Cafe Manager (Eastlake)

Grand Central Bakery is a pioneering artisan bakery that began a bread revolution in 1989 by introducing rustic artisan loaves to tables across the Northwest. Renowned for its commitment to quality and sustainability, the bakery uses high-quality local and sustainable ingredients, reflecting its dedication to good business practices and environmental stewardship. The company is a Certified B Corporation, emphasizing its role within a global movement of organizations that leverage business as a force for good, investing deeply in the communities and employees they serve. The bakery takes pride in fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes values, sustainability, and community engagement while providing customers with delicious, authentic baked goods and meals. Grand Central Bakery operates multiple cafe locations where it implements these core values daily.

The role of the Cafe Manager at Grand Central Bakery is integral to the success of each cafe location. This full-time exempt position with an annual salary of $80,168.40 encompasses overseeing all cafe operations, spearheading staff development, and driving business growth while maintaining excellent customer experiences. Reporting directly to the Area Cafe Manager or Retail Director, the Cafe Manager is responsible for managing the entire cafe team, from recruiting and training to ongoing mentorship and performance management. Flexibility is required in work scheduling, as the manager coordinates with an assistant to ensure full coverage during all operational hours, including weekends and special events. A significant part of the role involves on-floor leadership—participating actively in daily activities to model skills and provide direct support to the team.

The Cafe Manager is a brand ambassador who embodies the company’s mission, vision, and values by delivering exceptional customer service and ensuring the cafe atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and aligned with Grand Central Bakery’s high standards. They manage profitability through careful budgeting, analyzing key performance indicators, controlling costs, and innovating operations to improve financial outcomes. Additionally, the Cafe Manager fosters a positive, inclusive, and cooperative team environment rooted in respect, communication, and shared goals. They also serve as a crucial liaison between the cafe, customers, and broader organizational teams to support continuous improvement, employee engagement, and community connections.

This role requires strong leadership, excellent problem-solving skills, financial acumen, and a passion for food and hospitality. The manager is actively involved in safety compliance and training, ensuring workplace standards meet regulatory and company requirements. By encouraging an inclusive and culturally respectful workplace, the Cafe Manager supports diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, addressing issues promptly and fostering cultural competence. This dynamic position demands energy, composure, and the ability to adapt to changing priorities while maintaining high performance and inspiring others. The Cafe Manager at Grand Central Bakery is more than an operational leader—they are a community builder dedicated to championing quality, sustainability, and customer delight every day.