Cafe Manager

About Mister Cheeks

Mister Cheeks is an all-day cafe and neighborhood market located in the heart of Carroll Gardens, proudly owned and operated by a local family. We're on the hunt for passionate, creative team members who love great food, warm hospitality, and serving the community as much as we do. Guests can swing by our takeout window for coffee and soft serve ice cream, or step inside to browse a thoughtfully curated spread of house-made eats including pastries, soups, sandwiches, rotisserie chicken, and seasonal salads. All of which can be enjoyed in our cozy indoor or outdoor seating or picked up to go.

Job Summary:
The Cafe Manager plays a key leadership role in the daily operations of our cafe, working closely with ownership and the Kitchen manager to ensure smooth service, team morale, and guest satisfaction. This person is equally comfortable jumping behind the counter, leading team pre-shift meetings, resolving operational issues, and setting the tone for warm, attentive hospitality. The Manager will support in managing people, systems, and service standards. This role combines hands-on leadership with administrative oversight to create a smooth, welcoming, and financially healthy cafe environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Operations

• Oversee daily cafe operations, ensuring smooth opening and closing procedures
• Maintain quality and consistency of food and beverage offerings
• Monitor and enforce health, safety, and sanitation to DOH standards
• Train and mentor the front-of-house (FOH) team to uphold café values, service expectations, and operational excellence
• Manage inventory, ordering, and supplier relationships
• Handle equipment maintenance and troubleshoot operational issues
• Support the execution of events, catering, and community-focused programming as needed

Staff Management

• Recruit, hire, train, and onboard new employees
• Coordinate FOH team schedules, breaks, and shift coverage to ensure smooth service and labor efficiency, following all NYC labor guidelines
• Conduct performance reviews and provide coaching/feedback
• Foster a positive, team-oriented work environment
• Address employee conflicts and disciplinary issues as needed
• Monitor labor and cost of goods in collaboration with Ownership. Execute plans to stay within budget and maximize profitability

Customer Service

• Ensure high standards of customer service are consistently met
• Handle customer complaints and resolve issues promptly
• Monitor customer feedback and implement improvements
• Build relationships with regular customers to encourage loyalty

Financial Management

• Manage cafe budget, control costs, and minimize waste
• Monitor daily sales, cash handling, and register reconciliation
• Analyze sales data and identify opportunities to increase revenue
• Set pricing in coordination with ownership/management
• Prepare regular financial and operational reports

Marketing & Business Development

• Support local marketing initiatives and promotions
• Identify opportunities for menu updates or seasonal offerings
• Build relationships with local businesses and community

Qualifications:

• 2+ years of experience in food service, with at least 1 year in a supervisory/management role
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and POS systems
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
• Basic financial acumen (budgeting, cost control, P&L understanding)
• Flexible schedule availability, including weekends/holidays
• NYC Food Handler's Certification (or willingness to obtain during onboarding)

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand for extended periods
• Ability to lift up to 25-40 lbs
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, sometimes noisy environment

DISCLAIMERS

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mister Cheeks provides equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

At-Will Employment

Employment with Mister Cheeks is on an at-will basis. This means that either the employee or Mister Cheeks may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, and with or without notice, subject to applicable federal, state, or local laws.