean Stock and 100% ASU tuition coverage, free coffee markouts, Spotify Premium, and 401(k) match. Starbucks values diversity, offers reasonable accommodations, and considers all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories per applicable laws. Be part of a brand that sparks joy daily.

Role FAQs

Is experience required for the Barista role?

No, no previous experience is required. Starbucks provides training to succeed.

What shifts will I work?

Flexible hours including early mornings, evenings, weekends, nights, and holidays.

What benefits are available from day one?

Benefits like insurance and perks accrue after introductory periods; tuition coverage is a standout offering.

How does Starbucks support career advancement?

Through developmental experiences, education benefits, and clear promotion paths.

Is this a full-time position?

Employment type varies, but opportunities for full-time schedules exist based on availability.

Apply now to craft moments that matter at Starbucks in Chicago!