How to train new baristas in your cafe.

Summary

In this video, Jimmy from RTC shares valuable insights on how to efficiently onboard and train baristas to ensure consistency, product knowledge, safety, and confidence. He emphasizes the importance of having a structured process for training, from cash handling to machine use. Jimmy highlights the need for clear communication between staff members, effective coffee training, and an understanding of the café's mission. He also offers a bonus PDF checklist to help streamline the onboarding process for new baristas. This video is a must-watch for café owners and managers seeking to enhance their team's performance.

Takeaways

• 😀 Consistency in coffee preparation is crucial, ensuring all baristas make drinks the same way to avoid customer disappointment.
• 😀 Staff should be well-versed in the menu and the products offered, from coffee blends to drink preparation techniques.
• 😀 Safety training is essential, including proper cleaning procedures and knowledge of fire safety and emergency plans.
• 😀 Onboarding and training can be time-consuming, but having a process in place makes the process easier and more efficient.
• 😀 Cross-training between outgoing and incoming baristas ensures smooth transitions and helps new staff gain confidence quickly.
• 😀 Having a well-documented onboarding checklist makes training easier, and ensures no important steps are missed.
• 😀 Staff should be familiar with their roles and the layout of the café, so they know where to find supplies and equipment.
• 😀 Instilling the company's mission and values into new baristas ensures they represent the brand with consistency in customer service.
• 😀 Coffee-specific skills like milk steaming, latte art, and brewing ratios should be taught and tested to ensure quality control.
• 😀 Clear communication through shorthand language for drink orders can prevent confusion among staff, particularly in busy environments.
• 😀 Offering resources like downloadable checklists helps café owners and managers streamline the onboarding process for new staff.

Q & A

Why is consistency important when onboarding baristas?

Consistency ensures that customers receive the same quality coffee every time they visit, regardless of which barista is serving them. This builds customer trust and confidence in your café.

What are the key benefits of onboarding and training staff?

Onboarding helps create consistency, ensures staff have the right product knowledge, improves safety awareness, and helps baristas quickly get up to speed with operational procedures, leading to a better customer experience.

What is the role of product knowledge in barista training?

Baristas must be knowledgeable about the café's coffee blends, drink recipes, and menu offerings. This enables them to represent the brand effectively, make accurate recommendations, and provide customers with high-quality service.

How does proper onboarding affect customer satisfaction?

Well-trained baristas can deliver consistently high-quality drinks, ensure smooth service, and interact confidently with customers, all of which contribute to a positive customer experience and satisfaction.

What safety procedures should new baristas be trained on?

Baristas should be trained on fire safety, cleaning procedures, and other safety protocols. This ensures they know how to handle emergencies and maintain a safe working environment for everyone.

Why is it essential to have a documented onboarding process?

A documented process ensures consistency in training and makes it easier for new staff to get the proper onboarding, even if the manager or senior barista isn't available to personally train them.

What should a barista’s first training day include?

On the first day, a barista should receive an overview of the café’s processes, learn about safety protocols, get a tour of the space, and start learning basic coffee preparation techniques.

What are the benefits of having a transition period when a barista leaves?

A transition period allows the departing barista to pass on key skills and knowledge to the new hire, ensuring that the incoming barista is confident and prepared to take over responsibilities.

What are some important checklists to include in barista training?

Key checklists should cover coffee preparation skills, machine maintenance, cleaning protocols, cash handling, and POS training, ensuring that new baristas are well-prepared for their role.

How can a café owner streamline the onboarding process?

A café owner can streamline the onboarding process by creating detailed checklists and training guides, and by involving experienced staff members in the training process to save time and ensure quality.