Barista

Do You Love Coffee, Hospitality, and Mountain Living as Much as We Do?

Work Hard. Play Hard. Live Fully in Crested Butte.

At Elk Ave Hospitality, we are building teams for people who want more than just a job. We are looking for individuals who want to work hard, grow their skills, be part of a strong team, and enjoy the unmatched lifestyle that comes with living in the Gunnison Valley.

If you love hospitality, take pride in creating a warm guest experience, and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment built around coffee, bakery, and guest connection, we want to hear from you.

Whether your passion is skiing first tracks, biking wildflower-lined trails, fishing alpine waters, or simply soaking in the beauty of the Rockies, this is your chance to build a life that blends professional growth with personal adventure.

We are growing quickly and actively building career paths for people who want to develop their knowledge, expand their skills, and contribute to a strong hospitality culture.

What You Can Expect

• A positive, team-oriented work environment
• Ongoing training, learning, and development
• Opportunities for growth and advancement within Elk Ave Hospitality
• Employee housing opportunities, depending on the role and availability
• Competitive hourly pay plus tips
• The opportunity to live and work in one of Colorado’s most remarkable mountain communities

This is a tipped, hourly front-of-house role. Compensation is based on experience. Hourly positions are not immediately eligible for health benefits or paid time off.

Who We’re Looking For

You may be a strong fit if you:

• Work well as part of a team
• Care about guests and genuine hospitality
• Can thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Take pride in cleanliness, organization, and readiness
• Can follow systems, standards, recipes, and service expectations
• Want to learn and grow
• Bring a positive attitude, professionalism, and accountability to work each day
• Take pride in consistency, dependability, and doing things the right way

Our core values are Communication, Humility, Accountability, Integrity, and Respect, and we are looking for team members who want to live those values in the workplace.

What Will Be Expected of You

Depending on the role, team members may be expected to:

• Maintain a professional appearance and follow dress and uniform standards
• Work mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours during busy seasonal periods
• Communicate clearly and work effectively with both guests and teammates
• Help maintain clean, organized, safe, and guest-ready work areas
• Work with consistency, urgency, and a team-first attitude
• Support both restaurant and market/bakery operations as needed
• Be open to learning multiple areas of the operation when appropriate

Cross-Training and Growth

We believe in building flexible, well-rounded front-of-house teams through cross-training. Each team member will have a primary role based on their strongest skills and experience, along with the opportunity to take on secondary roles based on their willingness to learn and grow.

This approach helps employees build a broader understanding of the operation, develop new skills, and create more consistent opportunities as business levels shift throughout the season. We have found that this model supports both team success and individual growth while keeping advancement top of mind.

About Elk Ave Hospitality

Elk Ave Hospitality is a growing family of restaurants and hospitality businesses in Crested Butte and the Gunnison Valley. Our venues offer a wide range of guest experiences, from elevated dining to approachable everyday hospitality, all rooted in quality, consistency, and genuine care for our guests and our team.

We believe hospitality can be both a craft and a career. With multiple venues, varied concepts, and opportunities for advancement, we are able to offer year-round employment, cross-training, and real pathways for growth. We are building a company for people who want to work hard, contribute to a strong team culture, and grow their skills over time.

About Almont Resort – Mule’s Ear Bakery

Mule’s Ear Bakery is part of the Almont Resort experience and serves as a guest-facing bakery and market concept rooted in warmth, quality, and a strong sense of place. As part of Almont, the bakery works alongside the broader food and beverage, market, and hospitality experience to serve both visitors and locals seeking an authentic Colorado experience.

Working at Mule’s Ear Bakery means being part of a team that values hospitality, adaptability, and thoughtful execution. It is a strong fit for team members who enjoy variety, guest interaction, and the rhythm of a dynamic service environment.

Opportunities Available

Almont Resort – Mule’s Ear Bakery is hiring for the following opportunity:

• Barista

Position Summary

As a Barista, I play an important role in creating a warm, efficient, and memorable guest experience across Mule’s Ear Bakery and the surrounding Almont guest experience. I prepare coffee and beverage items to company standards, support bakery and market service, maintain a clean and organized station, and contribute to a front-of-house environment built on hospitality, consistency, and urgency.

This role is ideal for a hospitality professional who enjoys guest interaction, works well under pressure, and takes pride in both service and presentation. I bring energy, attention to detail, and a commitment to quality and team success.

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive hourly pay plus tips
• Employee housing opportunities
• Opportunities for growth and advancement within Elk Ave Hospitality
• The chance to live and work in one of Colorado’s most remarkable mountain communities

Key Responsibilities

Guest Experience and Hospitality

• As a Barista at Mule’s Ear Bakery, I deliver warm, genuine, and attentive hospitality to every guest.
• I create an experience that feels welcoming, organized, and enjoyable from arrival through departure.
• I communicate clearly and professionally with guests and teammates at all times.
• I support a service environment built on timing, teamwork, and attention to detail.
• I represent Almont, Mule’s Ear Bakery, and Elk Ave Hospitality with professionalism and pride.

Beverage Preparation and Service

• I prepare coffee, espresso, tea, and other beverage items according to company standards for quality, consistency, and presentation.
• I maintain a strong understanding of drink recipes, service standards, and product expectations.
• I work with urgency and attention to detail to deliver beverages accurately and efficiently.
• I ensure my station is stocked, organized, and ready for service throughout each shift.
• I take pride in delivering a product that reflects the standards of the brand.

Bakery, Market, and Counter Support

• I support bakery and market operations by assisting guests, stocking product, and maintaining clean, inviting guest-facing spaces.
• I help present bakery and retail items in a way that feels organized, fresh, and welcoming.
• I assist with counter service, product knowledge, and guest questions related to bakery and market offerings.
• I support the overall flow of service between beverage, bakery, and market areas as needed.
• I stay aware of guest needs and help create a seamless experience across multiple touchpoints of the operation.

Organization, Cleanliness, and Readiness

• I maintain clean, organized, and guest-ready work areas throughout each shift.
• I follow all company standards for cleanliness, side work, opening duties, and closing duties.
• I ensure tools, equipment, ingredients, and guest-facing areas are clean, stocked, and well maintained.
• I follow all food safety, sanitation, storage, and labeling procedures.
• I take pride in a workspace that reflects the standards of Mule’s Ear Bakery and Almont Resort.

Teamwork and Professionalism

• I work closely with managers and teammates to support a strong service culture.
• I communicate clearly, respectfully, and efficiently throughout each shift.
• I maintain professionalism, composure, and accountability during high-volume periods.
• I step in to support the team wherever needed to ensure successful service execution.
• I contribute to a positive, team-oriented environment rooted in the company’s core values.

Qualifications

• Previous hospitality, coffee, bakery, market, or guest service experience preferred
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Professional demeanor and commitment to strong guest service
• Strong work ethic, reliability, and attention to detail
• Ability to maintain composure and urgency in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to learn, take direction, and contribute to a team-focused culture

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Previous barista or counter-service experience preferred
• Experience preparing espresso, coffee, tea, or specialty beverages is a plus
• Experience with bakery, market, or retail guest service is preferred
• Strong guest service instincts and a genuine interest in hospitality
• Ability to multitask, stay organized, and maintain standards during busy shifts
• Comfort learning menus, products, service standards, and company systems
• Experience with point-of-sale systems and cash handling is a plus

Physical and Position Requirements

• Must be able to stand and move continuously for extended periods of time
• Must be able to walk, bend, reach, stoop, and carry throughout each shift
• Must be able to work efficiently in a fast-paced hospitality environment
• Must be capable of adjusting to changes in pace, priorities, and business volume
• Must be able to work mornings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours as needed in a seasonal hospitality environment
• Must be able to lift and carry coffee supplies, bakery items, retail products, or service items as needed for the role

Important Position Information

This is a tipped, hourly, non-exempt front-of-house role that supports both the restaurant and the market/bakery operation at Mule’s Ear Bakery. Compensation is based on experience. Hourly positions are not immediately eligible for health benefits or paid time off.

What Success Looks Like in This Role

Success in this position means helping create a warm, organized, and memorable guest experience while supporting a team that performs with professionalism, consistency, and pride. I work hard, communicate well, live the core values, and help ensure Mule’s Ear Bakery delivers hospitality, beverages, and service that feel thoughtful, welcoming, and true to the Almont experience.