What Do You Call Someone Who Works in a Café?
Cafés are bustling hubs of activity, serving coffee, snacks, and meals to customers seeking a relaxing or social experience. The individuals who work in cafés play a vital role in creating this atmosphere, but what exactly do you call them? Here’s a guide to the most common titles for café workers and their roles.
1. Barista
The term barista is the most widely recognized title for someone who works in a café, especially if they specialize in preparing and serving coffee beverages.
- Origin: The word “barista” comes from Italian, where it simply means “bartender.” In English, it has become synonymous with coffee-making professionals.
- Role: Baristas are skilled in brewing coffee, operating espresso machines, and creating latte art. They are often the face of the café, interacting directly with customers.
2. Waiter/Waitress or Server
In cafés that offer table service, the staff who take orders, deliver food and drinks, and ensure customers have a pleasant dining experience may be called waiters, waitresses, or simply servers.
- Role: They focus on customer service, handling orders and payments while ensuring the seating area remains clean and welcoming.
3. Cashier
Some café employees primarily work at the counter, handling orders and payments.
- Role: A cashier takes customer orders, processes transactions, and often assists with serving pre-made food items or drinks.
4. Café Manager
The café manager oversees the operations of the café.
- Role: Managers are responsible for scheduling staff, ordering supplies, handling customer complaints, and ensuring the business runs smoothly.
5. Chef or Cook
In cafés that serve more than coffee, there may be a dedicated chef or cook responsible for preparing food items such as sandwiches, pastries, and other meals.
- Role: They work behind the scenes in the kitchen, creating menu items and ensuring food quality.
6. Kitchen Assistant
Sometimes called a prep cook or dishwasher, the kitchen assistant supports the café by preparing ingredients, washing dishes, and maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen area.
7. General Café Staff
In smaller or more casual cafés, roles may not be as clearly defined. Employees often perform multiple tasks, from making coffee to cleaning tables, and are collectively referred to as café staff.