---
title: WHAT YOU SHOULD BE TEACHING EVERY NEW BARISTA ON DAY ONE
description: Before a new barista touches a grinder or pulls a shot, they need to understand your café’s heart — your values, your vibe, and what great service looks like. Day one isn’t about latte art; it’s about attitude, teamwork, consistency, and care. Nail the first day, and you’ll set them — and your café — up for long-term success.
---
[Skip to content](https://learn.zestcoffee.com.au/cafehelpresourcehub/what-you-should-be-teaching-every-new-barista-on-day-one#main-content)
English - Australia
Show submenu for translations
[](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au)
- [About](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/about/)
Show submenu for About
- [Our Coffee](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/our-coffee/)
- [Our Team](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/about/our-team/)
- [Our Projects](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/our-projects/)
- [Our Sustainability](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/sustainability/)
- [Our Studios](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/richmond-2-0/)
- [Shop](http://www.zestcoffee.com.au/shop)
Show submenu for Shop
- [Blends](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/product-category/blends/)
- [Single Origins](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/product-category/single-origins/)
Show submenu for Single Origins
- [Very Good 84-86](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/product-category/single-origins/very-good/)
- [Excellent 86-89](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/product-category/single-origins/excellent-86-89/)
- [Outstanding 89+](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/product-category/single-origins/outstanding-89/)
- [Tasting Boxes](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/product-category/tasting-box/)
- [Ninetyplus Coffees](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/2021/12/22/special-reserve-ninety-plus/)
Show submenu for Ninetyplus Coffees
- [NinetyPlus Signature Series](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/product-category/special-reserve/ninety-plus-signature-series/)
- [NinetyPlus Innovation Series](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/product-category/special-reserve/ninety-plus-innovation-series/)
- [NinetyPlus Gear](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/product-category/ninety-plus-gear/)
- [Special Reserve](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/product-category/special-reserve/)
Show submenu for Special Reserve
- [Colombia Tio Conejo](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/product-category/special-reserve/tio_conejo/)
- [Ecuador Hacienda Pillcocja](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/product-category/special-reserve/hacienda-pillcocja/)
- [Subscriptions](http://www.zestcoffee.com.au/product-category/subscriptions/)
- [Merch](http://www.zestcoffee.com.au/product-category/merchandise/)
- [Brewing Tools](http://www.zestcoffee.com.au/product-category/brewing-tools/)
- [Shop All](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/shop/)
- [Our Studio](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/#)
Show submenu for Our Studio
- [Richmond Studio](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/richmond-2-0/)
- [Sensory Flight](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/sensory-experience/)
Show submenu for Sensory Flight
- [Bookings](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/bookings/)
- [Wholesale](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/wholesale)
Show submenu for Wholesale
- [Cafe Gallery](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/category/cafe-gallery/)
- [Cafe Support](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/category/cafe-help/)
- [Learn](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/news/)
Show submenu for Learn
- [Barista Training](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/wholesale/barista-training-new/)
- [Blog](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/category/blog/)
- [Video Tutorials](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/video/)
- [Cost of Goods Sold Calculator](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/cafe-profitability-cost-of-goods-sold/)
- [Gross Profit Calculator and Comparison Tool](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/cafe-profitability-gross-profit-calculator/)
Open main navigation
Close main navigation
- [About](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/about/)
Show submenu for About
- [Our Coffee](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/our-coffee/)
- [Our Team](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/about/our-team/)
- [Our Projects](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/our-projects/)
- [Our Sustainability](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/sustainability/)
- [Our Studios](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/richmond-2-0/)
- [Shop](http://www.zestcoffee.com.au/shop)
Show submenu for Shop
- [Blends](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/product-category/blends/)
- [Single Origins](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/product-category/single-origins/)
Show submenu for Single Origins
- [Very Good 84-86](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/product-category/single-origins/very-good/)
- [Excellent 86-89](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/product-category/single-origins/excellent-86-89/)
- [Outstanding 89+](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/product-category/single-origins/outstanding-89/)
- [Tasting Boxes](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/product-category/tasting-box/)
- [Ninetyplus Coffees](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/2021/12/22/special-reserve-ninety-plus/)
Show submenu for Ninetyplus Coffees
- [NinetyPlus Signature Series](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/product-category/special-reserve/ninety-plus-signature-series/)
- [NinetyPlus Innovation Series](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/product-category/special-reserve/ninety-plus-innovation-series/)
- [NinetyPlus Gear](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/product-category/ninety-plus-gear/)
- [Special Reserve](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/product-category/special-reserve/)
Show submenu for Special Reserve
- [Colombia Tio Conejo](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/product-category/special-reserve/tio_conejo/)
- [Ecuador Hacienda Pillcocja](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/product-category/special-reserve/hacienda-pillcocja/)
- [Subscriptions](http://www.zestcoffee.com.au/product-category/subscriptions/)
- [Merch](http://www.zestcoffee.com.au/product-category/merchandise/)
- [Brewing Tools](http://www.zestcoffee.com.au/product-category/brewing-tools/)
- [Shop All](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/shop/)
- [Our Studio](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/#)
Show submenu for Our Studio
- [Richmond Studio](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/richmond-2-0/)
- [Sensory Flight](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/sensory-experience/)
Show submenu for Sensory Flight
- [Bookings](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/bookings/)
- [Wholesale](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/wholesale)
Show submenu for Wholesale
- [Cafe Gallery](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/category/cafe-gallery/)
- [Cafe Support](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/category/cafe-help/)
- [Learn](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/news/)
Show submenu for Learn
- [Barista Training](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/wholesale/barista-training-new/)
- [Blog](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/category/blog/)
- [Video Tutorials](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/video/)
- [Cost of Goods Sold Calculator](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/cafe-profitability-cost-of-goods-sold/)
- [Gross Profit Calculator and Comparison Tool](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/cafe-profitability-gross-profit-calculator/)
- English - Australia
Show submenu for translations
- [Contact us](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/contact/)
[Contact us](https://www.zestcoffee.com.au/contact/)
Welcome to Zest's Cafe Help Portal. How can we help?
- There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.
1. [CAFE HELP RESOURCE HUB](https://learn.zestcoffee.com.au/cafehelpresourcehub?hsLang=en-au)
2. [STAFF MANAGEMENT](https://learn.zestcoffee.com.au/cafehelpresourcehub/staff-management?hsLang=en-au)
# WHAT YOU SHOULD BE TEACHING EVERY NEW BARISTA ON DAY ONE
## (BEFORE THEY TOUCH A GRINDER OR PULL A SINGLE SHOT) Before a new barista touches a grinder or pulls a shot, they need to understand your café’s heart — your values, your vibe, and what great service looks like. Day one isn’t about latte art; it’s about attitude, teamwork, consistency, and care. Nail the first day, and you’ll set them — and your café — up for long-term success.
Hiring a new barista can feel like a win.
Fresh energy. More coverage. Less strain on the regulars.
But without the right onboarding — that win can quickly become a wobble.
Here’s the reality:
> **Most baristas are thrown in the deep end with zero real orientation.**
> They’re taught how to use the till, find the milk, maybe dial in a grinder — and that’s about it.
But if you want a barista who truly contributes — not just “gets by” —
you need to get day one *right*.
And no, it’s not just about how to steam milk or tamp evenly.
Let’s walk through what you should be teaching every new barista **before they serve their first customer**.
---
#### 1. **WHO YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU STAND FOR**
Your café has a *vibe* — and it should be intentional.
Before a barista makes coffee, they need to understand:
- Your **values** (kindness, speed, quality, care, etc.)
- Your **vision** (what makes you different, where you're headed)
- Your **standards** (what “great” looks like here)
> The culture you *don’t* teach becomes the culture you *end up with*.
**Tip:**
Have a short onboarding doc or welcome chat that shares the “why” behind your café.
Let them *feel* the purpose, not just the process.
---
#### 2. **THE CUSTOMER COMES FIRST — ALWAYS**
Baristas are not just drink makers.
They’re the *front line* of customer experience.
Teach them from day one:
- Look up and smile — acknowledge everyone
- Greet customers with warmth and confidence
- Make people feel welcome, even during the rush
- Know the regulars — and build rapport
A barista who makes a customer feel great will always outshine one who simply nails the shot.
**Tip:**
Role play a few customer scenarios.
Yes, seriously. It’s awkward for 5 minutes and invaluable forever.
---
#### 3. **YOU’RE PART OF A TEAM, NOT A SOLO ARTIST**
Cafés thrive when baristas work *with* the team — not just on their own station.
Day one is the time to set expectations:
- Help others when you’re caught up
- Communicate clearly on the pass
- Share the load, especially in the rush
- Don’t leave your section messy for the next shift
> A great barista doesn’t just make coffee — they make the whole café flow.
**Tip:**
Assign a buddy or mentor for the first few shifts so they’re not guessing the unspoken rules.
---
#### 4. **CONSISTENCY \> CREATIVITY (AT FIRST)**
Yes, latte art is fun.
Yes, they’ve probably got their own way of dosing, tamping, pouring.
But remind them:
> “Here, we aim for consistency. That’s what keeps customers coming back.”
Make sure your new barista understands:
- The recipes and ratios you use
- How you dose, distribute, tamp
- When to ask for help if things taste off
- That a beautiful tulip doesn’t excuse a burnt shot
**Tip:**
Give them a clear framework, but invite creativity *once consistency is nailed*.
---
#### 5. **YOUR ATTITUDE MATTERS MORE THAN YOUR SKILL (TO START)**
A good barista can be trained.
But a bad attitude? That’ll infect your whole team.
On day one, make it clear:
- Positivity is non-negotiable
- We back each other
- We care about customers
- We learn fast and own our mistakes
If they show the right attitude, they’ll go far.
If they don’t — better to find out early.
**Tip:**
Have a “day one debrief” where you reflect together. Ask what they enjoyed, what they noticed, and where they’d like more training. You’ll learn a lot — and they’ll feel seen.
---
### A STRONG START SETS THE TONE
If you want baristas who:
- Take initiative
- Care about the brand
- Make great coffee *and* great impressions
Then it starts on day one.
Not week three. Not after a problem arises.
> First impressions go both ways — make yours count.
- [CAFE DESIGN & STARTUP](https://learn.zestcoffee.com.au/cafehelpresourcehub/cafe-design-startup?hsLang=en-au)
- [CAFE MANAGEMENT & PROFITABILITY](https://learn.zestcoffee.com.au/cafehelpresourcehub/cafe-management-profitability?hsLang=en-au)
- [STAFF MANAGEMENT](https://learn.zestcoffee.com.au/cafehelpresourcehub/staff-management?hsLang=en-au)
- [BARISTA EDUCATION & TRAINING](https://learn.zestcoffee.com.au/cafehelpresourcehub/barista-education-training?hsLang=en-au)
- [COFFEE EDUCATION & INSIGHTS](https://learn.zestcoffee.com.au/cafehelpresourcehub/coffee-education-insights?hsLang=en-au)
- [MARKETING YOUR CAFE](https://learn.zestcoffee.com.au/cafehelpresourcehub/marketing-your-cafe?hsLang=en-au)
- [VIDEO TUTORIALS](https://learn.zestcoffee.com.au/cafehelpresourcehub/video-tutorials?hsLang=en-au)
- [DOWNLOADABLE TEMPLATES](https://learn.zestcoffee.com.au/cafehelpresourcehub/downloadable-templates?hsLang=en-au)
[](http://zestcoffee.com.au)
67 North Street, Richmond, Melbourne, 3121
[mailto:info@zestcoffee.com.au](mailto:info@zestcoffee.com.au)
Copyright © 2025, Zest