Barista
Company : Highgate
Location : Princeton, NJ, 08542
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 2 January 2026
Compensation Type
HourlyHighgate Hotels
Highgate is a leading real estate investment and hospitality management company with over $15 billion of assets under management and a global portfolio of more than 400 hotels spanning North America, Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America.
With a 30-year track record as an innovator in the hospitality industry, this forward-thinking company provides expert guidance through all stages of the property cycle, from planning and development through recapitalization or disposition. Highgate continues to demonstrate success in developing a diverse portfolio of bespoke lifestyle hotel brands, legacy brands, and independent hotels and resorts, featuring contemporary programming and digital acumen. The company utilizes industry-leading revenue management tools that efficiently identify and predict evolving market dynamics to drive outperformance and maximize asset value.
With an executive team of seasoned hospitality leaders and corporate offices worldwide, Highgate is a trusted partner for top ownership groups and major hotel brands. www.highgate.com
Location
Graduate Princeton - Princeton, NJ
Overview
Part of the vibrant and boutique-inspired Graduate Hotels collection by Hilton. Located in the heart of Princeton and infused with collegiate charm and local pride, our hotel celebrates the spirit of the university and the surrounding community. As a Barista, you’ll play a key role in creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for guests, whether they’re visiting campus, grabbing a coffee before class, or just stopping by for a cozy moment.
Responsibilities
Prepare and serve coffee, tea, and specialty drinks with precision and care
Deliver exceptional guest service with a welcoming and positive attitude
Maintain cleanliness and organization in the café area
Operate espresso machines, grinders, and other café equipment
Ensure consistency by following recipes and presentation standards
Support restocking, inventory, and other café operations
Assist with opening/closing duties as needed
Qualifications
A genuine passion for coffee, hospitality, and creating great guest experiences
Excellent communication and multitasking skills
Previous barista or café experience preferred, but we’re happy to train the right fit
Flexible availability including early mornings, weekends, and holidays
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Frequently asked questions
Working as a barista at Highgate's Graduate Princeton means engaging with a boutique hotel atmosphere infused with collegiate charm, where you’ll craft specialty drinks for a diverse guest mix including students and visitors, blending hospitality with local culture unlike standard café settings.
Yes, Highgate supports career development through its expansive hotel portfolio, allowing baristas to gain hospitality skills and potentially transition into broader roles within hotel management or food and beverage operations across their global properties.
A barista in Princeton often starts early serving coffee to students and locals, manages café cleanliness, restocks supplies, and operates espresso machines—all while creating a welcoming environment that reflects the town’s vibrant university spirit.
Absolutely, weekend shifts are standard for baristas in Princeton, especially in hotel cafés like Graduate Princeton, accommodating fluctuating guest volumes and ensuring consistent service during busy periods such as university events and local gatherings.
Baristas in Princeton typically earn between $14 to $18 per hour, with Highgate likely offering competitive wages reflecting the boutique hotel environment and cost of living, along with potential tips boosting overall compensation.
At Highgate, baristas contribute to the guest experience by delivering personalized beverage service aligned with the company’s bespoke lifestyle brands, playing a key role in enhancing customer satisfaction and supporting the hotel’s reputation for excellence.
Unlike typical café jobs, Highgate’s barista roles are embedded in a luxury hotel setting with a focus on hospitality innovation, offering exposure to advanced coffee equipment and guest interaction in a culturally rich Princeton environment.
Princeton’s strong university presence and tourist appeal create steady demand for skilled baristas, often higher than surrounding towns, driven by hospitality venues like boutique hotels, cafés, and student-populated establishments.
While not strictly required, certifications such as the Specialty Coffee Association’s barista program can enhance your chances, demonstrating expertise and commitment, especially valued in upscale Princeton hotels aiming for high-quality beverage service.
Yes, Highgate offers flexibility, including early mornings and weekends, making their barista positions in Princeton ideal for students or those seeking part-time roles that fit around other commitments.