Café Manager

Good Foods Co-op; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Good Foods Co‑op is seeking a Café Manager to lead the café and Deli Buyer, ensuring smooth daily operations, high food quality, and exceptional guest experiences. You will supervise staff, coordinate with department managers, and manage purchasing and inventory to support store goals.

The role emphasizes leadership, excellent communication, and the ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment, with a weekend-friendly schedule and strong commitment to

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in prepared foods, restaurants, food production, culinary operations, or a related food service environment.
• Minimum of 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

• Oversee daily café operations and supervise café staff and the Deli Buyer.
• Collaborate with other Prepared Foods managers to support department goals.
• Lead daily café operations including made-to-order sandwiches, coffee and espresso drinks, smoothies, and customer service.
• Maintain high standards for food quality, presentation, cleanliness, and customer service.
• Monitor sales, labor utilization, purchasing, food costs, and waste to support goals.
• Coordinate café menu offerings, seasonal products, and opportunities to improve sales and satisfaction.
• Ensure food safety, sanitation, equipment maintenance, and compliance with procedures.
• Collaborate with Kitchen Production Manager to coordinate staff assistance with salad bar prep and grab-and-go packaging.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and teamwork in the café.

Skills

Leadership

Customer service

Operational management

Food safety

Team supervision

Communication

Tools

Scheduling software

Reporting tools

Ordering systems

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

As our Café Manager, you’ll oversee daily café operations, supervise café staff and the Deli Buyer, and collaborate with other Prepared Foods managers to support department goals.

In This Role, You'll

• 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 while fostering a positive, productive work environment.


• 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.


• Collaborate with the Kitchen Production Manager to coordinate café staff assistance with salad bar preparation, grab-and-go packaging, and other designated production needs.


• Manage employee performance, training, and development in coordination with HR and store leadership.


• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, strengthen teamwork, and enhance the overall café experience.

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.

Why Join Good Foods?

At Good Foods Co-op, you’ll be part of a team that values community, collaboration, sustainability, and great food. You’ll have the opportunity to lead a key part of our store, contribute new ideas, and help create an enjoyable experience for our customers and staff.