Join Our Team — Eesa Bakery & Café

Careers at Eesa

Baked with care.
Built with good people.

We're a small, family-owned bakery opening soon in downtown Wausau — focused on European-style breads and pastries, a thoughtful coffee program, and a daytime lunch menu made with locally sourced ingredients. We're looking for people who take their craft seriously and show up for each other.

Hiring Opens in Early May 2026

We're putting the finishing touches on our space at the corner of 2nd & Forest in downtown Wausau. Hiring is paused while we complete construction — but we're getting close. Fill out the form below to express your interest now, and we'll be in touch as soon as applications open.

Construction began Opening day

Almost there — applications open early May 2026

Hiring anticipated: Early May 2026

Fill out our interest form and we'll be in touch when applications open.

Express Interest →

What we look for in everyone

Regardless of role, these are the qualities that make someone a great fit at Eesa.

Adaptability

We're a new business. Things will evolve. We value team members who embrace that and help us get better.

Precision

Great bread and great coffee both require following a process. Attention to detail isn't optional here.

Cross-training

Everyone on a small team covers ground. Willingness to learn across roles makes the whole team stronger.

Reliability

We open early. We count on each other. Showing up on time and communicating clearly matters deeply.

Community

We're rooted in Wausau. We care about our neighbors, our suppliers, and the people we work alongside.

Open Positions

Our Roles

Browse what each position looks like — descriptions are live even while hiring is paused.

Baker & Line Prep

Production & Kitchen
Baker / Line Prep
Early morning & daytime · Wausau, WI · Weekends required
FT / PT

About the Role

This is the heart of what we do. As our Baker / Line Prep, you'll be responsible for producing the European-style breads and pastries that define Eesa — laminated doughs, sourdough, seasonal specials — with accuracy and consistency every single day. We're a small team, which means your work is visible, your contributions matter, and there's real room to grow. We'll train the right person; what we can't teach is precision, reliability, and a genuine love for the craft.

What You'll Do

  • Follow established formulas, fermentation schedules, and temperature targets
  • Perform daily production of laminated doughs, breads, and seasonal items
  • Complete mise en place and prep lists on schedule
  • Maintain clean, organized workstations meeting food safety standards
  • Properly operate, clean, and store bakery equipment
  • Assist with simple savory prep as needed
  • Inventory bakery ingredients and identify restocking needs weekly
  • Support service periods — plating, restocking, running items
  • Cross-train in basic front-of-house and coffee bar tasks

What We're Looking For

  • Professional baking or kitchen experience preferred — we'll train the right mindset
  • Comfortable with basic math: recipe scaling and batch adjustments
  • Ability to follow technical instructions and maintain consistency
  • Able to lift up to 50 lbs and work in warm, fast-paced conditions
  • Able to shift between tasks while staying detail-oriented
  • Clear communicator; reliable, punctual, and adaptable
  • Willing to work early mornings and weekends
  • Must be at least 16 (under 18 must be eligible for a work permit)

Working Conditions

  • Early morning and daytime shifts; weekends required
  • Reports to: Head Baker / Bakery Manager
  • Equipment: mixers, ovens, proofing cabinets, dough sheeter, scales, knives
  • Standing for extended periods; hot ovens, moving machinery, flour dust exposure
  • Occasional overtime for production or special orders

Compensation

Competitive hourly rate based on experience. Non-exempt (FLSA).

Express Interest → Hiring opens early May — we'll be in touch when applications go live.

Barista & Front of House

Guest Experience & Beverage
Combined for our first phase of hiring. In our opening team, barista and front-of-house duties will overlap — we're looking for people comfortable moving between the coffee bar, the register, and the dining room as the day calls for it.
Barista
Morning & early afternoon · Wausau, WI · Weekends required
FT / PT

About the Role

You'll be one of the first faces our guests see — and one of the people who sets the tone for their whole visit. We take our coffee and tea program seriously, and we want a barista who does too. Whether you're pulling espresso, plating a croissant, or chatting with a regular, you bring the same care and consistency to every interaction. Previous café experience is helpful, but we're happy to train someone who's genuinely eager to learn.

What You'll Do

  • Prepare espresso, tea, and specialty beverages to established recipes and quality standards
  • Maintain a clean, organized coffee and tea bar throughout your shift
  • Restock milk, syrups, cups, ice, and other beverage supplies
  • Clean and maintain espresso and beverage equipment per protocols
  • Plate pastries with consistent presentation
  • Assist with register operation and running items during service
  • Inventory coffee and tea bar supplies and flag reorder needs weekly
  • Cross-train in basic back-of-house production tasks

What We're Looking For

  • Previous barista or café experience preferred but not required
  • Ability to follow beverage recipes and maintain consistency under pressure
  • Strong organization and workflow management during busy service
  • Comfortable shifting between tasks while staying detail-oriented
  • Clear communicator with a warm, professional presence
  • Able to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive motions
  • Reliable, punctual, and genuinely collaborative
  • Must be at least 16 (under 18 must be eligible for a work permit)

Working Conditions

  • Morning and early afternoon shifts; weekends required
  • Reports to: Front-of-House Manager / Bakery Manager
  • Equipment: espresso machine, grinders, brewers, hot water towers, POS system
  • Standing for extended periods; hot liquids, steam, fast-paced service environment

Compensation

Competitive hourly rate based on experience. Full-time or part-time. Non-exempt (FLSA).

Express Interest → Hiring opens early May — we'll be in touch when applications go live.
Front of House / Guest Experience
Morning & early afternoon · Wausau, WI · Weekends required
FT / PT

About the Role

This role is all about keeping things flowing — for our guests and for the team. You'll manage the register, guide people through their order, keep the dining room welcoming, and fill in wherever the shift needs you. We're a small operation, which means this role has real variety. If you're the kind of person who notices what needs doing before being asked, you'll fit right in.

What You'll Do

  • Operate the POS and process transactions accurately
  • Manage guest flow and provide clear, friendly ordering guidance
  • Plate pastries consistently and accurately
  • Maintain dining room cleanliness and table turnover throughout service
  • Restock front-of-house items: utensils, napkins, condiments, beverages, merchandise
  • Support baristas with restocking or simple tasks during rushes
  • Assist back-of-house with light prep or dish support as needed
  • Cross-train for bar and basic production tasks

What We're Looking For

  • Prior customer service or retail experience is helpful, not required
  • Strong attention to detail, especially around transaction accuracy
  • Comfortable juggling tasks in a busy, guest-facing environment
  • Clear communicator with a warm, professional demeanor
  • Able to stand for extended periods and move throughout the workspace
  • Reliable, punctual, and a genuine team player
  • Must be at least 16 (under 18 must be eligible for a work permit)

Working Conditions

  • Morning and early afternoon shifts; weekends required
  • Reports to: Front-of-House Manager / Bakery Manager
  • Equipment: POS system, pastry cases, light kitchen tools, dish equipment
  • Standing for extended periods; moderate noise, fast-paced service environment

Compensation

Competitive hourly rate. Full-time or part-time. Non-exempt (FLSA).

Express Interest → Hiring opens early May — we'll be in touch when applications go live.

Don't see the right fit listed? We'd still love to hear from you.

Email Karen Directly

Our Process

What to expect

Our hiring process is straightforward and respectful of your time. Here's how it works:

1

Interest Form

Fill out our short Google Form to express your interest. Tell us a little about yourself and which role appeals to you.

2

15-Minute Phone Call

If there's a potential fit, we'll reach out to schedule a brief phone conversation — a chance for us to connect and answer any questions you have.

3

In-Person Interview if applicable

Selected candidates will be invited in to meet the team and learn more about the role and our bakery in person.

4

Observation Visit if applicable

For some roles, we may invite you to spend a short time observing our team during a normal shift. This is purely a chance to see the environment, ask questions, and get an honest sense of the work — no tasks are performed and no work is expected of you.