INTRODUCTION

Hello and welcome to Lakota Coffee Company and Roasters. By the time you sit down to read this, you will probably have already had a couple of interviews, been hired, had an orientation tour of the shop, and possibly some training behind the counter.

Congratulations on being hired and welcome aboard. My name is Lee Eckel and I have been Lakota's Coffee Roastmaster since 2002. I have built this online manual for Lakota to help our current staff and new hires to learn a thing or two about who we are and what we do, and to assist you in being knowledgeable enough to give excellent customer service.

This training is based on many years of experience in the specialty coffee industry, including input from the owners, the General Manager, myself, and suggestions from the staff. We hope you revisit it often, as it will continue to be a work in progress. The goal is to consistently improve our systems and training and ultimately make everyone's experience here at Lakota, the very best it can be.

This guide will also inform you of policies and procedures, things you must know, things you should know, and things that can't be tolerated.

We work hard to do a good job around here but we also have a lot of fun and you can too. This is an educational, exciting, fun-filled, and (usually!) an all around very pleasant atmosphere to work in.

So learn, enjoy, and make some money too!

Please follow the link below for a quick bit of history on Lakota so that you will know how we came to be. The link will open a new window in our Lakota website so when you're done reading, just close the window and you'll be right here where you left off.

Lakota Coffee Company - About Us

The New Hire Packet

If you haven't received your New Hire Packet, make sure that you get one from management and fill it out completely. Each document is important in order for you to RECEIVE YOUR PAYCHECK.

In the very near future, you will be able to download all Lakota documents from this special page: Lakota Doc Page! (opens in it's own window)

Getting Paid

We pay every other Tuesday. You are responsible for accurate time cards. Please make sure they are accurate and timely so we don't have any problems getting you paid on time. Thank you!

More details on this later...

Lakota's Training Program

There is quite a lot of information that needs to be absorbed here during training. Normally you will need 15-20 hours of training (3 or 4 training shifts), depending on your abilities. Being thoroughly trained is key to enjoying your work here. One of our experienced Baristas will teach you what's in each of our espresso based drinks and how to make them.

You'll learn what countries and regions our coffees come from and what to suggest if we happen to be out of something. You'll learn about our pastries and sandwiches, and we'll make sure you feel comfortable with the registers at the various locations that you may work.

You will need to learn the shift responsibilities for each location: Opening,
Mid-shift, and Closing responsibilities. This will be a gradual step-by-step process. You will have plenty of help so relax, have fun, and soak it all up!

I will close this intro with our Mission Statement. Our intention is to be here for many more years, so we cannot afford to take this statement lightly. Please give it your most serious consideration.

LAKOTA'S MISSION STATEMENT

Our Mission at Lakota Coffee Company & Roasters is to Provide the Finest Fresh Roasted Coffee & Specialty Coffee Beverages, Pastries, & Sandwiches Available ANYWHERE, in a Warm, Clean, Relaxing Environment, with The Friendliest Customer Service In Town!

NOTE: At the end of this handbook you will find our "Test Your Knowledge" section containing a series of important test questions. You need to be able to answer these questions once you finish covering this material. You will not be allowed to work a shift alone until you have sent your completed test to us and been given a thumbs up!

This is your company handbook. It is available to you at all times online and through a downloadable PDF.

Learning this material reasonably well can only be a huge benefit to everyone concerned. The better you know it, the more secure your employment will be, AND the happier everyone will be, especially you!