Caf Associate

This job was posted by https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov : For more information, please see: https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov/jobs/13745974 Caf Associate\ Full-Time Hourly $16.00$19.00 / hr\ About Lab 1860\ Lab 1860 is a Levantine caf and kitchen concept opening in Orland Park, Illinois. We draw from\ the pantry traditions of the Eastern Mediterranean mana'eesh, mezze, fresh bread, house-made\ sweets, and an intentional soft serve program and translate them into a fast-casual, all-day\ format built for how people actually eat. This is a pre-opening hire: you will be part of the team from\ day one.\ The Role\ The Caf Associate is the first and last impression at Lab 1860. You greet guests, take orders, run\ the counter, and make sure every interaction feels warm, efficient, and genuine. You report to the\ Front-of-House Manager and work as part of a tight floor team that takes hospitality seriously.\ This is a counter/fast-casual and dine-in environment. You will be expected to know the menu\ deeply and speak to the food with confidence training will be provided.\ What You'll Do\ Greet and welcome every guest with warmth and professionalism\ Take orders accurately at the counter, operate the POS system, and process payments\ Communicate orders clearly to the kitchen and follow up on ticket status as needed\ Answer guest questions about the menu ingredients, preparation, allergens, and the story\ behind the food\ Maintain a clean, organized, and well-stocked counter area throughout the shift\ Support dine-in guests with table checks, condiment replenishment, and attentive service\ Assist with opening and closing duties as assigned\ Other duties as assigned by management\ What We're Looking For\ 1+ year of experience in a customer-facing role in a restaurant, caf, or retail environment\ preferred\ Warm, outgoing, and professional demeanor you genuinely enjoy interacting with people\ POS experience preferred; ability to learn new systems quickly required\ Ability to stay calm, organized, and positive during busy service periods\ Genuine curiosity about Levantine and Mediterranean food culture willingness to learn the\ menu inside and out\ Flexibility to work a variety of shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays\ Must be able to stand or walk for extended periods, and lift/carry objects up to 25 lbs without\ assistance\ Food Handler certification required (or ability to obtain before opening)\ Degree or certificate from a hospitality or food service program preferred, but not required\ Compensation & Benefits\ Competitive hourly rate: $16.00$19.00 per hour, commensurate with experience\ Participation in tip pool\ Full-time position\ Health insurance coverage\ 401(k) with company matching\ Food & beverage discounts for all staff\ Pre-opening start date be part of building Lab 1860 from day one\ How to Apply\ Send your resume or a brief note about yourself to [email protected]. We read every\ application personally.