What are the responsibilities and job description for the Café Barista position at Dexter Hotel?
Café Barista
Pay: $16 per hour shared tips
Type: Full Time / Part Time / Seasonal
About Dexter
Dexter is a 29-room boutique hotel in Elk Rapids, Michigan that brings together thoughtfully designed accommodations, a neighborhood café, and an evening lounge under one roof.
The property was conceived with a strong emphasis on craft, materiality, and a sense of place. Interiors layer custom furnishings, vintage pieces sourced locally, and objects created by regional makers to create an environment that feels collected, warm, and intentional.
At the center of the hotel is Noble Lounge, a refined but approachable gathering space offering cocktails, wine, and a thoughtfully prepared food menu. During the day, the café provides espresso drinks, coffee, and light fare for hotel guests and the surrounding community.
Dexter was created to feel warm, collected, and intentional — a place where thoughtful design, food, and hospitality come together naturally.
Our team is small, collaborative, and detail-oriented.
Schedule Expectations
Because Dexter operates in a seasonal tourism market, scheduling needs may shift throughout the year. Team members should expect a mix of weekday, weekend, and holiday shifts depending on the needs of the property.
Typical operating hours include:
- Front Desk: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Café: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Noble Lounge: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Peak season runs roughly May through October, when availability on weekends and evenings is especially important.
Working at Dexter
Dexter is a collaborative hospitality environment where thoughtful service and strong teamwork create memorable guest experiences. Dexter operates with a shared tip pool that rewards collaboration across service and kitchen teams.
Position Overview
The Café Barista helps create a welcoming morning experience for both hotel guests and local visitors through thoughtful coffee service and café offerings.
This role prepares espresso drinks, manages café orders, maintains a clean and organized café environment, and ensures guests feel welcomed and well cared for.
What Success Looks Like
- Guests feel welcomed immediately upon entering the café
- Coffee drinks are prepared consistently and efficiently
- The café environment remains clean, organized, and inviting
- Service is friendly, confident, and attentive
Responsibilities
Coffee & Beverage Preparation
- Prepare espresso drinks, drip coffee, and specialty beverages
- Maintain consistency in beverage preparation and presentation
- Monitor coffee quality, grinder calibration, and machine cleanliness
Guest Service
- Greet guests warmly and assist with orders
- Answer menu questions and provide recommendations
- Process transactions and manage café orders efficiently
Café Operations
- Maintain a clean and organized café counter and seating area
- Restock café supplies, pastries, and beverage ingredients
- Assist with light food service and plating when needed
Team Collaboration
- Work closely with front desk and kitchen teams during busy periods
- Assist with café prep and daily opening/closing procedures
- Maintain strong communication with the Bar Manager and kitchen team
Qualifications
- Barista or café experience preferred but not required
- Friendly, outgoing, and guest-focused personality
- Ability to multitask during busy morning service
- Attention to detail and pride in presentation
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
- Ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs when needed
- Ability to move quickly and safely in a fast-paced hospitality environment
- Ability to work both indoors and occasionally outdoors depending on operational needs
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Seasonal
Pay: $18.00 per hour
Expected hours: 20.0 – 40.0 per week
Work Location: In person