Current Openings

Job Title: AM Cafe Staff

Compensation range $18-$20/hour depending on experience plus optional shared tips. Hiring 1 full-time or 2 part-time individuals.

Reports To:  Lead Cook / Store Manager / Store Owners 

Position Overview: We're looking for efficient and enthusiastic morning people to join our team! You'll be responsible for the open kitchen in the morning - preparing breakfast sandwiches, baking cookies, muffins and scones, preparing coffee and espresso drinks, making deli sandwiches and salads for the to-go case, helping with lunch and dinner prep, serving creemees, and assisting customers in a timely manner while maintaining a clean and organized work environment. You'll be a key player in ensuring our customers have a positive dining experience.

Responsibilities:

• Morning Cafe Duties: 

  • Preparation of breakfast sandwiches.

  • Assist with other kitchen duties as needed, including but not limited to dishwashing and general cleaning.

• Baking Duties:

  • Prepare and bake a variety of baked goods according to Lead Cook / Store Managers suggestions and quality standards.

  • Maintain inventory of baking supplies and communicate needs to the Lead Cook.

  • Follow all food safety and sanitation guidelines to ensure a clean and safe work environment.

  • Operate and maintain baking equipment safely and efficiently.

  • Package and label baked goods for display and sale.

• Barista Duties:

  • Assist as needed in the preparation and serving of a variety of hot and cold coffee and espresso beverages according to established recipes and quality standards.

  • Operate and maintain espresso machines, grinders, and other coffee equipment.

  • Take customer orders accurately and efficiently.

  • Provide recommendations and answer questions about coffee and tea selections.

  • Maintain a clean and organized barista station.

• Food Prep Duties:

  • Assemble, package and label sandwiches, salads, and entrees for the to-go case as directed by the Lead Cook and to meet the demand quantities provided by the Store Manager.

  • Prep ingredients for the grab & go cooler, lunch and dinner services as directed by the Lead Cook

  • Assemble sandwiches, salads,and lunch entrees for lunch service as directed by the Lead Cook.

• Performance & Attitude Requirements - Key behaviors for all of our kitchen staff include high-level hygiene, disciplined organization, calm communication, and a respectful, team-oriented attitude.  This includes:

1. "Clean as You Go" Hygiene Protocol 

• Immaculate Appearance: clean garments, apron, kitchen shoes, hair restraints - street clothes stored in lockers

• Station Sanitation: Maintaining a spotless, organized, and sanitized workspace at all times.

• Visible Cleanliness: Wiping down boards, cleaning spills immediately, and managing trash to avoid clutter.

• Personal Hygiene: Strict adherence to handwashing, glove usage, and proper grooming. 

• "The Floor is Lava": A strict "no-pick-up" rule for food that touches the floor, ensuring food safety above all.

2. Disciplined Organization (Mise en Place)

• Flawless Station Setup: A perfectly organized station (mise en place) ensures efficiency and minimizes stress, which is visible to store guests.

• Labeling and Rotation: All ingredients must be dated and labeled, following First In, First Out (FIFO) principles.

• Tool Management: Keeping personal tools sharp and well-maintained, treating equipment with respect. 

3. Professional Conduct and Composure

• Sense of Urgency: Working quickly and efficiently, constantly assessing the next steps, never idle while working

• Calm Under Pressure: Avoiding raised voices or chaotic behavior, as open kitchens require a quiet, professional demeanor.

• Respectful Interaction: Maintaining a respectful, professional attitude toward colleagues, even under extreme stress. 

4. Effective Communication and Teamwork

• Clear Communication: Using clear, concise, and calm calls (e.g., "Behind!", "Hot!", "Sharp!") to keep the brigade flowing without alarming guests.

• Support the Team: Proactively helping colleagues during busy periods, rather than just focusing on one's own station.

• Taking Ownership: Admitting mistakes immediately and correcting them, rather than trying to hide them. 

5. Culinary Passion and Excellence

• Taste Everything: Ensuring every component of a dish is tasted and seasoned correctly, as per the cook’s standards.

• Consistency: Delivering the same high quality of cooking in every plate, regardless of how busy the service is.

• Attention to Detail: Precision in plating, garnishing, and cleaning the final dish before it leaves the pass. 

6. Respect for Ingredients and Environment

• Minimize Waste: Utilizing ingredients fully and managing waste, which reflects professionalism and profitability.

• Respecting the Guest's View: Acting as a professional, understanding that the cooking process is part of the service.

• Phone-Free Focus:

  • To help everyone concentrate and do their best work, and to effectively connect with customers and community, we have a simple rule about phones:

  • Keep 'em tucked away: Unless it's an emergency or your manager says it's okay for a specific task, please keep your phones out of sight and on silent or vibrate during work hours. Lockers will be provided for personal items and we encourage employees to keep their phones there during work hours.

  • Work time is for work: Let's focus on the tasks at hand and connect with each other face-to-face.

  • Breaks are your time: Feel free to check your phone during designated break periods in break areas.

Qualifications: 

• Previous 1-2 yrs experience working in a commercial kitchen, cafe or similar fast-paced environment.

• Ability to meet the listed performance and attitude requirements

• Ability to stand and move briskly in a kitchen for up to 8 hrs, and lift up to 50lbs.

• Flexibility to work various shifts, including weekends and holidays, as needed.

Certifications:

• All employees handling food will be required to complete the 2-hr VT State approved ANSI/ANAB accredited Food Safety Training Course, pass the 40 question exam and obtain their Food Handlers Card.

• Any employee who serves alcohol in the cafe must be 18 years or older, and attend an online server training program and obtain certification.

• All training and certifications listed above will be paid for by The Elmore Store.

The Important Legal Fine Print:

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.  Vermont is an at-will employment state. An employee may be discharged at any time with or without cause unless there is a clear and compelling public policy against the reason for the discharge or if the relationship has been modified, such as via an express or implied contract (including employer policies).  Other duties may be assigned as needed. This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the job and the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this job. However, this job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, and working conditions associated with the position.  

To Apply: Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why you are interested in joining our team at the form at elmorestorevt.com/careers or via email to info@elmorestorevt.com.

About The Elmore Store: The Elmore Store is the hub and heart of the town.  It’s the official “third place” - a location outside of home and work, open to all, where people can gather and socialize, fostering a sense of community and belonging. All Elmore Store employees are part of a team dedicated to providing as positive and functional a third space as possible, while also providing essential services to the community.

The Elmore Store Cafe is a small, vibrant, community-focused, farm-to-table cafe, known for its high-quality casual entrees, to be enjoyed either as grab-n-go or in-person waterfront dining (25 seats). We offer delicious baked goods and espresso, sandwiches, soups, salads, pizzas and creemees. We serve beer and wine in the cafe for guests to enjoy with their meals, and will host summer outdoor events with grilled food.  The brand new kitchen is open and customer facing so providing exceptional customer service in a welcoming and friendly atmosphere is a priority.