Employee Handbook v2.0 · Effective Opening Day 2026 · California Labor Law Compliant
Welcome
Welcome to Popbar Berkeley. You're joining a team that takes quality seriously — fresh-made, handcrafted, no shortcuts. This handbook covers what we expect of you and what you can expect from us.
Employment Basics
Min Wage
$19.18/hr
Berkeley CA 2026
Probationary
90 Days
From start date
Employment Type
At-Will
CA law. Either party may end at any time.
Overtime
After 8 hrs
Per day or 40 hrs/week. Double time after 12 hrs/day.
Tip Policy
All tips (cash or digital) distributed to floor staff only
Management and owners do not participate in tip pools
Weekly distribution based on hours worked that week
Tip tampering or withholding = immediate termination
Three-Strike No-Show Policy
1
Strike One
Verbal warning + documented in file
2
Strike Two
Written warning. Employee covers their own shift.
3
Strike Three
Termination.
"No-show" = not present at scheduled start and no contact within 1 hour of shift start. Legitimate emergencies (hospital, family) reviewed case-by-case with documentation. Calling out same-day without a replacement = Strike 1.
90-Day Probationary Period
Day 30 and Day 90 performance reviews
No guaranteed hours during probation — schedule based on business need
Termination requires no advance notice (CA at-will)
Successful completion = full team member status
Conduct & Standards
Appearance & Operations
Uniform: Popbar shirt (provided), clean black pants, non-slip shoes
Hair nets required when handling product
No phones on floor during service. Breaks only.
Customer & Culture
Treat every customer like they're meeting Popbar for the first time. They are.
Zero tolerance: theft, harassment, discrimination, drugs/alcohol on premises
Arbitration Agreement
Any disputes arising out of employment — including termination, discrimination claims, or wage disputes — will be resolved through binding arbitration under JAMS rules, not in court. Class action waiver applies.
By accepting employment, you agree to this arbitration clause.
⏰ You have 30 days from your start date to opt out in writing to andrew@pop-bar.com. Opting out does not affect your employment.
ADA & Physical Requirements
Requirement
Detail
Standing
6–8 hours per shift
Lifting
Up to 45–50 lbs (supply deliveries, freezer stock)
Repetitive motion
Dipping, topping — repeated throughout shift
If you have a disability requiring accommodation, notify management in writing. We will engage in the interactive process as required by California law.
Food Safety
ServSafe certification required within 60 days of hire — reimbursed upon completion
Handwashing: before every service interaction, after breaks, after touching face/phone
Temperature logs must be completed every 2 hours during open hours
Allergen awareness: gelato contains dairy; sorbetto is dairy-free but made in a shared facility — disclose to all customers with allergies
Acknowledgment & Signature
By signing below, I acknowledge that I have received, read, and understand the Popbar Berkeley Employee Handbook v2.0. I understand this handbook does not constitute a contract of employment.