Barista and Market Bartender

Job Title: Barista and Market Bartender & Attendant, Amba Cafe & Rotisserie and First Street Market

Date: April 10, 2025

Place of Work: AMBA, First Street Market, 57 First Street, Cambridge MA 02141

A staple of the Cambridge culinary scene since 2012, Cambridge Street Hospitality Group (CSHG) currently comprises eight unique hospitality concepts. Led by Chef and owner Will Gilson, our team brings an award-winning mix of culinary and beverage acumen that affords our guests the opportunity to enjoy high-quality, thoughtfully prepared food, local and eclectic beers, and unique, globally-sourced wines. Our spaces are spacious and lively. Our teams are down to earth. We aim to share our excitement about our food and wine throughout each concept. Our guests and their friends feel comfortable in our warm and friendly environment.

First Street Market is a multi-purpose space unique not only to the neighborhood but in all of Cambridge. Combining a coming weekly indoor farmers market with a Mediterranean-inspired café, functional demonstration bar, and coworking space, First Street Market will be the epicenter of commerce, events, and community in the rapidly growing First Street neighborhood. With the farmers’ market operating year-round in a multi-use event space in the center of the floorplan, First Street Market will become a destination for city events, weddings, and private parties, regularly attracting new foot traffic.

Within the confines of the First Street Market, Amba is a Mediterranean-inspired café. It boasts an array of offerings, including rotisserie chicken, delectable pastries crafted by Chef Brian Mercury, and farm-fresh delicacies. Complementing these culinary delights is a carefully curated beverage program featuring La Colombe coffee alongside various wines, beers, and cocktails. Taking its name from a sauce that started in India and made its way through the Middle East, Amba celebrates the diverse flavors of the Mediterranean region, spanning from the eastern shores to the Atlantic coast. The centerpiece of Amba’s menu is its expertly spiced rotisserie chicken, served with an array of condiments and sides to tantalize patrons’; taste buds. Amba adopts a counter service model, providing guests with numerous ordering options. Whether picking up their selections or placing orders through delivery services, patrons can seamlessly indulge in Amba’s culinary offerings at their convenience.

Scope & General Purpose:

The Barista is our primary Front of House (FOH) position at Amba, creating a connection between our guests and our products through friendly, knowledgeable service and hospitality. They are responsible for the production of beverages during our regular service periods, as well as guest-facing interactions - from greeting guests and taking orders to resolving basic guest complaints and answering questions.

During our indoor farmers market season the Market Bartender & Attendant will be in service to both market guests and vendors alike, assisting with setup of the space and vendor load in & loud out. During markets they are responsible for the Market Bar, producing and serving cocktails, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages while facilitating additional orders for food and coffee beverages with staff at Amba.

Overview of Responsibilities: Responsibilities and expectations include but are not limited to:

• Setup of dining area and service counter before daily open
• Taking guest orders and informing guests of menu options and changes
• Processing payments
• Preparing ingredients for beverages
• Preparing and serving beverages during service according to recipes
• Stocking and serving food items to guests
• Running food to guests
• Maintaining a clean and orderly dining and service area throughout their shift
• Maintain stock of dishes, mugs, to-go containers, paper goods, and utensils throughout the day
• Perform point-of-sale cash-in and cash-out procedures correctly, as needed
• Clean dining and service areas according to closing procedure
• Operate beverage machines and perform daily preventative maintenance as trained

Qualifications:

• Service-oriented style with professional presentation skills
• Detail-oriented, excellent prioritization, time management, organizational, and follow up skills
• Basic understanding of Health, Safety and Food Hygiene
• Open weekend availability is required, and ability to work a sometimes flexible schedule preferred
• Previous barista or cafe experience is preferred
• Previous bar and cocktail experience is a plus
• Comfortable using and learning the technology platforms essential to the business, e.g. Square POS, Google Suite, Mac OS, Basecamp.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Hourly wage starting at $11.50 with a guaranteed minimum hourly and tips of $25.00 / hour
• Tips pooled daily with eligible staff and included on regular paychecks
• Medical and Dental Insurance subsidy for full-time employees (up to 50%)
• Sick Time Earned
• 401(k)
• Dining discounts at our restaurants

Reports to: Cafe Manager, AMBA, First Street Market

Growth Opportunities: This role begins in three phases over 90 days, to allow for growth and development into the restaurant space and integration with the team. Personal and professional goals, both quarterly and longer-term, are set early and honest and candid feedback is provided on a regular basis, resulting in a professional skill set geared for success and growth alongside our hospitality group. Our group is actively exploring additional restaurant locations to grow our organization locally in the Greater Boston area.