Join Our Team!

NOW HIRING: FRONT OF HOUSE TEAM MEMBERS

The Front of House Team Members at UQBAR Cafe are responsible for providing exceptional service and creating a memorable experience for our guests. They guide customers through our Mediterranean-inspired menu, take orders, collaborate with kitchen staff to deliver delicious food and beverages, and ensure guests’ comfort and satisfaction from the moment they enter our cafe until they leave. This role is perfect for someone with a passion for hospitality, an eye for detail, and a desire to contribute to creating a vibrant, welcoming community cafe.

Compensation and Benefits: $19-21/hour base wage, plus $3-5/hour in tips for an estimated total of $22-26/hour. Health insurance for full-time staff. Paid sick and vacation days. Shift meal and employee discounts.

Schedule: UQBAR is opening in October 2025, and we are hiring for both full-time (5 shifts per week) and part-time positions. UQBAR will be open for daytime hours Tuesday through Saturday from 8am-2pm, and we plan to expand to all-day service, 8am-8pm. Friday and Saturday availability is a must! 

Key Responsibilities:

• Warmly greet and assist our guests with enthusiasm and high energy.

• Accurately and efficiently take food and beverage orders using our point of sale system, handling all cash and card transactions to ensure payments are processed smoothly.

• Serve food and beverages promptly and courteously, ensuring food safety and presentation standards are met.

• Proactively anticipate guest needs and respond swiftly to requests

• Welcome customer feedback and resolve issues professionally and promptly with a positive attitude. 

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of dining areas, including tables, chairs, and floors, preparing the cafe for service. 

• Communicate effectively with other front-of-house team members and kitchen staff to ensure smooth service and a positive guest experience.

• Provide recommendations and answer questions about UQBAR's menu, ingredients, and values

• Address customer feedback and resolve concerns with a positive attitude.

Qualifications:

• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.

• Strong communication and active listening abilities.

• Ability to multitask and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

• A positive attitude, strong work ethic, and a genuine desire to create a welcoming atmosphere.

• Proficiency in basic math.

• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices (Food Handler's Certification required upon hire).

• Commitment to serve alcoholic beverages responsibly and in compliance with all relevant laws (Responsible Beverage Service Certification required upon hire).

• Ability to stand for extended periods, walk and carry trays, bend, lift, and carry up to 30 lbs.

• At least 1 year of experience in a front-of-house role in a professional cafe/restaurant setting is a plus, but not required. We value a positive attitude and a willingness to learn above all!

What You’ll Gain Working at UQBAR:

• A competitive compensation package designed to attract and retain top talent, with opportunities for growth, cross-training, and professional development.

• Affordable health insurance for all eligible staff. Paid sick leave and vacation days.

• A supportive and collaborative work environment committed to transparency and Open Book Management (OBM). Through OBM, you’ll gain an understanding of restaurant finances, see how your work directly impacts our success, and have the opportunity to earn financial bonuses.

• Employee perks, including shift meals, employee discounts, and UQBAR merch.

• A chance to be part of a values-driven business focused on health, sustainability, and community, Join UQBAR and help us make a positive difference in the lives of our customers, neighbors, and staff through wholesome food and warm hospitality. 

UQBAR is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

What is UQBAR? 

UQBAR (pronounced “ook-bar”) is a brand new Mediterranean cafe in Berkeley, CA that invites patrons in for a welcoming atmosphere and a fresh, Mediterranean menu emphasizing local, seasonal ingredients. Inspired by Turkish, Greek, and other cuisines, UQBAR presents Mediterranean food through the lens of California’s agricultural abundance and multicultural history.

Founded by husband-wife team Benji and Jennie Smith, UQBAR combines Benji’s decade of restaurant experience as a cook and chef with Jennie’s expertise in front-of-house operations and entrepreneurship. A deep-rooted connection to Berkeley (as Jennie’s hometown) strengthens UQBAR’s commitment to creating a welcoming space that reflects both our passion for good food and a sense of home. This is an exciting opportunity to join an opening team, where every member will be instrumental in shaping UQBAR’s atmosphere, culture, and success from day one!

APPLY VIA THE FORM BELOW. We look forward to meeting you!