Portugalia Marketplace:
Lead, Inspire, and Immerse in Portuguese Culture, Specialty Foods
About Portugalia Marketplace
Portugalia Marketplace stands as the premier Portuguese specialty food grocer in the United States, with a legacy spanning over 30 years since its founding by Fernando Benevides. Now operated by his children, Michael and Jennifer, the 20,000-square-foot store in Fall River, MA is renowned for its dedication to promoting Portuguese culture and cuisine. Customers can explore over 1,300 varieties of Portuguese wines and spirits, enjoy fresh baked goods at the in-store café, select from a wide array of prepared foods, and visit a temperature-controlled room dedicated to salt cod—a staple in Portuguese cooking.
Beyond food, Portugalia Marketplace features the Artigos design shop, which offers products from esteemed brands like Vista Alegre and innovative designers such as Casa Cubista. The shop includes fine china, handicrafts, soaps, cork objects, costume jewelry, and stylish home furnishings, bringing a touch of Portuguese elegance to any home. With nationwide shipping of both perishable and non-perishable goods, Portugalia Marketplace ensures its customers can enjoy Portuguese products no matter their location.
Job Description
The Ponto de Encontro barista is responsible for preparing high-quality espresso beverages, serving traditional Portuguese café items, and delivering friendly customer service in our café area. This role helps create an authentic café experience by preparing drinks such as espresso, galão, meia de leite, and café pingado, while maintaining a clean, organized, and welcoming café environment.
Key Responsibilities
Beverage Preparation
Prepare traditional Portuguese espresso drinks.
Operate espresso machines, grinders, and coffee brewing equipment.
Steam milk properly and maintain beverage consistency.
Ensure drinks are prepared quickly and accurately during busy periods.
Customer Service
Greet customers and provide friendly, welcoming service.
Take customer orders accurately and efficiently.
Answer questions about café drinks, pastries, and store offerings.
Create a warm and authentic Portuguese café experience.
Food & Pastry Service
Serve Portuguese pastries and café items such as Pastéis de Nata, Bola de Berlim, croissants, and sandwiches.
Maintain proper food handling practices.
Ensure pastry displays remain stocked and attractive.
Cafe Operations:
Maintain cleanliness of café workstations and equipment.
Monitor café inventory levels including coffee beans, milk, cups, and pastries.
Restock supplies throughout the day.
Follow opening and closing procedures.
Qualifications
Previous barista or café experience preferred
Experience operating espresso machines strongly preferred
Familiarity with Portuguese café culture is a plus
Strong customer service skills
Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment
Preferred
• Portuguese language skills
• Familiarity with Portuguese products and cuisine
• Specialty grocery or hospitality experience
• Experience with POS systems
• Serv Safe Certified
Why Work at Portugalia Marketplace
• Culturally rich workplace
• Employee discounts on specialty foods, wine, and home goods
• Growth opportunities within a multi-department specialty retailer
• Community-driven environment rooted in heritage and hospitality
• Be part of preserving and promoting Portuguese culture in the United States
Pay range for this role is dependent upon experience