NEW CONCEPT- General Manager - Cafe & Event Space

Scandinavian Market LLC; New York (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Scandinavian Market LLC in New York is launching a high-end cafe with a strong catering portfolio. You will oversee cafe operations and a growing events program, guiding the opening phase and taking ownership of day-to-day operations within a fast-paced hospitality environment.

The General Manager will work closely with ownership and leadership to establish systems, culture, and strategic growth, ensuring premium service and financial performance as the concept scales.

Qualifications

• Proven GM experience in fast-paced or startup hospitality.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with hands-on approach.
• Strong financial acumen: P&L, forecasting, inventory.
• Outstanding leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to drive results independently.

Responsibilities

• Operational Excellence: Drive daily café performance, ensuring premium service and product standards.
• Catering Leadership: Manage full-cycle catering for corporate meetings and special events within the building.
• Strategic Growth: Optimize margins, manage budgets, and lead a talented front-of-house team.
• Relationship Management: Act as the face of the café for the building’s creative community.

Skills

Leadership

P&L management

Forecasting

Inventory control

Entrepreneurial spirit

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Startup experience

Job description

About Us

We are launching a high-end grab-and-go café built around exceptional quality, thoughtful sourcing, and elevated design. Located in a building with over 90 showrooms, we will provide curated catering & deliveries throughout the property.

In addition to the café, a dedicated event venue will host frequent catered events, creating a dynamic and fast-paced hospitality environment.

As part of an established hospitality group, you’ll collaborate closely with our sister location and benefit from the guidance and experience of a seasoned leadership team. This is a rare opportunity to help build and shape an exciting new concept from the ground up.

The Opportunity

We’re offering a rare General Manager role that balances high-volume catering with a stable Monday‒Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM café schedule. Based in the vibrant DnD building, you’ll oversee our café operations and a growing portfolio of internal and external events.

As the General Manager of the new café, you will help bring the concept to life, working closely with ownership and the management team during the opening phase to build strong systems and culture. Once the café is established, you will take full ownership of day-to-day operations and lead the business independently, while staying aligned with the overall company vision and maintaining communication with leadership as needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Excellence: Drive daily café performance, ensuring premium service and product standards.
• Catering Leadership: Manage full-cycle catering for corporate meetings and special events within the building.
• Strategic Growth: Optimize margins, manage budgets, and lead a talented front-of-house team.
• Relationship Management: Act as the face of the café for the building’s creative community.

Why Join Us?

We offer the pace and excitement of a top-tier café without the burnout. You’ll have the autonomy to run the business as if it were your own, supported by a professional environment and a unique, inspired clientele.

Candidate Profile

• Proven experience as a Restaurant General Manager or senior leadership role, preferably in a fast-paced or startup environment.
• An entrepreneurial spirit, comfortable with ambiguity and “hands-on” building.
• Strong financial acumen (P&L management, forecasting, inventory control).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proactive, self-motivated, and able to take initiative to drive results independently.