Whimsy & Wonder Play Cafe Lead Barista (+Cafe Operations) Ankeny, IA · Part time

Apply for Lead Barista (+Cafe Operations)

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.

Pre-Opening Phase & Schedule Expectations

• Pre-Opening Month (Onboarding & Setup Phase): Prior to our grand opening, employment begins with part-time/reduced hours for training, space setup, drink recipe calibration, warming standard operating procedures, and workflow practice.
• Post-Opening Schedule (Regular Operations):
• Type: Full-Time or Part-Time (20–40 hours per week).
• Schedule Expectations: Weekend availability is required (weekend morning/afternoon shifts during peak play and cafe hours).
• Shift Examples (Subject to Change):
• Operational Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Friday through Monday; more open days will be added)
• Opening Shift: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Closing Shift: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Shorter shifts will be available and assigned as needed.

Compensation

• Pay Rate: $16.00 – $19.00+ per hour (starting rate determined by skill level and relevant experience) + pooled tips.

Ideal Candidate

You are a coffee lover who takes pride in great espresso extraction, beautiful milk texture, and rapid service during morning rushes. You lead by example with an upbeat, approachable attitude, keep a clean and organized counter, communicate clearly with your team, and stay calm under pressure. You enjoy mentoring others and are always ready to jump in across the cafe or play floor to keep operations running seamlessly.

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: Because we operate a child-focused family facility with a liquor license, passing comprehensive federal and state background checks is strictly required prior to hire.
• Certifications: Food Handler / ServSafe Food Prep certificate and CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire).
• Experience: Minimum 1+ years of previous barista or fast-paced customer service experience preferred.

Key Responsibilities

1. Espresso Craft & Beverage Quality

• Calibrate grinders daily, dial in espresso, steam milk to proper texture/temperature, and prepare signature coffee drinks, teas, and specialty beverages to exact recipes.
• Maintain speed, drink consistency, and high-touch service during peak morning rushes.

2. Cafe Quick Bites & Display Merchandising

• Heat, prepare, and serve quick bites and snacks adhering to food safety standards and proper holding temperatures.
• Keep pastry cases, grab-and-go coolers, snack shelves, and retail displays fully stocked, organized, and rotated using FIFO (First In, First Out).

3. Shift Leadership, Alcohol Service & Cross-Training

• Guide baristas on shift, lead opening and closing checklists, and assist the Cafe Manager with barista training and daily inventory counts.
• Check IDs accurately and responsibly serve canned beer, wine, and seltzers to guests 21+.
• Cross-train on front desk check-in, waiver verification, and light play floor support to provide seamless backup during busy moments.

4. Equipment Care & Sanitation

• Perform daily cleaning and routine maintenance on commercial espresso machines, grinders, warming equipment, and blenders.
• Maintain a spotlessly sanitized service counter, dish station, and cafe seating area.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (up to 8 hours per shift).
• Ability to lift, carry, and maneuver up to 40 lbs (milk crates, syrup boxes, ice, deliveries).
• Bending, reaching, stooping, and repetitive hand/wrist motions required for espresso preparation, food handling, and cleaning.