Cafe Manager

Commerce Lexington Inc.; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Good Foods Co-op in Lexington, KY, seeks a Café Manager who leads daily café operations, ensuring high-quality food and exceptional customer service. You will supervise staff, coordinate with the Deli Buyer, and maintain inventory while meeting financial goals.

The role requires 5+ years in food service and 2+ years in supervision, with strong knowledge of food safety, cost control, and scheduling software. Weekend availability is expected.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in prepared foods, restaurants, food production, culinary operations, or related food service.
• Minimum 2 years of supervisory or leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation, purchasing, inventory management, and food cost control.
• Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment.
• Experience with coffee, espresso beverages, smoothies, or made-to-order food service is a plus.
• Proficiency with computer applications for scheduling, reporting, ordering, and other administrative responsibilities.
• Commitment to teamwork, exceptional customer service, and cooperative values.
• Availability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, as business needs require.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily café operations, including made-to-order sandwiches, coffee and espresso drinks, smoothies, and customer service.
• Supervise, train, schedule, and support café staff and the Deli Buyer
• Oversee purchasing, vendor coordination, inventory management, and product availability in collaboration with the Deli Buyer and other department managers.
• Maintain high standards for food quality, presentation, cleanliness, and customer service.
• Monitor sales, labor utilization, purchasing, food costs, and waste to support operational and financial goals.
• Coordinate café menu offerings, seasonal products, and opportunities to improve sales and customer satisfaction.
• Ensure food safety, sanitation, equipment maintenance, and compliance with established procedures.
• Manage employee performance, training, and development in coordination with HR and store leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Customer service

Food safety

Scheduling

Communication

Job description

Good Foods Co-op is a community-owned natural foods grocery dedicated to providing high-quality, local, and sustainable products. As a cooperative, we're committed to supporting our community, local farmers, and producers while creating a welcoming and inclusive shopping experience.

We're looking for a Café Manager who is passionate about great food, exceptional customer service, and leading a successful team! This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced food service environment, enjoys developing employees, and has the leadership and organizational skills to manage daily operations and support department success.

What You'll Do

• Lead daily café operations, including made-to-order sandwiches, coffee and espresso drinks, smoothies, and customer service.
• Supervise, train, schedule, and support café staff and the Deli Buyer
• Oversee purchasing, vendor coordination, inventory management, and product availability in collaboration with the Deli Buyer and other department managers.
• Maintain high standards for food quality, presentation, cleanliness, and customer service.
• Monitor sales, labor utilization, purchasing, food costs, and waste to support operational and financial goals.
• Coordinate café menu offerings, seasonal products, and opportunities to improve sales and customer satisfaction.
• Ensure food safety, sanitation, equipment maintenance, and compliance with established procedures.
• Manage employee performance, training, and development in coordination with HR and store leadership.

What We're Looking For

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in prepared foods, restaurants, food production, culinary operations, or a related food service environment required.
• Minimum of 2 years of supervisory or leadership experience required.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation, purchasing, inventory management, and food cost control.
• Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment.
• Experience with coffee, espresso beverages, smoothies, or made-to-order food service is a plus.
• Proficiency with computer applications for scheduling, reporting, ordering, and other administrative responsibilities.
• Commitment to teamwork, exceptional customer service, and cooperative values.
• Availability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, as business needs require.