Whimsy & Wonder Play Cafe Barista / Cafe Attendant (+ Kitchen) Ankeny, IA · Part time

Apply for Barista / Cafe Attendant (+ Kitchen)

About Whimsy & Wonder Play Cafe Whimsy & Wonder Play Cafe is Ankeny's newest family destination, combining custom indoor play areas for kids up to age 10 with a modern, high-quality cafe for parents and caregivers. Why We're Different: Elevated Hospitality: We provide a clean, modern, and thoughtfully designed environment where adults can relax while kids engage in imaginative, active play. Clean-Label & Quality Focus: Our cafe emphasizes premium coffee, craft beverages, and high-quality menu options. We believe the right food can help create better behavioral outcomes! Community & Connection: We host memorable private birthday parties, special events, and daily open play, operating with high operational standards and a supportive team culture.

About Whimsy & Wonder Play Cafe

Whimsy & Wonder Play Cafe is an imaginative, clean, and engaging indoor play space for children paired with a full-service espresso bar and cafe serving quality coffee, signature drinks, quick bites, and snacks.

Role Overview

Our Baristas / Cafe Attendants are the friendly faces greeting our guests each day, reporting to the Cafe Manager. You will craft coffee and espresso drinks, prepare quick bites and snacks, ring up orders, and keep the cafe clean and welcoming. You will also be cross-trained to help out on the play floor when extra support is needed.

Pre-Opening Phase & Schedule Expectations

• Pre-Opening Month (Onboarding & Setup Phase): Part-time/reduced hours for barista training, menu practice, POS training, and cafe setup.
• Post-Opening Schedule (Regular Operations):
• Type: Part-Time (15–30 hours per week).
• Schedule Expectations: Weekend availability is required (weekend morning/afternoon shifts during peak play and cafe hours).

Compensation

• Pay Rate: $13.00 – $16.00 per hour (starting rate based on skill level and experience) + pooled tips.

Ideal Candidate

You are friendly, dependable, and excited to learn how to make great coffee. You enjoy talking to parents and kids, keep things tidy, bring a positive attitude, and love being part of a team.

Mandatory Prerequisites & Background Requirements

• Age Requirement: Must be at least 16 years of age. (Applicants aged 16–17 must have signed parental/guardian consent on file to serve canned alcoholic beverages per Iowa law).
• Mandatory Background Check: Passing federal and state background checks is strictly required prior to hire.
• Certifications: Willingness to obtain Food Handler / ServSafe / Alcohol serving certification and CPR certification upon hire.

Key Responsibilities

• Drink Making & Customer Service: Make espresso drinks, iced drinks, and teas, and greet families warmly at the counter.
• Register & Orders: Take customer orders on the POS system and handle transactions accurately.
• Quick Bites & Stocking: Warm and serve quick bites and snacks, and keep display cases and grab-and-go shelves stocked.
• Alcohol Service: Check IDs and serve canned beer, wine, and seltzers to guests 21+.
• Cross-Training & Cleaning: Help with front desk check-ins when needed, wash dishes, wipe down tables, and keep the counter clean.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for 4–8 hours per shift.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 35 lbs (milk jugs, ice, trash bags).

Shift Examples (subject to change):

Operational Hours - 8am - 6pm (Friday through Monday, more open days will be added)

Opening Shift: 7am - 3pm

Closing Shift: 11am - 7pm

Shorter shifts will be available and assigned as needed.