Description
Take orders and prepare and serve coffee, tea, pastries, and light meals in a cafe setting. Operate espresso and POS equipment, handle payments, and keep the counter and dining areas clean, stocked, and welcoming.
- • Communicate with guests regarding orders, preferences, and concerns.
- • Process payments and make change using the POS.
- • Clean and sanitize counters, espresso machines, steam wands, and drinkware.
- • Sweep, mop, and wash dishes to maintain cafe sanitation.
- • Reconcile cash drawers and receipts at shift end.
- • Take and enter customer orders, and compute bills via POS.
- • Serve beverages, pastries, and light meals at the counter and for takeout.
- • Prepare daily menu items and simple foods, such as sandwiches, salads, and soups, following safety standards.
- • Clean and organize the dining room, service counter, and back-of-house areas.
- • Monitor stock and restock or order coffee beans, milk, syrups, pastries, and paper goods.
- • Brew drip coffee and tea, and fill cups and to-go containers as requested.
- • Provide quick, friendly service in a fast-paced cafe environment.
- • Clear tables and return dishware to the dish area.
- • Wash dishes, glassware, utensils, and smallwares.
- • Wrap or package pastries, sandwiches, and other items for takeaway.
- • Communicate shortages, special orders, or allergen needs to kitchen or prep staff.
- • Prepare and serve iced drinks, blended beverages, and specialty desserts.
- • Select items from display cases or storage and place them on plates, trays, or in bags.
- • Replenish pastries, condiments, and self-serve stations.
- • Assist with training new team members and support shift operations.
- • Write customer names and order details on cups or tickets to identify drinks and food.
- • Coordinate with kitchen or prep to deliver finished items promptly.
- • Set up dining areas, condiment bars, and pastry displays; reset and tidy throughout the day.
- • Garnish drinks and plates per recipes or customer instructions.
- • Run food and beverages to tables when ready.
- • Arrange table settings or small decor according to cafe guidelines.
- • Assist guests with dietary preferences or restrictions and suggest alternatives.
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Related Pathways
Hospitality, Events & Tourism
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
