Server / Barista

Barista / Server

About Us

Dear Mama is a love letter to the women and communities who raised us, and to the spirit of care that holds people together. The cafe and our approach to hospitality is inspired by the generations of women who have collectively shaped us, and the larger village that raised us as native New Yorkers in multigenerational neighborhoods with extended family, neighbors, and chosen kin who taught us what it means to show up, feed people, and lead with love.

Dear Mama NYC is an all-day cafe nestled on Columbia University’s Manhattanville Campus just 1 block from 125th stop on the 1 train. The cafe is built in a glass-walled atrium with an open kitchen for a relaxed and sun-filled atmosphere where the staff and guests feel like a family. We are looking for a Server / Barista.

Job Details

We are in search of a Server / Barista who understands the Dear Mama NYC brand, thrives on community connection, and is excited to support the creation of a brand that consumers and guests will passionately champion and follow; whether they are local or love the retail brand from afar. Server / Baristas at Dear Mama occupy a unique position on the floor. They are experts, well-informed artisans, and they’re always happy to see you.

Reporting Structure & Authority

This role reports directly to the Beverage & Service Director and the Assistant Manager.

What You’ll Do

Scope Guardrail: This is a service hybrid role, you will be serving guests both in the dining room and from behind the barista bar, depending on the shift you are scheduled for. Job responsibilities may evolve based on operational needs of the day. Any material changes will be discussed in advance.

Service

• Embodying Dear Mama’s culture and hospitality through each interaction
• Serve guests in the dining room while providing exceptional hospitality and following the steps of service
• Running food and beverages to the guests
• Ringing in guests orders at the POS for the guests that are grabbing food and beverage to go
• Making coffee orders both for to go orders and guests dining in

Food Safety & Quality

• Implement and enforce best practices for sanitation and all DOH standards
• An A grade is a non-negotiable requirement

Who You Are

• You are a service and detail oriented person who is excited to take the Dear Mama brand from a beloved community staple, to a coveted aspirational brand that echoes the soul and intentionality of the brand itself.
• You delight in collaboration and an environment that encourages curiosity, experimentation, collaboration and personal growth
• You are rooted in your community and excited to great unique experiences for our guests

How Success Is Measured

• Positive guest feedback during peak service periods
• Daily checklists are completed on time
• Original content shared across social media platforms
• Sales revenue for merch and branded products

Your Skills

• Service and hospitality
• You love building community and welcoming guests into a space and thrive on the enjoyment of others
• Communication: Strong oral and written communication skills to effectively communicate and collaborate with staff and guests.
• Attention to Detail: Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

Your Expertise & Background

• 2 year of experience as a server, back server or barista in a high volume restaurants
• Collaborative, with strong communication and organizational skills
• Someone motivated to take ownership of their work and contribute meaningfully to a growing, community-centered business.
• This role requires the ability to move, pull, push, carry, or lift up to 30 pounds and to meet the physical demands of an 8-hour shift in a restaurant environment. These are essential job functions.

Time Commitment & Compensation Details

• Minimum commitment of 4 shifts or 32 hours a week
• Hourly rate is $11.35 + tips