Job Overview: Starbucks Barista (Kroger/Fred Meyer)

The Kroger Company is seeking a customer-focused Barista for their licensed Starbucks kiosk in Palmer, AK. This role is centered on creating a high-quality “third place” environment where customers feel welcome, while maintaining the technical standards of the Starbucks brand within a busy retail setting.

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys a fast-paced environment and is looking for a role that balances technical beverage preparation with active sales and team collaboration.

Key Responsibilities & Daily Tasks

Beverage Craft & Quality Control

Standardized Prep: Prepare all coffee and specialty beverage selections strictly according to Starbucks recipe standards.
Freshness Assurance: Constantly check product quality and monitor “sell-by” dates to ensure every item served is fresh.
Safety & Sanitation: Adhere to all food safety guidelines and maintain a clean, organized workstation to ensure a safe environment for both staff and guests.

Customer Engagement & Sales

Hospitality: Create a warm and inviting atmosphere where customers feel appreciated.
Product Knowledge: Actively answer questions regarding menu items and suggest pairings or new products to enhance the customer experience.
Financial Accuracy: Efficiently tender transactions using the Point of Sale (POS) system while maintaining company best practices.

Teamwork & Collaboration

Goal Orientation: Work closely with fellow associates to achieve store-wide and departmental goals.
Supportive Environment: Promote a positive team culture through clear communication and proactive assistance during peak hours.

Qualifications & Requirements

Core Skills

Service Mindset: Ability to provide exceptional customer service with a friendly and professional demeanor.
Technical Aptitude: Willingness to learn and master the espresso machine, blenders, and other specialized coffee equipment.
Communication: Strong interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with a diverse team and engage with the Palmer community.

Why This Role? (Kroger Family Benefits)

Being part of the Kroger family offers significant advantages beyond the daily work:

Career Growth: Access to industry-leading training programs and diverse career pathways within the retail and food service sectors.
Financial Wellness: Competitive pay and access to comprehensive benefits (based on eligibility), including associate discounts on food and merchandise.
Education: Opportunity to participate in Kroger’s “Feed Your Future” program, which offers tuition reimbursement for qualifying associates.

Application Information

Interested candidates should apply through the Kroger/Fred Meyer Careers portal. In your application, emphasize your ability to multitask and your commitment to providing a welcoming, high-quality experience for every customer.

Full Job Description

This position is located at the Fred Meyer in Palmer, which serves as a massive retail anchor for the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. As part of The Kroger Company, this store operates as a “one-stop-shop,” combining a full-service grocery store with apparel, home electronics, and a garden center. Working here requires the ability to handle high-volume foot traffic from local residents and commuters, providing efficient service in a fast-paced environment.

Typical Responsibilities:

Customer Interaction: Proactively assisting customers in locating products throughout the multi-department store and answering questions regarding sales and promotions.
Inventory Management: Stocking, rotating, and “facing” products to ensure shelves look organized and full; checking for expiration dates in perishable departments (Produce, Meat, Deli).
Point of Sale (POS): Operating cash registers, scanning items accurately, and handling various payment types, including the Kroger Plus card and digital coupons.
Department Upkeep: Maintaining cleanliness and safety standards in assigned areas, including the prompt cleanup of spills and removal of debris from aisles.
E-Commerce Support: Assisting with “Pickup” (ClickList) orders by accurately selecting items from the floor to fulfill online customer requests.

Qualifications:

Education: No degree mentioned; entry-level roles are open to those with a High School Diploma or equivalent, and student workers (16+).
Skills: Strong communication, basic mental math for cash handling, and a team-oriented mindset.
Physical Requirements: Must be able to stand and walk for the duration of an 8-hour shift; ability to lift, pull, and push up to 50 pounds.
Reliability: Ability to maintain a consistent schedule, including weekends and holidays, which are the busiest times for the Palmer location.

Company Benefits:

Union Representation: Many roles at this location are covered by a collective bargaining agreement (UFCW), ensuring structured raises and workplace protections.
Employee Discounts: Immediate discounts on Kroger-brand products and varying discounts on general merchandise.
Tuition Assistance: Access to “Feed Your Future,” which provides up to $3,500 annually for continuing education.
Career Path: Opportunities for advancement into Department Lead, Assistant Manager, or specialized roles like Pharmacy Technician.

To apply for this job please visit www.thekrogerco.com.