Barista Central Toronto

Dark Horse Espresso Bar is a pioneer in the Toronto specialty coffee community and has become a hotspot attracting those who like great coffee, handmade pastries, and a comfortable environment. The inspiration for Dark Horse came from a desire to create an environment where people would feel a sense of belonging. A place where they could come to relax, reflect or socialize, and re‑energize with seriously great coffee. Over the past 15 years, we have evolved from one beloved neighborhood cafe to a collection of six shops in vibrant neighborhoods across the city.

About The Position

At Dark Horse, we’re looking for a Barista who shares our passion for coffee and community and thrives in a team‑oriented environment. Ideal candidates will have a natural talent for customer service and be enthusiastic about developing their skills within the coffee industry. We take pride in offering our Baristas a supportive environment that fosters growth, providing both paid training and opportunities for career advancement. We are currently hiring for our Central Toronto Stores.

General Responsibilities

• Provide exceptional customer service and foster a warm and inclusive environment.
• Prepare coffee beverages according to company recipes, with a specific emphasis on accurate dial‑ins.
• Support all products and services at the cafe, including food, pastry and merchandising.
• Represent Dark Horse within the Toronto specialty coffee community.
• Act with integrity, honesty and knowledge that promote the culture, values and mission of Dark Horse.
• Follow health and safety policies.
• Provide management with feedback on how we can improve our processes.
• Demonstrate strategic understanding of food service operations by providing recommendations.
• Execute, when necessary, ordering, inventory management, queue management and related tasks.
• Follow all operational policies and procedures, including those for cash handling, safety and security during each shift.
• Take food and beverage orders using the POS system when necessary.
• Maintain regular and consistent attendance and punctuality.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Well‑developed personal brand and a proven ability to build relationships across an industry.
• A proven executor who has participated in the successful growth of food properties.
• Comfortable with key hospitality software, including POS, scheduling and purchasing systems.
• An insatiable curiosity and willingness to learn, anchored in a constant pursuit of personal development.
• Can inspire and influence staff, consumers and other stakeholders.
• A positive ambassador with strong communication skills and a genuine kindness, thoughtfulness.

Must Have

• Barista experience: 1 year.
• Hospitality experience: 2 years.
• Specialty coffee experience: 1 year.

Schedule and Pay

• Day shift.
• Monday to Friday.
• Weekends as needed.
• Compensation $18.00 to $18.50 (plus tips).

What we Offer

A fast‑paced environment with ambitious growth and plenty of opportunity to grow delicious products to delight your senses.

We are committed to equal employment opportunity and respect, value and welcome diversity in our workplace. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and the Ontario Human Rights Code, accommodations will be provided to candidates with disabilities during the recruitment and selection process. If you are invited to participate in the process and require an accommodation, please let us know in advance.

While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected for interviews will be contacted. Artificial intelligence may be used to assist with resume screening.