barista

senior barista

customer service representative

cook

café manager

Jamaica Blue

Typical Day;
-Making lots of coffees (if you have the experience during faster -paced hours e.g breakfast and lunch)
-Dealing with the odd angry customer or two
-Running a butt load of coffees and food out to customers
-Cleaning. Everything. Everywhere. All the time
-Angry co workers resulting from angry customers

What I Learnt;
-How to tamp the coffee
-How to bite my tongue

Co-workers;
-Very friendly and welcoming
-Most are eager to lend a helping hand
-If you don't know how to do something, prepare to get yelled at for doing it wrong and then shown very scarcely and quickly how to do it

Hardest part of the job;
-Customers and communication with co-workers.

-Customers angry at other customers who in turn get angry at you because they're angry at customers.
-Since it's a family cafe, there are a lot of parents who let their children run wild. Throw their food around around, and in general make a mess while disrespecting other customers and their space without a care in the world.

-Communication between co-workers is either a light whisper or all hell is about to break loose. There is no in between. Ever. Doing things as a team is frowned upon (I guess so you can figure it out by yourself? And if you end up crashing and burning, which is inevitable, you only have yourself to blame. Fun!)
-A lot would flow better if communication was improved.

The most enjoyable part of the job;
-Customers and co-workers.
-Despite all the cons, the customers and co-workers will definitely make your day. There is definitely the odd bad egg when it comes to customers, and not every day can be a good day for anyone (especially the people who get everyone else's anger directed at them) so you need to be able to rely on the people you work with. And you can. They will all make you feel like you've been a part of the team from the get-go and the support they give you is incredible. Don't forget that your work-related problems have probably happened to them a million times and then some, so don't be on the defensive by youself when you have so many people that are willing to help you.
-The customers are amazing. Majority of them are the regulars so you get to know them all quite quickly, and they are really nice too. Quick to get to know and keen to converse whenever you get the chance to. One of the best customer bases I've ever come across.

Jamaica Blue was fun to work at because of the cheerful and motivated workforce. The benefits of working at Jamaica Blue was average as you were granted discounts from their menu and allowed to sign up with their membership cards. What I like about Jamaica Blue was that they always strive to develop their staff members in making coffee. They encouraged every employee to undergo training using their online course and pushed employees to practice their barista skills. They aren't weary about how much of their expensive coffee beans or milk you waste because they were more focused on you honing your skills!
That being said, management always has an effect on how well you perform at work. The management at the Jamaica Blue I worked at was horrible. They weren't very forgiving when their staff made a mistake on orders, when they weren't fast paced enough, when they were having casual conversations with co-workers and sometimes even with the manager... Instead of encouraging their staff and motivating them to improve their skills, they instead slandered them with harsh comments and harshly compared them to other staff members that performed better. It made working very unpleasant and would sometimes put you on the spotlight, especially if you don't do so well with harsh criticism. Don't get me wrong, what makes a fine worker is their ability to take criticism. But criticism that casts you out of the work-force is just wrong.

It shouldn't be so stressful but it is. The recipes are easy, but it gets very busy. Lots of dishes and cleaning, and it can get very very repetitive. Co workers are lovely, not all very efficient or good at their jobs, which can be stressful, but all try hard. I feel there is absolutely no job advancement available. The salary is very poor with the only benefit being 1 free drink per shift, (unless your management who seem to get any off menu free meal they desire). I got on well with management as people, but most employees do not. However they are completely clueless when it comes to running a business, and do not treat us as anything more then disposable. Have lost around 8 staff in 4 months, some fired unreasonably with no warning, others left abruptly after one last straw. Everyone is left worried each week as to wether they will have a job or get hours. Every week there is something new to worry about, or incorrect staffing/hours. All staff who were promised full time hours only get part time. Roster is not released till Thur/Fri for Mon, and is very erratic making plans difficult. They do not keep their current hard working staff happy, and seem fine hiring new ones instead. The company also make you do mandatory 4 hours online unpaid training, and will terminate you if not completed promptly. I have not met higher management but was told by co-workers they were very rude, even making one employee cry in the front of the store. That said, I have had good days working there, with good staff and everything under control.



Nestled in the heart of [Location], Jamaica Blue Barista offers a delightful escape to the Caribbean with its vibrant atmosphere and exceptional coffee. From the moment you step through the door, you're greeted by the aroma of freshly roasted beans and the friendly smiles of the staff.

The menu boasts an impressive array of coffee options, from classic espresso to indulgent specialty drinks inspired by Jamaica's rich culinary heritage. I highly recommend trying their signature Blue Mountain blend for a smooth and aromatic experience unlike any other. Each cup is expertly crafted by skilled baristas who take pride in delivering perfection with every pour.

Aside from coffee, Jamaica Blue Barista also offers a selection of freshly baked pastries and light bites, perfect for pairing with your favorite brew. Whether you're craving a flaky croissant or a decadent slice of rum cake, there's something to satisfy every palate.

What truly sets Jamaica Blue Barista apart is its commitment to quality and authenticity. The cozy ambiance, coupled with the warm hospitality of the staff, creates an inviting atmosphere where you can sit back, relax, and savor the flavors of the Caribbean.

Overall, Jamaica Blue Barista is a gem worth discovering for coffee enthusiasts and food lovers alike. Whether you're stopping by for your daily caffeine fix or looking to indulge in a taste of Jamaica, this charming café promises an unforgettable experience that will keep you coming back for more.

My experience as a barista at Jamaica Blue Kawana is something i do not wish to experience with another employer ever again. I read the previous reviews on here before I began and figured that a few disgruntled former employees were lashing out because of being reprimanded for their poor work ethic. Boy was I wrong…

The owner is a micro-managing bully. If an employee were to bother with seeking help from Fair Work, I am positive this man would be in breach of multiple standards. He is constantly putting his employees down (without bothering to critique in a positive manner) and threatening their positions. You are expected to meet all of his unrealistic expectations, even if he has not made them clear to you. Most of whom are young girls, under the age of 21. If you work overtime, you are not paid for it. If you attend work meetings, you are not paid for it. The pay itself, during the week, is pitiful. A 25 hour week is not enough to sustain basic household expenses. 

The customers and the fellow staff are definitely a highlight of the store, but it is certainly counter balanced by the actions of the employer. If you see a position advertised at Jamaica Blue Kawana Shoppingworld, do yourself a favour and DO NOT APPLY!

As a waiter, each shift comprised of serving food/drinks, providing customer service and using organisational skills to maintain a clean and neat working environment as well as a clean space for customers to sit down and enjoy a coffee and/or meal. I was trained in customer service, how to take orders, how to serve food/drinks and how to be efficient. No issues with management apart from receiving a lack of shifts towards the end of my tenure. Co-workers lacked the habit of engaging in teamwork and having respect for other co-workers. Cleaning the cafe when working a closing shift was the most physically demanding, though the most challenging aspect of the job was providing quality service on a really busy day. The feeling of fulfilment, satisfaction and happiness when receiving a good comment from a customer regarding the service I provided and making their day better brought me the most joy and I always looked back on occasions like those later when I'd be in a different situation where it might be a busy day or when it's just a bad day at work.

A TYPICAL DAY AT JB:
-Washing (lots) of dishes 
-Cleaning tables
-Greeting customers
-Serving customers' orders

WHAT I LEARNED:
-To bite my tongue (especially at one of the higher management people)
-To walk faster (and I mean FAST, like I am in the Melbourne Cup or something)
-To not ever work in a café, again

MANAGEMENT:
The management of the store was okay, only they weren't as nice as I thought they were. The higher franchise management who was there for a week was very rude and picked on me especially. 

CO-WORKERS:
The co-workers were probably the best part of the experience, as they were the best part because they were very kind and considerate of others. 

HARDEST PART:
The management, washing HEAPS of dishes and putting them away (when boiling hot) - btw I still have burn marks from handling all the hot dishes.

MOST ENJOYABLE PART:
The co-workers were the first, as they again, were very friendly and always wanted to chat. The customers were also very nice and loved to have conversations with me, even when I was in a hurry to get the next order!

I believe it is important for a honest review and i honestly went into this job with enthusiasm and appreciation for having a new experience.. how ever i found the staff at Charlestown Jamaica Blue to be extremely unprofessional towards me and lacked the awareness behind safe training.  I tried to speak to my managers but unfortunately they were aggressive, rude and were also part of the problem. After trying to stay regardless of being treated badly i quit for a better place in a much larger company (IHG Crowne Plaza Newcastle) and great training where i stayed for two years and made good friends and who took everything Jamaica Blue lacked (which was alot!) as a extremely important. 

I do believe places can change, and i hope others have good experiences and that Jamaica Blue changes their ways and helps create a non-discriminating and fun/ kinder workplace. I notified Head Office about my experience and they were very kind, helpful and apologetic and although i wanted to simply give some feedback they chose to go further.

like many businesses Jamaica blue has its positives and negatives. A typical day at work involved constant customer service there never really a day when there isn't anything to do there's always something like dishes, clearing tables, taking meals and beverages to customers, cleaning particular areas inside the shop itself. After working for Jamaica blue I have gained many skills that will follow me in life like money handling, and upselling products these particular things have made me more confident. I enjoy meeting new people and making new friends my co-workers are all lovely but however they all have those days which is a bit of a let down because their attitudes in the work place gives customers their own opinions about Jamaica blue. the hardest part about working here I think would be when we have a busy day and their isn't many staff on to help out or dealing with unsatisfied customers. with the experience of working for this business I would say the best part about the job is when I get to go home.

Day Started with turning the coffee machine on and getting it ready for the day. The till was then Opened and money was added from  the float made up on the previous day. I would then serve customers and  make the coffee's for the day. If the team needed me i would then help with cooking food, making cold drinks or running the food out to customers. In the calm periods during the shift I would assist in dishes and maintain my area keeping it clean and backwash the coffee machine. At the end of the shift I would get the float ready close down my area making sure it is clean and ready for the next day and then start closing the till down for the next day whilst making sure my staff for the day were doing their job and keeping on time. I would send the juniors home double check everything was done and then lock the shop up before leaving.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Barista 1 salary reported	$35.00 per hour
Senior barista 1 salary reported	$33.38 per hour
Customer service representative 1 salary reported	$48.47 per hour
Cook 1 salary reported	$28.46 per hour
Café manager 1 salary reported	$81,200 per year

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