Barista
Current
Bacon Jam
Mcdonald, Pennsylvania, United States
While in my gap year as I apply to graduate school, I have helped to design, open, and operate a startup restaurant in the McDonald, PA area. I have used my skill set to work on a variety of projects related to the restaurant’s opening, such as wiring and designing the point-of-sales system, optimizing the efficiency of the barista bar layout, and aiding in brand advertisement. Now with the restaurant open, I fill the role of head barista, where I create, make and serve a wide range of unique beverages to patrons. I also work closely with the server staff, onboarding hires with the POS system, restaurant layout, and workflow. Coordinating with the kitchen is also a necessity to ensure quality of service at all times. Conversation with patrons is one of the most rewarding aspects of this role, as I get to learn about the town of McDonald, the history of the building we operate, and the stories of so many of its residents. I serve as a face of the restaurant, welcoming in patrons, communicating specials, and addressing any needs promptly. I have gained experience in customer service through this role, and have improved upon my ability to work seamlessly with others and optimize efficiency, both necessities in the field of research. Also, the high level of conversation in this role prepares me well for communication with external fields and presentation of work as I look towards a graduate education in the field of physics and astronomy.