Cafe Manager

Workstream; Clinton (CT); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Life, Short-Term &amp

Job summary

Howley Bread Group (HBG) is opening a brand-new Panera Bread café in Clinton, CT and seeks an energetic Cafe Manager to build a strong team and deliver an outstanding guest experience from day one. You will lead daily operations, hire and train staff, ensure food safety, and partner with the GM to drive sales and guest satisfaction while upholding our values of leadership, integrity, and teamwork.

This full-time role offers leadership development, a collaborative culture, and opportunities to

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Previous supervisory/management experience in restaurant, hospitality, retail, or food service preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication, and motivational skills.
• Passion for delivering exceptional guest service.
• Ability to pass a background check.
• Availability for a full-time, flexible schedule including evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Support daily café operations, including opening, closing, and shift management.
• Lead, coach, and motivate associates to deliver exceptional guest experiences.
• Assist with hiring, onboarding, and training for the new café opening.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and accountable work environment.
• Ensure food safety, sanitation, and health standards are consistently followed.
• Monitor product quality, speed of service, and café cleanliness.
• Assist with scheduling, labor management, and productivity goals.
• Manage inventory, ordering, and waste to support cost control initiatives.
• Resolve guest concerns promptly and professionally.
• Support achievement of sales, operational, and financial performance goals.

Skills

Leadership

Supervisory

Management

Hospitality

Team-building

Guest service

Job description

Cafe Manager – New Panera Bread Café Opening in Clinton, CT!

At Howley Bread Group (HBG), we're more than a Panera Bread bakery-café, we are a team that believes in serving with heart, supporting one another, and creating meaningful experiences for both our guests and our people.

We're excited to open a brand-new Panera Bread café in Clinton, CT and we are looking for enthusiastic and motivated Cafe Managers to help build a strong team and create an exceptional guest experience from day one. If you're passionate about leadership, hospitality, and developing people in a fast-paced environment, we'd love to meet you.

Why You'll Love This Opportunity:

• Help Launch a New Café: Be part of the excitement of opening a brand-new location and building a high-performing team from the very beginning.
• Lead with Purpose: Partner with your General Manager to inspire, coach, and develop a team that delivers exceptional guest experience every day.
• Make an Impact: Your leadership will help create a welcoming culture where team members thrive and guests feel right at home.
• Grow Your Career: We believe in promoting from within and investing in leaders who are ready to take the next step.

What You'll Do:

• Support all aspects of daily café operations, including opening, closing, and shift management.
• Lead, coach, and motivate associates to deliver exceptional guest experiences.
• Assist with hiring, onboarding, and training team members for the new café opening.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and accountable work environment.
• Ensure all food safety, sanitation, and health standards are consistently followed.
• Monitor product quality, speed of service, and overall café cleanliness.
• Assist with scheduling, labor management, and productivity goals.
• Manage inventory, ordering, and waste to support cost control initiatives.
• Resolve guest concerns promptly and professionally.
• Support achievement of sales, operational, and financial performance goals.
• Model Howley Bread Group's values through professionalism, integrity, and teamwork.
• Help execute local marketing initiatives and community engagement opportunities.
• Step into the General Manager's role as needed to ensure smooth café operations.

Why Choose Howley Bread Group?

At HBG, we know our success starts with our people. When you join our team, you're joining a company that invests in your future and celebrates your achievements.

We offer:

• Clear opportunities for career advancement and internal promotion
• Leadership development and ongoing training
• A supportive, team-first culture
• The chance to help launch and grow a brand-new café
• Medical, Dental, Life, Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) eligibility (with a generous company match) after one year of service
• Paid Time Off after 90 days
• The opportunity to make a difference in the communities we serve

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Previous supervisory or management experience in restaurant, hospitality, retail, or food service preferred
• Strong leadership, communication, and team-building skills
• Passion for delivering exceptional guest service
• Ability to pass a background check
• Availability to work a full-time flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends
• Ability to stand, walk, communicate, and work in a fast-paced, high-energy environment

Ready to Build Something Great?

If you're an enthusiastic leader who enjoys developing others, delivering exceptional guest experiences, and growing your career, we'd love to meet you.

Join Our Family at Howley Bread Group (HBG) - Where Warmth Meets Opportunity!
At HBG, we’re more than just a Panera Bread bakery-café; we’re a close-knit family committed to creating a positive impact. Our mission is simple yet powerful: serve others, support one another, and win together.