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Eataly

Global Italian food hall operator

Food Tasting & Guest Experience Associate

Retail SalesUpdated on Nov 7
Part-timeChicago, IL, USA$18 - $20 /hr

About the Job

Requirements

  • A warm, outgoing, and engaging communication style with a strong focus on customer service is required.
  • Hands-on experience and knowledge of Italian ingredients, regions, traditions, and producers is an asset.
  • Confidence in explaining products and sharing personal recommendations is required.
  • A hospitality-minded approach and understanding of how to create memorable customer experiences are required.
  • Availability to work onsite on a flexible schedule, often including evenings, weekends, and holidays, is required.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds is required.
  • Ability to sustain well-paced mobility for up to 8 hours, including standing, walking, bending, and squatting, is required.

Responsibilities

  • Host scheduled tasting sessions for customers at dedicated tasting stations.
  • Oversee the daily setup, execution, and breakdown of tasting stations, ensuring pristine presentation, visual appeal, and strict adherence to food safety standards.
  • Manage inventory for tasting supplies and sampling products, minimizing waste while maximizing the impact of guest interactions.
  • Work toward daily and weekly sales targets by converting product samples into completed retail purchases and brand loyalty.
  • Assist customers by sharing product knowledge, explaining how products are traditionally used, and suggesting pairings, recipes, and serving ideas.
  • Share narratives about products' geographical origins, including DOP/IGP status, historical significance, and the traditional methods used by artisanal producers in Italy.
  • Share knowledge of regional Italian specialties, including artisanal cheeses, cured meats, pasta, sauces, olive oils, sweets, and other authentic products.
  • Create memorable experiences that turn a tasting into a journey through Italy.
  • Perform additional duties as needed, including general cleaning, stocking and organizing merchandise, and providing operational support to other departments.

Desired Qualifications

  • Previous experience in a high-volume retail setting is preferred.

About the Company

Eataly

Global Italian food hall operator

Eataly operates as a global operator of large-format Italian food halls that combine a high-end grocery, restaurant counters, a bakery, and a cooking school within one venue. Customers eat, shop for the exact ingredients used in the restaurants, and learn how to prepare Italian dishes through La Scuola. Fresh items are often produced on-site with a philosophy of “we sell what we cook, and we cook what we sell,” linking production directly to retail and dining. The model relies on flagship stores and a franchise network to extend its reach, presenting thousands of Italian and local products and an extensive wine selection. Unlike standalone grocers or restaurants, Eataly creates an integrated marketplace experience focused on authentic Italian gastronomy and culinary education. Its goal is to be a destination that celebrates Italian food culture by offering dining, shopping, and learning in a single location worldwide.

Company size
1,001-5,000
Company stage
Acquired
Total funding
$199M
Headquarters
Monticello d'Alba, Italy
Founded
2004

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